The Benefits of Playing Cards
As we are in this unprecedented time of social distancing we need to be creative and come up with new ways to entertain ourselves for our mental and emotional health. Card games are mostly played for the entertainment value they provide, but they can also provide mental and emotional benefits.
Card games have been found to help seniors retain mental sharpness. Researchers have discovered that the frequency of playing card games is associated with greater brain volume in several regions that are affected by Alzheimer’s disease1. When social interaction is limited and we need to isolate, card games that can be played in pairs can also improve empathy, compassion and trust in others. Here are some card games we can play in pairs.
Speed
The objective of the game is to get rid of all your cards before your opponent. This is a fast-paced game where you do not take turns. The rules are fairly simple but can be a little confusing to follow at first. It is a good idea to try a few practice rounds of the game until you and your partner get the hang of it. For full rules and directions, you can find them below.
Hearts
In this card game, you want to be the player with the lowest score at the end of the game. When one player hits the agreed-upon score or higher, the game ends; and the player with the lowest score wins the game. To learn how to play hearts and how to keep score click the button below.
Double Solitaire
The main objective is to put down all your cards after rearranging the deck by suiting and ranking the cards in a series of moves. Most of the rules are the same as in the classical version with a competitive twist. For the rules and instructions on this game visit this link
There are many single and two-player card games you can play for your mental, emotional and social health. Card games will help pass the time and keep us socially connected to the ones we are isolated with.