Play strategy games
About this idea
Engage your mind with chess, checkers, or puzzle games online or with others at home. Strategy games improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They're mentally stimulating and can be played solo or socially. Whether you prefer classic board games, online strategy games, or puzzle games, you'll exercise your brain while having fun. Many games are free online, and you can play with friends, family, or opponents worldwide.
On this page
How to get started
WEEK 1
choose your game
- Classic board games: Chess (lichess.org free), Checkers (online free), Go, Stratego
- Online strategy: Online chess platforms, strategy puzzle games, turn-based strategy games
- Puzzle games: Sudoku, crosswords, logic puzzles, brain teasers
- Card strategy: Solitaire variations, bridge, hearts (online free)
- Research options: Try different games to see what you enjoy, check online platforms
WEEK 2
learn basics
- Learn rules: Watch tutorial videos, read game guides, play tutorial modes
- Practice against computer: Start with easy AI, gradually increase difficulty
- Learn basic strategies: Opening principles (for chess), common patterns, fundamental tactics
- Join beginner communities: r/chessbeginners, game-specific subreddits for tips
- Play regularly: Even 15 minutes daily improves skills
WEEK 3
improve skills
- Study tactics: Learn common patterns, practice puzzles, analyze games
- Play against humans: Online platforms match you with similar skill levels
- Review your games: Learn from mistakes, understand what went wrong
- Set goals: Improve rating, learn new openings, solve harder puzzles
- Enjoy the process: Focus on learning, not just winning
WEEK 4
advance & compete
- Join tournaments: Many online platforms have tournaments, local clubs have events
- Teach others: Explaining games helps you learn, play with friends/family
- Explore variants: Try different game modes, time controls, or variants
- Track progress: Note rating improvements, puzzles solved, games won
- Continue learning: Strategy games have endless depth, always more to learn
What you’ll need
- computer/smartphone or physical game
- internet access (for online games)
Recommended resources
Tools & Apps
Tutorials & Learning
Progress milestones
Track your progress with these key achievements:
1
Week 1
Game chosen, rules learned, first games played
2
Week 2
Basic strategies understood, playing regularly, improving
3
Week 3
Skills improving, playing against humans, analyzing games
4
Week 4
Significant progress, joining competitions, teaching others
Common challenges
Every beginner faces obstacles. Here's how to overcome them:
Games seem too complicated
Solution: Start with simpler games or easier difficulty. Many games have tutorial modes. Learn one concept at a time. Practice against easy AI first. Remember: everyone starts as a beginner.
Losing too much
Solution: Losing is part of learning. Every loss teaches you something. Play against similar skill levels. Focus on learning, not winning. Review your games to understand mistakes. Progress comes gradually.
Don't have time for long games
Solution: Play shorter time controls (5-minute games). Many puzzle games can be done in 5-10 minutes. Play during breaks. Strategy games don't require long sessions—even 15 minutes helps.
Share your progress
Celebrate your achievements and inspire others:
- • Share your game achievements on social media
- • Post interesting puzzles or game positions
- • Join strategy game communities and share progress
- • Challenge friends to games
- • Document your improvement journey