It’s not always studying, reading and writing that helps one develop a healthy and intelligent mind. With the passage of time, there have been many indoor and outdoor games that not only keep one physically involved but also challenge the mind. These mind games enable the players to think deep, recall knowledge, analyze situations and make smart moves to win and score the best.
Mind games can be played online as well as offline; whether you are in your room, in your garden enjoying the pleasant weather or simply off to a trip and need to kill time; mind games keep all age levels engaged. Here are some of the best mind games that you may have played or heard of all your lifetime. If you haven’t played any of these, now is your chance to do so:
Crosswords
Crossword puzzles are perhaps the most famous when it comes to improving the mind. They are best to enhance the vocabulary as well as knowledge. Crossword puzzles today are available both in the form of board game or online. Many newspapers also have crossword puzzles, which is one of the accessible ways to start with. You will also find a bunch of crossword puzzle websites that are designed keeping in mind the players’ skill, knowledge and understanding level.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are great to improve your short-term memory, which is why you see early years’ programme including jigsaw puzzles as part of their learning. Available in different colors, sizes and material, jigsaw puzzles get tougher and time-consuming as the number of puzzle pieces increase. You will also find websites that have online jigsaw puzzle games, that will keep you engaged throughout the day.
Sudoku
This number game is not as easy as you think so. The sequencing it requires to complete the nine-box grid is a fantastic way to sharpen your memory. Since this game requires you to think ahead what number to place, it also helps learn planning and concentration. For those who start playing Sudoku at an early age and know how to play it well, the game gets highly addictive.
Chess
Undoubtedly the most mind-challenging game, Chess not only sharpens memory but also helps in developing an ability to think. Chess enables the players to plan, strategize and analyze situations resulting in wise and timely moves. Chess is also a game of decision making, therefore it is often taught to boys as part of life skills.
Rubik’s Cube
Rubik’s cube was a famous mind game back in the ’80s, but today it is pretty underrated. If you see this grid of colorful boxes in the child’s hand, trying to match the colors on one side, know that child will be one intelligent one. Rubik’s cube can also be frustrating, hence it teaches the player patience, ability to think visually, memory and coordination. Rubik’s cube can be played anytime and requires no space or assembling.
Memory
As the name says, Memory is best for those who wish to sharpen their short-term memory. The game consists of 52 cards with pictures placed facedown. You flip the card turn by turn and pair it with the right one. In one turn you can only flip two cards and that’s where you got to remember the placement and images on the cards. The game gets tougher with complicated images and can be played by both kids and elders.
Pictionary
Inspired by dumb-charades, Pictionary is fun to play in all ages. The game consists of special Pictionary cards with words. The players have to draw an image that relates to the word mention on the card. The tough part is that the players cannot draw numbers and letters, so the players have to think hard and associate the word with the image. Pictionary is also helpful in perception building, coordination and visual skills.
Scrabble
Scrabble is one of the renowned games around the world. This word game builds and tests your vocabulary, improves your memory to remember words and sequence them around current words. Scrabble has various levels, from beginner to advance. You can play it on board as well as online through different websites and applications. Scrabble is also played worldwide, through various clubs and championships.
Brain Age
The brain behind Brain Age was the research of Dr Ryuta Kawashima, a Japanese neuroscientist. It was developed and published by Nintendo and consists of a series of games on mathematics, vocabulary, drawing and literature. The best thing about this game is that as you move through different games and levels, it tracks your performance and defines your brain age.
Conclusion
Alongside these mind developing games, there are many more indoor and outdoor games that can improve our mental and physical health. If you love gaming online then be sure to keep a watch on online casino news for new and exciting options. These games are helpful in strengthening bonds with family members, friends and colleagues, making memories at the same time.