Critical Thinking Skills are Casino Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an important life skill. When we think critically, we are responding to situations with reason, knowledge, and care. Using critical thinking in everyday situations is a choice, and it is a skill that needs to be practiced. Luckily, there are many things we can do to sharpen our critical thinking skills. Many recommend maintaining a journal as this allows individuals to expand their thoughts. Joining a book club also encourages individuals to think critically and deliberate complex questions. Of course, there are other options out there. For instance, board games are renowned for strengthening memory, just as logical puzzles are known for improving our analytical skills. 

Everyone loves playing board games. But these games tend to be purely for entertainment purposes, and they offer no brain development. However, traditional board games like checkers, chess, and Scrabble are a few games that help individuals improve their ability to remember details. When you play chess, you have to remember and react to other’s moves. You always have to be one step ahead of not only yourself but of your opponent. Chess players do this by assessing outcomes before they happen and drawing conclusions from the bits of information they are given with each new move. Games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and word searches can also improve our analytical and critical thinking skills. This is because they can activate different parts of our brains. 

It is not just traditional games, however, that are sharpening our mental skills. Research indicates that video games can improve quick decision-making amongst users, which begs the question of why aren’t more modern games like casino games using these strategies to win, rather than just relying on luck? Consider live roulette games, for instance. Live roulette uses real-life dealers, mimicking a brick and mortar casino, and a real roulette wheel, which means players can keep an eye on the ball up until it lands in one of the pockets. Now consider this: part of critical thinking is being able to identify patterns. If you’re not succeeding in the game, critical thinking will allow you to take a step back and identify the patterns you’re following. Are you being stubborn and continuing to choose the same number because it was your lucky number ten years ago? Perhaps it is time to try a different variant, and consider aspects such as RNG before proceeding.

Do you only ever choose the color red because it’s your favorite? Players should check their assumptions, consider the facts, and confirm their understanding of the game. Critical thinking can be casino thinking if you know what to look out for. 

Modern video game players are realizing the benefits of developing their critical thinking and analytical skills, something long appreciated by fans of traditional games like chess and Sudoku, as well as puzzle lovers. It seems only fitting that casino players develop similar strategies, whether they are playing poker or live roulette games, rather than just relying on a string of good luck.

After all, luck only gets you so far, but brainpower, which increases by developing your analytical skills and critical thinking, is a long-term investment.

Photo by Dollar Gill on Unsplash