As adults, when we play a game, we want a bit of fun or escapism, and (let’s face it) some friendly competition. We’re probably not thinking about whether our brain will get a workout – quite the opposite. All we really want to do is switch off from a stressful job or a busy life.
Yet, some games do need you to think strategically – at least if you want any chance of winning. Of course, other games are all about quick reflexes or even just chance. That means some games will challenge our little grey cells more than others. The difference is usually obvious, and understanding it helps explain why some games leave us mentally exhausted (in a good way) while others don’t.
Let’s take a closer look…
Chess – The Classic Challenge
Chess is well-known as one of the most mentally stimulating games you can choose to play. It’s played in people’s homes but there are also World Championships so there’s fun and challenge to be had whatever your skill-level.
Every piece on a chess board is important if your aim is to win (albeit at different stages of the game). And every move you and your opponent make can lead to a range of ways in which the game develops. Skilled players can think several moves ahead, and adjust their strategy as the game unfolds. But to be a really good player you also need to anticipate what your opponent will do next.
But watch out, because a single bad move can ruin all that planning and anticipation. Although that’s exactly the reason why chess has been popular for centuries. Sit down for a serious game against a good opponent, and your brain will definitely feel it’s had a workout.
Magic: The Gathering – Strategy Meets Imagination
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a multidimensional game that keeps changing its own rules. Players build decks from thousands of possible cards, each with its own strengths so no two games are ever the same. You need to be able to think on your feet (well, in your seat). And success isn’t just about the cards you hold in your hand, it’s also about anticipating what your opponent might play, and when.
The sheer variety of available cards makes MTG one of the most mentally demanding games around. According to many experts, it is one of only a few games to date that cannot be beaten by a computer/AI because of the variation in each deck of cards in every game. It tests memory, creativity, resource management and even probability. When no two games are the same, that level of complexity is exactly what makes it so addictive.
Call of Duty: Reflexes Over Reflection
Then there are popular games like Call of Duty for which you need super-fast reflexes. Either alone or with other players as a team, you need to hit moving targets at pace. That means you need great reflexes, but Call of Duty in no way requires the same level of strategy as, say, chess or Magic: The Gathering. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but there’s no “mental workout” here. It more about reaction speed. Sure there’s an adrenaline rush, but that’s not the same as brain training.
Poker: Probability and Psychology
And then there’s the game that is a mental challenge but also has a big dose of psychology thrown in. To be successful, you need to be able to “read” your opponents – i.e. figure out if they bluffing. But they’ll be trying to do the same to you so you also need to master the art of bluffing yourself. Think Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale – what a classic scene! Poker isn’t nearly as complex as Magic: The Gathering or chess in terms of the physical pieces/cards and how they can be employed during a game, but the psychological aspect of poker adds a thrill that makes it another popular way to spend some free time. The best players don’t just have a good memory – they’re watching for every twitch of an eyebrow.
Board Games: The Hidden Challengers
There are some modern board games that also require strategic thinking in a similar way to, say, chess or MTG. Catan and Terraforming Mars are a couple of good examples you might want to try if you’re looking for a challenging but fun game to play. These sorts of games need you to be able to plan ahead but also adapt to changes. While they may not be as famous as chess or MTG, they’re something a bit different and will give you a mental workout.
The Best and Worst for Your Brain
So which games are best for a mental workout? Chess and Magic: The Gathering undoubtedly provide the greatest challenge to your brain. There’s a reason they’ve been around for a long time. However, poker and complex board games like Catan are also good for, you know, when you would like a mental workout but your brain isn’t quite up to it.
Action video games like Call of Duty where you need quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination are enormous fun, but not the same kind of cognitive challenge as other games mentioned here. But isn’t that sometimes just what you need?
Finding the Right Balance
Of course, “best” and “worst” is subjective. Some days you may want the challenge of chess or MTG. Other days, the stress release of Call of Duty might be exactly what you need. What matters is recognising the ways that different games engage us – don’t forget that at the end of the day they are games so they should be fun above all else.
In a world full of digital noise, sitting down to a face-to-face game that challenges your mind is one of the most rewarding workouts you can give your brain – with the added bonus of a real-life social connection.
