Why playing games is important to stay fit

They bring best out of you for your real life — Explained with an example

  • Reversi is played on a board of 8x8 which looks similar to chess. but, with same color cells.
  • Game is played by 2 players who chose from black and white colors. There are 64 discs which has black on one side and white on other side.
  • At the center of the board 4 discs would be placed at the start (2 white and 2 black placed in diagonal position)
  • Players take turn to block other players discs starting with the player who chose black.
  • Once a disk is blocked, that disk reverse’s to opposite color. (this is the reason this game has name Reversi)
  • Player with highest number of points after no player can make any further turns, wins the game.
  • More detailed rules here

How does Reversi develop Strategic thinking?

  • When players make a move, there are several possibilities which gives different outcomes. This makes players to think and rationalize options.
  • Sometimes when players need to make a move, there are several possibilities which gives same immediate outcomes, but different future benefits of capturing better number of discs.
  • When the rationalization of these options run through mentally, players has to consider and compare scenarios of current benefits vs future benefits.
  • These scenarios are thought through to understand what other players reacts in response.
  • When the other player responses are mentally ran through, then players start making the possible move to maximize the outcome.
  • After playing some games, players will start thinking which specific positions on the board to capture now, comparing all other options available so that the maximum benefit can be enjoyed later in the game.
  • Experiences small and interesting problems which makes them accept this a challenge that they love to solve.
  • Solve it from level 1 rationality and get the sense of achievement
  • Feed the belief system that they achieved this by solving a difficult problem.
  • Explored and exercised those places in brain where their thoughts are required to work fast and efficient to be able to play and win the game.

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I’m a believer in power of games to change the world! Building games for 15 years. Strategy, Product Management, & Economics are my other areas of interest.

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Kishore Mokkapati

I’m a believer in power of games to change the world! Building games for 15 years. Strategy, Product Management, & Economics are my other areas of interest.