So, Can Board Games Really Make You Smarter?

You’ve probably heard people say, “Play Chess—it’ll make you smarter!” or, “Games like Scrabble are great for your brain!” But is there any truth to this? Can rolling dice and strategizing your next move really improve your intelligence?

The short answer: Yes. Board games are more than just a fun way to pass the time. They engage your brain in ways that enhance critical thinking, decision-making, and even social intelligence. In fact, studies and experts back up what avid board gamers have known for years: games are powerful tools for mental development.

Let’s dive into the science, explore how board games benefit the brain, and, of course, chat about some must-play games to help you sharpen your mind.

What Makes Board Games Brain Boosters?

You might be wondering how sitting at a table and moving tokens around could have any real impact on your brain. It all comes down to how games challenge you.

They Train Your Brain to Think Strategically

Ever played Chess or Settlers of Catan? These games force you to think several steps ahead. Planning your moves while anticipating your opponent’s next steps is a serious mental workout.

In fact, a study from PubMed Central showed that strategic games improve what’s called cognitive flexibility. That’s a fancy way of saying your brain gets better at switching gears, solving problems, and adapting to new challenges—all skills that are super useful in real life.

Board games Sharpen Your Memory

Ever had to remember which cards were played in a game like Uno or which tiles you need in Scrabble? Board games are sneaky when it comes to memory training. They push you to store and recall information quickly, whether it’s remembering rules, strategies, or even subtle patterns. Games like these strengthen both short-term and long-term memory. Over time, that boost in recall can translate to better performance at work or school.

They Help increase your Attention Span

 In today’s fast-paced world filled with distractions, maintaining focus and attention can be challenging. Board games demand players’ undivided attention, as missing out on important details can impact their performance. By engaging in board games regularly, individuals can improve their attention span and train themselves to stay focused for longer periods of time.

They Make You a Better Problem-Solver

Let’s talk about problem-solving. Imagine you’re stuck with a tricky situation in a game like Risk or Ticket to Ride. How do you outmaneuver your opponents or navigate roadblocks? These moments force you to think critically and find creative solutions. This article on Medium, highlights how board games simulate real-world challenges, training players to approach problems from different angles. That’s a skill that translates to everything from handling work deadlines to managing personal conflicts.

What Does Science Say About Board Games and Intelligence?

You don’t have to take my word for it—science backs this up. A study from ResearchGate explored how games influence intelligence. The researchers found that games requiring strategic planning and resource management (think Catan or Carcassonne) significantly improved cognitive performance over time. But here’s what’s really cool: board games also foster something called neuroplasticity. That’s the brain’s ability to rewire itself and form new neural pathways. The more you challenge your brain with new tasks—like learning a game strategy or solving a tricky puzzle—the stronger and more flexible it becomes.

The Best Games for Boosting Brainpower

If you’re ready to jump into the world of brain-boosting board games, here are some must-plays:

Chess

The ultimate strategy game. Chess pushes your brain to think critically, plan ahead, and anticipate. It’s no wonder people have been calling it a “mind sport” for centuries.

Scrabble

Who knew wordplay could be so good for your brain? Scrabble builds your vocabulary while forcing you to think quickly and strategically about how to score the most points.

Catan

This game is all about resource management and negotiation. You’ll learn how to adapt your strategy as the game evolves—a skill that’s incredibly valuable off the board, too.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, the New York Times Wirecutter list of board games has some great picks.

Board Games: Fun, Social, and Good for Your Brain

What’s great about board games is that they don’t just challenge your mind—they also bring people together.

Social and Emotional Benefits

• Better Communication Skills: Games that involve teamwork, like Pandemic, teach you how to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Resilience and Emotional Control: Let’s face it, nobody likes losing. But board games teach you to bounce back from defeat—a valuable life skill.
• Deeper Connections: There’s nothing like bonding over a tense game of Clue or laughing over a chaotic round of Exploding Kittens.

So, What’s the Best Game to Start With?

All this talk about board games probably has you itching to play one. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, let me introduce you to Broken Paths.

Why Broken Paths Stands Out

Broken Paths is more than just a game—it’s a test of strategy, adaptability, and luck. Here’s how it works:

• Build Your Path: Use cards to create routes to the center of the board while blocking your opponents.
• Roll the Dice: Navigate the paths you’ve built, but watch out—broken path cards can change the game in an instant.
• Reach the Goal: Be the first to make it to the center with the exact dice roll.

What makes Broken Paths special is its mix of strategy and unpredictability. It’s perfect for players who love thinking ahead and adapting on the fly. Plus, it’s great for families, competitive gamers, and casual players alike.

Wrapping Up: Can Board Games Make You Smarter?

Absolutely. Whether it’s improving your memory, teaching you to think strategically, or just giving your brain a fun workout, board games are a fantastic way to boost your intelligence.

So, grab your favorite game—or try something new, like Broken Paths—and challenge yourself to think, strategize, and grow. Ready to test your skills? Pre-order Broken Paths today from Over the Tabletop and start building your way to sharper thinking.