1. One of the most difficult cards that my group played was "Cartoonzi." For this card, it told you to play a regular game of Tenzi, but after each roll, you had to say the name of a cartoon character out loud. Now I don't watch a lot of cartoons anymore, so naming characters proved to be very difficult. But I think that there are some strategies for playing that would prove to be more useful than just naming characters willy-nilly.
A way to make this game easier might have been to decode on a cartoon before the game started and then going through as many characters from that one show as possible. Then when you can't think of anymore from that show, move on to another show. Also, going with shows you watched a lot as a kid that you still remember would make it easier. These characters you probably know better subconsciously than cartoons you just started watching.
Doing one that you would know more subconsciously allows you to focus less on the names of characters and more on looking for numbers on you're die.
2. I read the article form Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201403/eight-habits-improve-cognitive-function
)
This article was actually really interesting and talked not only about "brain games" but generally preserving the function of the brain. The author makes different points about how "brain games" played through a computer or smartphone don't actually do much for preserving your cognitive function when used alone. Although they do talk about how these types of games can supplement different types of brain stimulation. The author stresses engaging all parts of the brain is crucial to maintaining healthy brain function and longevity. This is what seems to be applicable to our games of Tenzi. Especially when I think about playing either the singing version or "Cartoonzi," these both seem like they engage multiple parts of the brain. In addition to this, the actual act of playing the game builds a social connection between the players and thinking about these questions encourages curiosity and creativity which are both both habits the author says help to encourage healthy brain function.
A way to make this game easier might have been to decode on a cartoon before the game started and then going through as many characters from that one show as possible. Then when you can't think of anymore from that show, move on to another show. Also, going with shows you watched a lot as a kid that you still remember would make it easier. These characters you probably know better subconsciously than cartoons you just started watching.
Doing one that you would know more subconsciously allows you to focus less on the names of characters and more on looking for numbers on you're die.
2. I read the article form Psychology Today (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201403/eight-habits-improve-cognitive-function
)
This article was actually really interesting and talked not only about "brain games" but generally preserving the function of the brain. The author makes different points about how "brain games" played through a computer or smartphone don't actually do much for preserving your cognitive function when used alone. Although they do talk about how these types of games can supplement different types of brain stimulation. The author stresses engaging all parts of the brain is crucial to maintaining healthy brain function and longevity. This is what seems to be applicable to our games of Tenzi. Especially when I think about playing either the singing version or "Cartoonzi," these both seem like they engage multiple parts of the brain. In addition to this, the actual act of playing the game builds a social connection between the players and thinking about these questions encourages curiosity and creativity which are both both habits the author says help to encourage healthy brain function.