Board games are common forms of entertainment at home, in school, and even in the workplace.  Usually played by two or more players, playing a board game is generally easy to learn. Winning can be determined by chance or by strategy. Recent studies reveal that there are more benefits of board games than readily meets the eye.

History

Board games are not new.  Evidence shows that a form of board game known as Senet has been played since the time of Predynastic Egypt as it has been seen included in burial sites.  Other ancient board games include Mehen, Go, Patolli, Royal Game of Ur, Pachisi, Chaupar, and various Buddha games.

Contemporary board games are represented by such games as Scrabble, Monopoly, and Risk.  Board games such as Chess, Checkers, and Mancala  have distinguished themselves much earlier and have continued to stay on even with the introduction of newer versions.  Their staying power can be credited to the apparent benefits of playing board games provided to humans.  It is of special note that many board games are currently being offered as video games which allows players to compete against a computer or other online players. This is said to be one factor that contributed to the decline of traditional board games although the playing experience is not the same.

Characteristics of Board Games

By its very name, it is very easy to conclude that board games make use of boards which are in fact employed to serve as the playing ground for the game itself.  Game pieces are common components of board games which may vary depending on the nature of the game.  Every game is played according to set rules thus written instructions are typically included in every pack.

Board games that require skill are understandably more difficult to master as compared to games that are decided simply by chance or luck.  While the latter simply requires players to know the rules of the game for proper conduct, the former may involve developing strategies as players advance through games and competitions.  Board games that require skill such as chess have been elevated to the category of sports although this has been met by criticism from some quarters because of the absence of physical activity usually associated with the word “sports”.  None the less,  various international sports federations have recognized chess as a sport.

Players of board games are expected to display sportsmanship whether or not the games are being done simply for fun or for competition.  Some board games that are seemingly decided on by chance can also be influenced by player decisions which is already a form of strategizing.  It can be said therefore that playing board games is an exercise of mental skills as well as social skills.

Benefits of Board Games

The most obvious benefit provided by playing board games is the amount of interaction given to players as a group.  Family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors are taught critical social skills when they abide by the rules of the game which typically involves taking turns, waiting, and sharing.  Players also engage in lively verbal and non-verbal communication with each other in order to accomplish the object of the game.

Children benefit from playing board games by developing skills in recognition, perception, coordination, and communication.  Adults may obtain the same benefits in an enhanced level.  Playing board games is said to be therapeutic because it provides time for relaxed and unhurried enjoyment.  It also provides tremendous learning opportunities while satisfying the competitive streak of players. Another advantage of playing board games is the release of tension from performing repetitive, boring, or highly stressful work functions.

My Say

In summary, playing board games can be beneficial because:

1.  Board games  provide opportunities for social interaction regardless of age group, gender, or work positions.

2.  Board games are flexible and can be used to satisfy recreational or competitive needs.

3.  Playing board games does not entail much cost as it rarely requires purchase of special equipment, clothing, and accessories.

Clearly, people can gain from exploring the benefits of board games.