June 24, 2021

By Michelle Alexander

The primary focus of a card game or game of skill is usually on having fun but there are some amazing benefits that go along with enjoying this pastime!

Benefits range from improved math skills to increased sense of self-esteem as a person improves. Games improve patience and concentration by waiting and focusing on what other players are doing to play the most effective move on their turn to win the game.

Winning requires players to remember played moves and specific pieces used strengthening those memory muscles. These games often use skills like grasping, holding and even laying cards down in an organized way which enhances fine motor skills. It provides a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth that can go a long way in reducing stress.

Friendly competition and conversation are often huge parts of any game and a great way to increase regular socialization and likely to leave a person in a good mood when the game is over. Join Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Department for cards and fun during the following days and times:

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village: Mexican train dominoes on Mondays, hand and foot on Tuesdays and Mah Jongg on Wednesdays. All from 1 - 4 p.m.

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, New Century AirCenter (near Gardner): Mah Jongg on Tuesdays, pinochle on Wednesdays, Hand and Foot on Thursdays and dominoes on Fridays. All from 1 - 4 p.m.

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive: Mah Johngg, 1 - 4 p.m., Thursdays.

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park: Pinochle, 1 - 4 p.m., Mondays; chess, 8:30 - 11 a.m., Tuesdays; progressive bridge, noon - 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays; cribbage, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Fridays; and duplicate bridge (partner required), noon - 4 p.m., Fridays.

Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Avenue, Overland Park: Duplicate bridge (partner required), noon - 4:30 p.m., Mondays; progressive bridge, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m, Wednesdays; and Mah Jongg, 1 - 4 p.m., Fridays.

All card and game groups have a fee of $1 per person each time you attend and is paid at the door when you arrive.

At the time of publication, individuals wishing to participate at Matt Ross Community Center or Tomahawk Ridge Community Center are asked to register in advance.

Registration will open each Wednesday at noon for the following week’s programs and can be made by calling 913-831-3359 or visiting the Cards and Games page at jcprd.com/50plus. Payment is not required at the time of registration and will be accepted at the door.

As capacity and distancing measure guidelines continue to change, we will resume these programs to drop ins with no pre-registrations requested as soon as possible.

Michelle Alexander is manager of the 50 Plus Department.