What are the benefits of playing the erudition board game?

Did you know that regular practice of erudition board games can improve logical thinking and even reduce the risk of several diseases? Consultant of neurocognitive processes (Mg. Psych.) Linda Rūsa cites the exciting game "Continent Hunting" as an example . The expert reveals how each step in the game can help improve the personality of you, your children and your friends.

"Continental Hunt" is a board erudition game, it helps you become a more interesting interlocutor and test your knowledge by answering questions of various categories about the whole world. Designed for two to six players or teams. The set includes question cards, bonus cards, a folding (puzzle) playing area, rules, six walking dice and three unique rolling dice.

“Playing board games regularly has been proven to be good for the human brain. It's like a mental workout that promotes logical thinking, which in the long run also improves learning abilities. Research shows that it is even possible to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in this way," says Linda.

Gameplay and benefits

Combination play. First, the player rolls a combination of three dice: the continent that will be the category of the question, the category of the question (sports, geography, culture, history and politics, or global topics), as well as the number of points to be obtained if the question is answered correctly.

"The first stage of the game allows you to develop strategic thinking - regular playing can make a person a better strategist. In addition, it can be facilitated by the motivation of one's own achievements and the inner desire to win. Some organizational development coaches even ask business leaders to try board games to develop the ability to "see the field". The game forces you to make decisions in a relatively short time, which affect the further course and at the same time train your judgment, help you analyze the environment and see the consequences of your decisions almost immediately," says Linda.

Asking and answering questions. The adjacent player or team asks a question of the relevant category about the continent, and the player who just rolled the dice answers. When playing in teams, participants are allowed to discuss with each other, thus "more heads" are involved when searching for an answer to a question and collaboration takes place.

"Socialization is one of the basic conditions of a healthy brain. An important aspect - it should be with pleasant, close people. Game nights are a great opportunity to realize this goal and spend quality time. By the way, do you know what connects everyone happy and healthy in all age groups and social classes? This is a sufficient number of high-quality social contacts with which communication is maintained regularly," emphasizes the expert.

Possibility to use bonus cards. The set includes 260 question cards and three types (18 pcs. in total) of bonus cards: 1) three answer options – the player who asked the question must come up with and offer three answer options; 2) first letter – the player who asked the question must say the first letter of the answer; 3) search for information - a player who is asked a question may, using any resources, search for an answer for a whole minute. By stepping on squares marked with red crosses (just like treasures on pirate maps), the player can choose one of two options: answer a question about Antarctica or take away another player's bonus card .

"Bonus cards usually create a sense of security, thus faith and self-reliance. In addition, they have an interactive element, which often allows you to use creative imagination and humor. In this game, bonus cards can cause a lot of positive emotions and laughter, which has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state of a person," says Linda.

Approaching the target. The winner is the player or team that reaches the finish line first.

The consultant of neurocognitive processes points out that "victory makes us feel a little happier, because the "reward centers" in the brain are activated, producing dopamine - it improves the mood, gives energy and makes us feel joy".

The game can be purchased in Brain Games stores in Riga, K. Barona Street 55 and Rīga Plaza, or in the online store .

Additional information: www.kontinentumedibas.lv

Photo: Jānis Dambenieks