Some of the reasons for the popularity of solitaire games or Euchre are their multiple benefits, such as improving cognitive functions and mental well-being, as well as providing us with many hours of fun. Let’s check out the benefits of patience that fall into the two aforementioned categories.
Don’t forget to check this card games list too.
Cognitive Functions and Abilities
1. Memory Capacity
One of the main benefits of playing solitaire is better memory capabilities and information retention. While this is not obvious, your memory is being immediately trained by unconsciously memorizing the suits, numbers, and colors of cards. In specific types of solitaire, players may also need to memorize the order and sequence of dealing cards.
2. Planning and Analysis
These games require planning, as well as analyzing and calculating the cards and all their details, such as suits, numbers and their positions. Players, therefore, need to use this information to plan their next moves, realizing sequences that allow them to win. Players often develop their own strategies to deal with different scenarios, improving their strategic thinking.
With repetition, these processes help train an individual’s mental functions.
3. Creation of Strategies
As mentioned above, and even though solitaire is not as challenging and strategic a game as chess , at times players will need to strategize according to different scenarios. Enhancing existing strategies is also important, not only to win the game, but also to get higher scores. Over time, the player improves his skills to develop and implement effective strategies.
4. Quick Thinking and Decision Making
Another benefit of playing solitaire is improving quick thinking skills and making accurate, game-winning decisions. This benefit is especially valid when players are trying to complete a game in the shortest possible time. While some errors will not end the game and can be fixed, it is recommended to avoid them as these errors will increase the game time and consequently force players to make quick decisions.
Another example of this benefit is when players need to take a card that is already in the pile and bring it back into play to remove other cards from the deck. This trains players, making them more comfortable with the idea of taking “one step back and two steps forward”, a trait that can be incredibly useful in life.
5. Resistance
When an individual plays a game for the first time, he often tries to move cards quickly, without any strategy, which usually makes him lose. With practice, players learn to wait for the best opportunity to move their cards — thus, they learn to delay their reward and that this can increase their chances of winning.
This deferral of reward increases your resistance to other temptations, controlling impulsive acts, and is a useful trait in many circumstances, including in personal relationships and in the business world.
Mental well-being
6. Relaxation
In addition to cognitive function, the nature of solitaire offers calming effects as the individual enters a mild meditative state during matches. Many players consider solitaire to be a relaxing activity, relieving stress without intense gameplay, while still managing to keep their minds active. During matches, players have a goal as their focus, which makes them remain calm, relieving tensions. This, in turn, improves relaxation during sleep. So the best time to play solitaire would probably be before bed.
Furthermore, research shows that achieving a peaceful, meditative state can have a range of social and non-social benefits. An example of such research can be found with the analysis of behavioral studies and brain imaging performed by Sun, Yao, Wei, and Yu (2015), which demonstrated that meditation even led to better decision-making in both social and non-social situations .
7. Loneliness
In addition, by disconnecting from the world and other people, players are freed from constantly worrying about other people’s opinions, relaxing even more.
Many people find that these games give them a great opportunity to enjoy some alone time, reflecting, away from other people. Self-reflection is a valuable skill and usually involves meditation on the events, feelings, thoughts and emotions that occurred during the day. Therefore, this skill is very important for individual improvement and perception.
8. Captivating
In situations where one finds oneself alone and bored, these games provide a healthy way to reduce boredom. Studies show that extreme boredom can lead to unwanted side effects, affecting people’s mental well-being. An example of this is highlighted in an article written by Washington State University (2019). Studies indicate that individuals who feel bored more often are more likely to acquire anxiety and depression.
And so, by keeping your mind busy, patience helps players stay healthy. Furthermore, with the wide variety of games , players have many options to keep them entertained.
And finally… It’s fun! Solitaire games are captivating and players experience moments of satisfaction and recreation, especially during wins!