Gathering around a table with friends for a board game night isn’t just about rolling dice and moving pieces—it’s an experience which can be packed with social, mental, and emotional benefits.
Last night, one of our OGN quiz team members invited us round for game and nibbles, washed down with various liquid beverages of our choice; it was fairly spontaneous, fun and above all real. Here are a few benefits of such evenings that spring to mind:
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Cognitive and Mental Benefits
- Improves Critical Thinking: Strategic games like Chess or Settlers of Catan require you to think ahead, plan, and adapt.
- Enhances Memory and Focus: Games often require recalling rules, strategies, or past moves.
- Boosts Problem-Solving Skills: Many games involve overcoming challenges or finding creative solutions.
- Reduces Stress: Immersing yourself in gameplay can reduce anxiety and act as a mental escape.
Figuring out the best trade in Catan or solving a mystery in Cluedo helps to keep our brain sharp and engaged.
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Social Connection and Bonding
- Strengthens Friendships: Shared experiences and teamwork create lasting memories.
- Encourages Communication: Board games often require discussion, negotiation, or persuasion (e.g., Diplomacy).
- Builds Trust: Cooperative games (e.g., Pandemic) foster teamwork and reliance on others.
- Inclusive Fun: Board games can bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.
Laughing over a surprise move in Uno or working together to save humanity in Pandemic.
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Emotional Well-Being
- Boosts Mood: The playful competition and lighthearted nature of board games release dopamine (the “feel-good” chemical).
- Teaches Patience and Resilience: Losing gracefully and dealing with setbacks are valuable life lessons, sometimes we can forget this as adults, especially in competitive environments such as .
- Promotes Mindfulness: Being in the moment and focused on the game reduces overthinking and mental clutter.
Learning to smile through a crushing defeat in Scrabble or even worse Monopoly builds emotional resilience.
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Strengthens Relationships in a Comfortable Space
- Offline Connection: Board games pull people away from screens, fostering face-to-face interaction.
- Safe Social Space: Playing in a familiar, low-pressure environment allows people to relax and be themselves.
- Shared Experiences: Inside jokes and shared moments create bonds that go beyond the game.
The iconic “Do not pass Go, do not collect £200” moment in Monopoly sparks laughter every time, as does making someone pick up about 6 cards in Uno
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Reduces Loneliness and Isolation
- Provides an opportunity to connect with others in person, combatting feelings of isolation.
- Creates a sense of belonging and inclusion in a group activity.
- Offers structured social interaction, making it easier for introverts or shy individuals to participate.
A shy friend might feel more comfortable opening up during a game of Codenames.
I’ve kept many of the used pads in Pictionary over the years which help to make me smile; I can still see CDB’s face as he stabbed the pencil into the paper next to something he’d drawn, but could not make the other person work out…
Last night, we played Lifeboat, one of those games you just need to jump in at the deep end and get on with, because it doesn’t quite make sense until you start. For those of you who haven’t played the game, you are all in a lifeboat trying to get to shore and have to decide on your tactics in order to not get thrown overboard, get thirsty and suffer injury points, whilst protecting the person you love in the boat and trying to get the person you hate killed. I didn’t do so well when we added up the points at the end (4); the winner got 26! However, I made up for it when we played Articulate.
Looking forward to the next games’ night when we should be playing Mysterium which has been on my wish list for a while… can’t wait !
Photo by Rumman Amin
