Puzzle and strategy games are essentially gamified brain teasers that can promote increased brain activity, enhanced cognitive capabilities, and improved problem-solving abilities. This blog looks into how these aspects can lead to improved brain health.
In the digital age, the concept of games can range across various genres, from action games to RPGs to even games that help you exercise your brain. Here, we will explore how these games can be good for your brain health.
What Counts as Puzzle and Strategy Games?
Puzzle and strategy games together form some of the most popular gaming genres that have existed for a long time. Here is a comprehensive look into both.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games can be noted among the earliest-known forms of gaming. Such games promote critical thinking when addressing challenges. These games are more than entertainment. They are tools to help engage your mind.
The most well-known puzzle games are Sudoku, Tetris, and the Rubik’s Cube. One aspect is common among all these games. They all focus on the same practices, namely, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning.
Strategy Games
Strategy games, on the other hand, can be called the oldest game genre in existence. From Chess to Risk to Age of Empires, these are some of the most well-known games that have existed for a long time.
These games take a different approach to regular gaming, focusing on planning ahead instead of reaction times. These games expect you to analyze the situation, apply skill in your thinking approach, and predict the ending when considering multiple decisions.
Online card games, like the rummy app you have engaged in from time to time, can also count as strategy games. In such a game, you analyze your opponent’s thinking and devise a plan that will help you win the game. All the basics of strategy games are met here.
How These Games Stimulate the Brain
Both puzzle and strategy games are known to be capable of stimulating your brain’s activities. Whether it be identifying the correct patterns or planning your next move a step ahead, without effectively exercising your brain, you will not be able to engage with all the mechanics of these games.
Here are some scientific terms representing these games’ impact on your brain:
Neuroplasticity:
Puzzle and strategy games help your brain reorganize itself by developing newer neural connections.
Executive Function:
These games can help you develop different executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Working Memory:
Playing brain-teasing games like puzzles and strategy-type games can help your brain improve its capability to store and retain information.
Attention Span:
Puzzles and strategy games keep your brain engaged in one activity for long periods of time. Thus, they promote your ability to ensure an undivided focus on a task for a while.
Therefore, your rummy game online play is not just an entertaining activity. As a strategy game, it can help you improve your planning capability, retain information for a long time, and ensure maintain your undivided attention on the activity.
The Benefits of These Games for Specific Age Groups
Suppose you are playing a game on your rummy app as an adult, or Tetris as a child; these types of games will definitely benefit your brain activity in one way or another.
Therefore, let’s look at the age-specific benefits of puzzle and strategy games:
| Age Group | Relevant Benefits | Game Recommendations |
| Children-Teenagers | Cognitive upgrades, increased focus, and mathematical skills | Sudoku, Tetris, Nuts and Bolts, Tangram |
| Adults | Improved critical thinking and stress relief | Chess, Rummy, Civilization, Age of Empires |
| Senior Citizens | Managing cognitive decline, improved memory retention | Crossword, Solitaire, Mahjong |
Table: Age-Specific Benefits of Puzzle and Strategy Games
Thus, there is no rule that these games can help you improve your brain activity at a specific age. For all ages, these games can be helpful.
Avoiding Pitfalls to Maximize These Games’ Impact on Your Brain
While puzzle and strategy games can have a significant impact on your brain, there are certain gaming pitfalls that you need to avoid to maximize their impact on your brain.
Screen Time Management: Puzzles and strategy games are games nonetheless. Especially if you are playing them on a digital medium. So, spending long times looking at a screen can still be harmful. Plan a specific duration and stick to it. That can help ensure moderation.
Burnout Avoidance: Strategy games and puzzle games do not have to always be played on digital media. So, if you are feeling burned out with Online rummy game, why not try out having a game with a physical deck?
Physical Activity Balance: While these games can be beneficial to your brain health, you do not need to spend all of your time on them. Share some focus with your body as well, by balancing game time with physical activities.
Final Thoughts
Puzzles/Strategy games can have a solid impact on your brain’s activities. They can activate your brain. And help ensure that your mind is active and ready to engage at any given moment.
Their influence is not just a thought, however, as they are backed by scientific facts. And with the correct balance of activities, they can actively promote a healthy lifestyle.
Plan a Moderated Practice of Puzzle and Strategy Gaming
Why not get into the habit of teasing your brain with strategy and puzzle games today? Explore a variety of free apps or look for your old chessboard, or even purchase a pack of cards! With a moderate 15-20 minutes of inclusion of these brain-stimulating games into your daily routine, start training your mind today!
