How Board Games Impact Brain Function and Social Skills

Board games are classic fun. Many people start enjoying them from their early childhood on, as their families gather around the kitchen table to enjoy an evening of fun and companionship around certain games.

These games can grow in variety and complexity as kids get older, and even adults have game nights just for grown-ups at times so they can spend time around friends.

Board games were highly sought after during lockdowns in the early pandemic months since people were stuck at home so much without much else to do. Still, these games aren’t just for fun. They actually affect brain functions and social skills, too.

The impact on social skills shouldn’t be much of a surprise. If you play as part of a team in any board game, then you have to learn how to get along with others and work towards a mutual goal. Most board games also feature competition between people, but you can use this to learn how to have healthy competition that’s still respectful and fair. In any event, any board game with two or more people is a chance to spend time with others and deepen your relationships with them.

Board games also stimulate brain functions. You have to set goals, but then you must also develop a sense of patience in pursuit of them. There needs to be ongoing analysis of your opportunities to pursue those goals while also seeing obstacles and hazards that might prevent you from reaching them. You’ll have to identify and practice various strategies to move closer to your goal.

At some point, there may be a final risk-reward analysis where you decide on a potentially winning move and lay it all on the line. Being able to make such a decision is a particular skill crucial anywhere in life, but you can actually flex this mental muscle during games.

If anything, board games are great for your mental health. You can improve your brain while lowering your stress levels by having fun, and you can play board games anywhere that you want.

Your confidence will improve, and so will your creativity. One round of Monopoly won’t turn you into a rocket scientist, but you’ll be a little more savvy with your money after a few competitive games.