The Best Classic Games to Boost Your Brain Power

We live in a world where we have access to just about everything at our fingertips, and we can play all kinds of realistic, virtual, ai powered games with incredible graphics and more if we want to. However, it’s always worth remembering the classics! These simple yet effective games have stood the test of time and for good reason too, you can play them on paper/ in books/ as board games but there are digital versions too so they’re really accessible. Best of all, these types of games will actually boost your brain power and help with things like problem solving, memory and more. So if you’re at a loose end, consider revisiting one of the following classics!

Sudoku 

Sudoku challenges your logical thinking and number skills. The objective is simple – fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 subgrids contain all of the digits from 1 to 9. It sounds so easy, but as you progress, the puzzles become more intricate and complicatied, making it a great exercise for your problem solving abilities.

Chess

Chess is the game of all games, it creates a mental battlefield between the two players where you strategize, plan, and outsmart your opponent. Each piece on the board has unique moves, and mastering their interactions sharpens your memory and strategic thinking. The game provides you with a mental challenge and also enhances your concentration and decision making skills.

Mahjong

Mahjong is a classic tile-matching game that tests your memory and pattern recognition. The goal is to clear the board by matching identical tiles, but it’s not as easy as it seems. With a myriad of tiles and intricate patterns, this game keeps your brain engaged and sharpens your memory as you progress through its levels.

Scrabble

This classic word game expands your vocabulary but also works on your spelling, language, and strategic thinking skills. The fact that it can now be played online means that you can challenge your friends and family without needing everyone in the same room and it can be a lot of fun. 

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles are a blend of trivia and wordplay. With clues ranging from history to pop culture, solving a crossword puzzle requires a mix of general knowledge and vocabulary skills. The process of figuring out the answers from intersecting clues challenges your brain to think critically and creatively, making it an excellent game for honing multiple cognitive abilities.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a fantastic way to engage your brain. Sorting through and fitting together various pieces to form a complete picture requires having attention to detail and patience. The sense of accomplishment when the puzzle is complete is not only satisfying but also indicative of the mental workout you’ve given your brain.

Riddles and Brain Teasers

Riddles and brain teasers gives your brain a playful challenge as these short puzzles often require thinking outside the box and looking at problems from different angles. Whether you’re trying to solve a riddle or a tricky brain teaser, you’re encouraging your brain to be flexible and creative in its problem solving.

Card Games

Classic card games like Poker, Rummy, and Bridge have been a staple in social circles for centuries. The simplicity of a deck of cards belies the complexity of strategies and skills involved. Memory, quick decision making, and the ability to read opponents are essential for success. These games give you face to face interaction, so they provide a mental workout in a sociable setting.

Checkers

Checkers, also known as Draughts, is a classic board game with a simplicity that belies its strategic depth. Played on an 8×8 board, the game involves moving pieces diagonally, aiming to capture opponents’ pieces. Checkers may seem straightforward, but mastering it requires forward thinking, defensive manoeuvres, and a keen awareness of the board. This timeless game serves as a wonderful introduction to strategic thinking for players of all ages.

Backgammon:

Dating back over 5,000 years, Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games. Its blend of strategy and luck makes it a favourite for many who love their classic games. You move your pieces around a board based on dice rolls, aiming to bear them off before their opponent. Backgammon exercises strategic planning, risk assessment, and adaptability, making it a classic that has stood the test of time.