People who don’t have a habit of playing board games mostly think these games are played by children, and retired seniors.
However, this is not exactly the case.
There are many fans and regular players of board games among all generations. Also, there are a lot of them on the market, with such incredible goals and scenarios that it seems to you as a player that you have entered a somewhat cinematic world.
It is fun that they can be played by different generations, and are great for socializing. They also keep you away from computer screens and mobile phones – which is important to do from time to time, to rest your eyes and brain.
So yes, I like to play board games, and below I explain the top 6 reasons why I like them so much.
1) I Love Challenges
Most board games are strategic and require thinking and focusing, not just a passion for winning. It is probably why they are so challenging: not to allow the competitive spirit and passion to interfere with the focus and anticipation of the other player’s moves.
By the way, games of various kinds are my great love, and I truly enjoy every round of many games. Besides, playing helps me think; they are brain training, and they inspire me a lot at work and in everyday life situations. Neal Taparia, my close friend, board game enthusiast, and owner of I’m a Puzzle shares my love for brain training games. He introduced me to many of my favorite ones.
For instance, when I need to cope in a crowd or in a big city.
Even when I lose, I can learn something, and that is, in my opinion – the best part of board games.
They help you deal with life even when it is not fair, but also when you are responsible for it.
2) I Am Getting To Know Myself
Some people do not like to explore and get to know themselves because they might be disappointed. Although you will not become a genius through board games, you can get to know yourself better and even eliminate some character flaws.
For example, you may realize that it is not all about winning, it is about playing, but if you are too modest or shy – you might conclude that after all, there is something about winning.
Of course, games shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Otherwise, we could be ended up hating the games and playing. It is way better to see them as somewhat mystical and intriguing friends!
At least that’s how I approach them. You can’t apply the same moves in every round, and even if you can, the game would be predictable and boring. Precisely because they challenge you both mentally and spiritually, board games are my favorite.
3) Every Game Is Different
Each round of the game is different and a new experience. When I have a new game I haven’t played yet, the excitement is massive.
Most board games are strategically oriented, but even when it seems that two games could be similar to each other – after I play one round – I conclude that they are not. Although the pattern is more or less the same, the games differ in story, energy, and goals. The best part is that you are always surprised at how many opportunities there are to outsmart your opponents and how much you don’t know yet.
Also, there are boring games. Some are for beginners and people who do not have much experience in strategy games. But even when I play them – I feel excitement and curiosity before the new round. I never know what I’m going to discover and how I will win or lose, and it is that familiar but always the special charm of the game.
4) The More We Play – The Better Players We Are
The effort always pays off. Training and endurance apply to board games as well as sports or the gym. Especially if you play consciously, you focus and think about moves and strategies. Over time, you will notice that you are getting better and better and that you like that feeling.
You become something like a professional board game player. You can perfect your strategies and moves and even write some manual or guide. Much like chess masters do. However, the best part is the feeling that we are progressing and becoming better at something. We can also convey this feeling in real life, in stressful situations at work, or the family. We can transform it and adapt it to any situation. Yes, that is another amazing reason why I love playing games.
5 ) While I Play Game – I Can Be Whoever I Want
Any board game puts a player in a specific role. Sometimes players are just attackers, and sometimes the role is more complex. Players are always opposed individually or in teams and thus compete. However, in addition to this dimension, some games are socially responsible, so the players are put in the role of mountaineers, cleaners, activists, architects, designers, mayors …
Through these roles, players can become aware of the complexity of some of these occupations in real life. Such games help you to be more tolerant and aware of the world around you. Likewise, if you lack fighting spirit, entrepreneurship – games where the players are warriors or military leaders – can help gain self-confidence and learn to stand up for yourself.
6) Board Games Are Fun
Fun is the key ingredient. If board games aren’t fun, what is?!
Personally, for me, one of the primary reasons why I love games. When I’m especially tired or when my friends come – I can always choose one of the games to lift the atmosphere. It helps me channel or neutralize stress into something more productive and useful.
Life, in my opinion, should be fun no matter what you do. Board games are a great way to have productive fun; I am resting eyes, brain and have great fun. Is anything more needed?
Conclusion
I have been playing games since I was a child, and they are an integral part of my life. They helped me during stress periods, insecurity, and creating beautiful memories with friends and family.
Even today, I play them often, and I am a passionate fan of board games. I learn and show my children my favorite games, and at the same time, we explore and play new ones together. Board games are like a family member to me.