Games on the brain: How they can boost your IQ

Games, of both the traditional or online variety challenge our strategic abilities and have been found to be extremely beneficial for the brain. 

If you love a challenge, enjoy keeping score, and prefer to entertain yourself from the comfort of your home, you could be doing wonders for your mental sharpness by enjoying your favorite game on a regular basis.

Let’s explore the science behind games, how they can boost cognitive function, and outline some types of games you can play to enhance your mental power.

Fact: games are good for the brain

The human brain is naturally wired to detect patterns and solve puzzles, helping us survive and thrive in a highly complex world filled with potential uncertainty.

• The structure of the brain lends itself to the pursuit of games, which require us to learn skills and apply them reliably in different scenarios. 
• Whether this means playing your favorite character in an RPG or reaching the top level of a complex puzzle game, thinking and coordination, though naturally easy to do, can significantly contribute to your overall brain function.
• In contrast to alarmist headlines and concerned parents who used to say that computer games would rot their children’s brains, scientific studies have shown that playing video games and their smartphone equivalents can actually boost cognitive function.

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that children who played games for three hours a day scored better on cognitive ability tests than those who didn’t, even when other factors like time were taken into account. 

The combination of skill acquisition, intense focus, and the rewards provided by scoring points or receiving endgame prizes and upgrades come together to motivate gamers to keep playing until they achieve their desired outcome.

The repetition of increasingly challenging tasks is the most valuable aspect of gaming. This forces the brain to create new neural networks and reinforces the skill so that it becomes second nature. This effect can contribute to success in other areas of life.

Master the numbers game 

The modern economy is becoming increasingly reliant on data-driven decision-making, and the sheer extent of numbers surrounding every business decision today can be overwhelming.

If you’re diving into the world of numbers and statistical analysis, some of your downtime playing number-based games like Sudoku or upping the ante with exciting casino games could be a great way to sharpen your numerical skills.

Card-based casino games like blackjack are extremely statistical, with specific odds of certain card combinations occurring over the course of one or many games. This exciting card game is one of many available at Bovada casino online in variants, such as Single Deck, Double Deck, Standard, Zappit Blackjack, and more. 

• In blackjack, players must opt to receive an extra card from the dealer, known as hitting, or keep their current hand – a decision called standing. 
• Whatever they decide, the player can’t go over a total of 21 or they lose. 

Optimal betting strategy, which is also based on estimating the problem outcome of the dealer’s hand (  though this can never be known for sure) is a technique employed by many professional blackjack players as they seek to increase their winning ratio.

For players who prefer a more social game, online poker provides opportunities to interact with other members at the table and lead them along as you prepare to reveal a winning hand. 

The convenience of mobile games makes them ideal for frequent commuters or digital nomads who rack up a lot of flight hours. Beating the boredom of commutes while priming your mind for success is a double win by any measure. 

Become a top-level strategist

Humans have enjoyed playing games for thousands of years, with pastimes like chess having a long and enduring history in some of the world’s oldest cultures.

The strategic aspects of card and token-based games, which rely on a set of rules that must be followed and optimized to produce positive outcomes, have led to these games being associated with high intelligence. 

To this day, chess masters are considered some of the most powerful strategic thinkers, with legendary players like Garry Kasparov being some of the first humans to take on artificial intelligence in the realm of rapid information processing and strategy.

A mind that is both strategic and patient can be a massive advantage in many fields, from high-pressure business environments to the rigorous demands of legal professions or the excitement of strategic entrepreneurship. You could see real financial gains from the time you spend playing your favorite strategy game.

Conclusion

Playing digital games comes with a raft of benefits for the brain, from cognitive function and strategic advantages to superior data processing skills. 

Number games like Sudoku, casino card games like blackjack, and strategy classics like chess are ideal choices for gamers with the desire to boost their brain power. 

Daily enjoyment of these games, in moderation, can have a great impact on the brain while providing much needed relaxation for people of all ages.