6 Ways Playing Card Games May Boost Your Memory
Card games are an excellent form of entertainment that can be enjoyed by anyone. However, you may not know that card games can also have positive effects on your brain. Scientific research has shown that playing card games can improve your memory, increase your attention span, and even have a positive impact on your intelligence. Here are five ways that card games may boost your memory.
Card games may help you learn languages
Many people enjoy playing card games such as poker and Bridge, and it turns out there is a good reason for that. Playing card games, especially those that involve pattern recognition, can help you to learn new languages. A study done at the University of Nevada discovered that students who played blackjack and other casino games were better able to recognize words of different languages than those who didn't.
Multiply Your Memories:
The rules of classic card games like poker and blackjack may seem insignificant, but they matter. Research shows that people who play card games regularly perform better on memory tests than those who don't. The reason? Card playing acts as practice for remembering new information and encoding it into your long-term memory. (This is also why playing games like Solitaire improves your concentration.)
A 2013 study published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that playing card games improved long-term memory, problem-solving, and mental flexibility. A follow-up study published in Games Research found that strategic thinking skills may even be boosted by simply observing someone play a card game.
The game's specific rules aren't the only thing that counts when it comes to brain benefits.
Mental stimulation throughout the day
Each game varies in complexity, so people of any skill level can play them. For example, Freecell is simple enough for children to play, while Tripeaks
is only suitable for the most experienced card game players. The memory-boosting benefits of card game playing are often observed in the elderly, but younger people also experience similar gains. As "Scientific American" magazine puts it, adults playing cards portray an opportunity for the mind "to be trained like a muscle for enhanced performance.
Helps Improve Spatial skills
Playing card games regularly helps you sharpen your spatial skills, which are important for navigating the world around you and day-to-day tasks like driving directions and shopping lists.
Improve math skills
Some card games can even improve math skills, according to a study that discovered that bridge players had better mathematical reasoning than nonplayers.
Practice focus and concentration
Including cards in your daily routine can increase your fluid intelligence, which helps you solve problems, according to a 2013 study. Playing cards gives you a chance to practice attention and focus. If you're not splitting your attention between a mobile device and cards, you may train yourself to focus more effectively while playing card games. Playing card games, such as poker may help you learn how to manage risks and make strategic decisions. Learning how to read other players can help you make better business or relationship decisions. Playing card games is a lot of fun! Relaxing and having fun while getting exercise is a great stress reliever.
Wrapping up
The benefits of playing card games may surprise you. Not only do they help you exercise your brain, but they also boost your memory and critical thinking skills.