In the 21st century, it has become popular to stream movies, play video games and otherwise center our lives around technology. However, it can still be a good idea to keep a deck of cards in your game room, junk draw or anywhere else it will fit. Let’s take a look at a few of the best reasons to do so.
You Can Play Cards When the Power Goes Out
If the electricity goes out for any reason, you’ll have limited use of your cellphone or computer. Furthermore, there is a good chance that you won’t be able to use your television until the power is restored. Therefore, you will have to get creative when it comes to passing time until this happens. As cards do not require electricity to operate, you can gather your friends or family members at your house to play a game of poker, UNO or any other game that your peer group knows how to play.
You Don’t Necessarily Need Other People to Play With
There are many different types of card games that you can play by yourself if no one else is available to spend time with you. This can be ideal if a storm has blocked the roads to your house, your internet connection is down or all of your friends have to work while you stay home sick. Of course, if you are sick, you probably don’t want people in the same room as you. Therefore, playing games designed for one person is in your best interest until you are no longer contagious.
Playing Cards Gives You a Chance To Be Social
Even if you have access to your computer, phone or television, it can still be a good idea to put them away for a few hours to interact with your friends. In many parts of the country, game night is a tradition that stretches back several generations. It provides people with an opportunity to detach themselves from technology and the stress that it can cause.
For a few precious hours, friends, family members and colleagues can have fun and not worry about what is going on in their personal or professional lives. The ability to just have fun with people you care about can have a positive impact on your mental health and can make it easier to be more productive when it comes time to go back to work or school.
You Don’t Have to Leave Home to Play Card Games
If you live in a big city, it can be easy to find something to do on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon. However, if you live in a less populated area, there might not be a movie theater, shopping center or other entertainment venue to visit during a day off from work. Instead, you might need to entertain yourself with whatever you have in your house. This may mean inviting your friends over for a game of cards or playing cards with your kids to keep them occupied until it is time for them to go to bed.
Playing Games Can Improve Cognitive Function
Playing a card game can help people of all ages exercise their brains, which can help keep them sharp for as long as they live. Older people may especially benefit from playing cards as it gives them a way to keep their minds sharp without having to be too physically active. Furthermore, the social aspect of a game night can help improve an older person’s mental health. Although anyone can be lonely, the elderly are statistically more likely to experience loneliness.
You Can Turn Your Card Playing Skills Into a Career
For most people playing cards is a hobby that they enjoy during their free time. However, it’s not uncommon to see people using their card playing skills to earn extra money. In some cases, individuals have been able to obtain financial independence by playing poker or similar games. Of course, it’s worth noting that being a professional in this field takes a lot of money, time and skill. Therefore, it may not be the right decision for most people.
You Can Learn More About Your Favorite Card Games Online
While you may not want to play digital versions of your favorite games, the internet can help you learn how to do so successfully. For instance, you can get a copy of the full UNO rules sheet by going to the game’s official website. You can also look up answers to any questions that you might have about a given game or use the internet to settle any rules debates between yourself and your friends.
A deck of cards may be just what you need to get yourself out of a cycle of mindlessly looking at a phone, computer or television screen. Whether you play on your own, with friends or with your kids, those cards can be your ticket to hours of fun without the need for modern gadgets.