Strategy Games and Card Games
A game is basically a structured form of engagement, often undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as a teaching tool as well. Games are quite different from homework, which typically is done for remuneration, and from arts, that is more usually an expression of visual or aesthetic components. Most people would associate playing with children, or with physical activity. However, games can also be the perfect way to teach and hone skills, both theoretically and practically. In the case of adults, games will help to develop problem-solving skills in addition to other learning opportunities.
The best games are those that encourage multiple interaction strategies. This can be done through a variety of approaches, including, but not limited to, role-playing, puzzle-solving and decision-making. Each of these has different purposes, but in general, they allow the player to develop multiple “thinking powers” in addition to helping him develop strategic thinking skills.
To begin with, a game that is too simple is often a bad idea, because it doesn’t allow the player to exert any real effort. Thus, a good strategy game should have some degree of complication, in the form of hidden or visible elements, or even multiple aspects of a single solution. However, too much complication can actually be counterproductive. Complexity makes problems harder to solve! This is why, in many strategy games, there are many alternative methods of solving a problem, or the use of multiple strategies.
Sometimes, a simpler game is simply better, because it tends to be more streamlined, with fewer rules and less complications. For instance, a sport war game would make more sense than an economic game, for example. Similarly, a musical strategy game would be a waste of time, whereas a word game would be completely enjoyable.
A second major difference between strategy games and card games is the amount of time spent on thinking. In a game of Monopoly, for example, your overall goal is to buy the most property and end up with the biggest bankroll. In a strategy game, your goal is to build up your civilization and control the resources your civilization needs to survive. Thus, in a strategy game, the player’s time is devoted not so much to solving problems as it is to building up his civilization.
Finally, a third major difference between games of strategy and card games is the element of chance. In a game of Monopoly, the chances of winning are almost 100%, while the same odds apply to almost every other game. Thus, players generally feel that they are not risking as much as they would in a card game, in which case it would make more sense to spend more time planning strategies and planning possible outcomes. The more thought you put into planning your turns, the better your chances will be of success.