The 21st century world in which we live offers a multitude of entertainment opportunities at every twist and turn. Whether it’s watching a new Netflix movie on our smart T.V. or viewing a live concert on Instagram, nowadays we don’t even need to take one step out the door to be highly entertained. In fact, the latest trends in technology are largely taking over in our homes, upgrading various aspects of our everyday lives.
However, some of the most classic forms of amusement and fun, such as playing board games, involve no technology whatsoever and show no sign of going out of style anytime soon. People have been enjoying titles like Battleship, Monopoly, Clue, and Scrabble for decades, but their entertainment value still stands strong. One such game in particular, Risk, has been especially celebrated and played by millions ever since its release in the late-1950s.
Risk is unique in its gameplay and as such is not only a form of entertainment, but also imparts valuable life skills. Below we’ll take a look at some of the most important lessons the game teaches, so the next time you’re playing with friends, keep these in mind!
Make confident decisions, adapt if needed
Risk is, first and foremost, a game of strategy. Although it’s great fun for friendly competition or a casual game night at home, it requires participants to think thoroughly and methodically towards a specific goal, namely the conquering of nations. But because the game makes use of a die, it combines a small element of chance along with skill.
Although the number an opponent rolls cannot be predicted, the decisions made during the game should always depend on the board’s dynamics with the player continuously considering every possible option. However, once a choice is taken, sticking to it is vital for long-term success. At the same time, players must trust their decisions while building an army but also be on alert to adapt if necessary. In life, we will equally face a variety of defining times, and the way we choose to deal with them can make all the difference.
Patience produces endurance and helps us to achieve our goals
Patience is a vital skill in any area of life, and especially while playing board games. Since Risk is multi-player, participants must wait their turn while examining changes in the board. In addition, the game can sometimes last hours or even days depending on a variety of factors.
Risk develops patience and endurance during gameplay and since each player must think thoroughly after rolling their die, it isn’t a rushed activity. As such, participants are trained to become slow to think and act, developing strength and resilience skills on the way to achieving their goals.
Sometimes you have to act without knowing the outcome
Board games, especially strategic ones, often require players to put themselves in a situation of uncertainty. The name of the game is “Risk,” after all, so you can imagine that some unknown circumstances will present themselves.
If by the end, you make it out with all soldiers still alive or even reign victorious, you’ll have succeeded by taking more than one risk. In the same way, life will continuously throw unpredictable situations our way and challenge us to respond. Sometimes there won’t be an easy road to choose, and we’ll have to take a path that isn’t clearly defined. However, in Risk and in life, this is where we normally learn the most valuable skills and lessons.
Practice makes perfect
More than one of us have heard the expression “practice makes perfect” at some point during our lives. However, did you know the common saying is actually backed by science and proves that the consistent refining of skills is extremely valuable in the long-term? As is in life and the game of Risk, practice is an essential aspect of growth.
If you don’t win your first round of Risk, don’t give up – just keep trying. After all, learning how to fail is one of the best ways to succeed and a universal life lesson for all ages.
