Card games have been around for centuries. Today, they range from classic pastimes like poker and solitaire to collectible card games featuring thousands of different deck types. Their overall importance can be easily dismissed, but card games hold a number of vital sociological benefits for those who play them.
Interaction
Most card games require multiple players, providing a fulcrum for increased social interaction. Players have a chance to interact with each other in an intimate setting while engaging in a little friendly competition.
Intelligence
Successful card games entail a great deal of strategy, as well as skills such as statistics and probability. Players thus engage their intellect as they seek new methods of winning.
Reading Others
Card games such as poker require players to read the emotions of their opponents, allowing them to observe human nature close-up.
Tailor-made
Most card games embrace complex strategies and increasing levels of difficulty. Players can thus engage the game on their own terms while being challenged to learn and improve as they go on.
Ease of Play
Card games require little more than a deck and a flat surface, which means they can easily be played almost anywhere.
References
- Game Play; by Charles E. Schaefer and Steve E. Reid; 2001
- Handbook of Play Therapy; by Kevin J. O'Connor and Charles E. Shaefer; 1994
Photo Credits
- lusi@stock.xchang (http://www.sxc.hu/lusi)