Card Games Versus Computer Games

The memories flood back of learning to play games such as euchre and 500 as children and the hours we spent doing the same as we grew up. The fascination such held for me was as a lesson in maths each time we played. Later when at University many of the students would collect around the tables in the student’s quarters and cards were always on the agenda.

What fun we all had and the challenges were exciting. Now, however, there is hardly anyone playing cards because computer and Xbox games have taken over in many homes. My young grandchildren spend hours in front of the television with a joystick in their hands doing stuff that has no intellectual advantage. Even adults have their enjoyment with the things they can do on a computer instead of around a table with the family.

In recent years my endeavours have stretched to Bridge and also playing 500 at the local clubs, which run sessions on week-nights. It is interesting to see how many of the oldies, like me, enjoy the night out and how competitive such endeavours can be.

The brain needs stimulation as one ages and there is no better way to exercise it than by having to think your way to a win in a card game. Isn’t that something young people will get benefits from as well? While my generation grew up in a different world where television and computers had not yet been invented my kids now think they are smarter because they can outdo me on the computer. If only they knew what they are missing out on.