"Card games teach us about strategy, patience, and human-connection. While apps are convenient, the hands-on nature of card games deals a touch of old-school charm, timeless skill-building that apps simply can't replicate."
Playing different indoor games has been my favourite since childhood. I remember playing Scrabble, Ludo, and many other games as a kid. Summer vacations, predominantly the hot afternoons and late nights, were reserved for long hours of card games with extended family and friends. I never realised it, but those card games taught me vital life skills.
As technology has entered our daily lives, we have many apps that promise to help us build skills, too. But I believe that card games are still one of the best ways to develop those skills – and here's why.
Card Games vs. Apps
To begin with, card games build your social skills. Usually, the game involves more than one player. While playing card games, we communicate with one another and at times, observe body language to guess what cards the other players might have. And most importantly, as we play together, it's like teamwork and collaboration as we work towards a common goal. These are some of the basic skills we need even in our day-to-day life. Then be it a kid, working on a group project in school together or a big project at work for a grown-up, the skills remain the same.
But when it comes to playing with gadgets, we are mostly lost in the virtual world. Many times, we are alone and play independently. I don’t deny devices help us learn a few technical skills, but when it comes to life skills, people interaction is the best way to grow.
Card games are an easy and flexible tool. You get so many varieties of games, and they are quick to learn and implement. For example, a fast-paced game like Uno keeps us on our toes as we need to think and act quickly to get rid of all the cards in our hands but also make strategic decisions on when to play the ‘draw 4’ or pay attention to when someone might call out ‘Uno’. Another classic game favourite with our kids at home is Go Fish! A simple game to play but teaches so many basic but important social skills. E.g., taking turns to play or being patient. In the game, you need to decide which cards to ask for and remember what has been passed around; you build your problem-solving and memory skills. Card games even build resilience as you win some and lose some rounds.
Indeed, card games are a lot of fun. They keep us engaged for long hours and simplify the learning process. Skill Neurons card games are not only fun and engaging, but they're also effective at teaching important life skills. These life skills are more crucial than ever in this 21st Century. The games are designed to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The best part is you can play them alone or with others.
Technology has its own advantages, but we must not discount low-tech or non-tech games, especially life skill games. In my experience, card games are an accessible & effective tool, a more engaging, social, and flexible way to learn. Children learn valuable social and emotional skills which help them develop into independent, self-directed learners. In this battle of card games vs. apps, card games are truly a winner.
So, the next time you're looking for a fun activity to do with friends or family, let's put down the gadgets and pick up a deck of cards for some old-fashioned fun and skill-building. Who knows – you might just learn something new!