Solitaire, a popular card game, is much older than many people think. It was invented in the late 1700s. Today, it is available in several variations and is being played worldwide digitally on all sorts of gadgets. History has it that Napoleon played solitaire when he was held in exile. Western Europe was also well known for playing the Klondike variety of this game.
Thanks to the advancements in technology, this card game is now available in digital form and it is almost exclusively played on a screen. Microsoft launched this in 1990. Every Windows 3.0 operating system came with Solitaire pre-installed. Today, you can play solitaire on any smart mobile device. Every user of Windows has access to the game and it is as beloved as it used to be. The best thing to do when the internet is out and the favorite game of older family members, the game remains a classic.
One thing is clear, solitaire is an entertaining game. Why is it fun, and what are its benefits? You’ll discover that in this article.
5 Benefits of Playing solitaire
No doubt, the solitaire game has helped people take a productive break from work. The same was recorded for managing stress or boredom. Learning the game is easy and fun. Below are the pros of playing solitaire.
1. Learn vital life lessons
While the game is often linked with procrastination, solitaire is also very educational. The game teaches several important everyday life lessons. How? You learn more about the concept of “return on investment” from the card game. You get what you put in eventually.
Classic Solitaire teaches you(or your kids) the importance of delayed gratification. Practically, you’ll learn how to control your impulses. This is essential in acting right. It helps you better analyze situations, understand them, and predict possible outcomes.
The games show you why it’s essential to take your time and step back to move two steps forward. Doing that in a real-life situation can be challenging. However, solitaire serves as a good training ground.
2. Calms your mind
You will always be in a suitable meditative mode when you play solitaire. Do you always have an issue with anxiety? Play the game for a few minutes to clear your mind. This helps calm your mind. This also sharpens your focus skills.
Solitaire, while keeping you focused and calm, is a great strategy to diffuse all kinds of tension in your body or mind. Unwind with the game after a long, stressful day at work. It also helps you sleep better. According to studies, you improve your decision-making skills when you are in a meditative and calm state. Solitaire offers a similar effect.
3. Better memory
Solitaire sharpens your memory. Having a good memory helps you become more valuable in other areas of your life, business, and career. Playing solitaire comes with lots of subtle benefits.
When you play this card game often, there will be a reasonable improvement in your memory skills. Yes, you will be able to memorize numbers, orders of cards, suits, and colors. These skills are helpful in your day-to-day living.
4. Disregards luck
Most people believe in leaving things to chance. Everyone has done this at one point or the other before. It’s easy to hope that luck rescues you and gets you through. However, it’s not healthy to always rely on luck. That’s what the game of solitaire also teaches you.
In this card game, luck is often disregarded. You need to use your creative side and come up with valuable strategies. There needs to be more than just a chance to win consistently.
5. Quality time alone
Spending quality time alone is vital for your mental health. Irrespective of your personality trait, introvert or extrovert, everyone requires alone time from time to time.
Everyone will benefit from self-reflection because it enhances mental health. One good strategy to enjoy your alone time is to play solitaire for some minutes.
Solitaire: a Game of Skill or Luck ?
Is solitaire mainly a game of luck or skill? It is actually a combination of both. It starts with luck but it takes skill to actually stack all of the cards properly. With constant practice, people can master the game. Therefore, solitaire is more of a game of skill than luck. Below are a few of the skills to develop more in the card game:
Logic and maths skills
You will often dominate any game when you understand how to conceptualize and forecast your cards. These skills can be acquired and developed. Learn and master how data are accumulated, especially while you play the game. Bring your mathematics and logical skills to solitaire.
Card knowledge and memorization skills
Some people are talented in swiftly memorizing patterns or counting cards. This skill is essential in the game of solitaire. Anyone can still learn this skill. But it may time some time to practice.
You need first to understand the importance of every card. Know their functions in the game. When you are done with this, you need to memorize them. A fast method is to build a mental map of every card, especially those for which you already see their face value. Always picture the cards facing down. Keep practicing this skill until you become a pro.
Critical thinking
Critical thinking is often needed to play and excel at solitaire and other card games. The card game is usually about strategy. You need to constantly think of ways to win in the shortest time possible. Again, these skills can be developed. Keep practicing and you will get better in no time.
Final Thoughts
Solitaire is a fun card game played worldwide. The game is now easily accessible from almost every intelligent device. Playing it is beneficial to your overall mental health. It also teaches you important life lessons. Enjoy solitaire while you develop vital skills like decision-making and critical thinking.
