“Baby, It’s Cold Outside!”

I have said this many times on our blog before – I consider myself pretty much a “fair weather” golfer.  I am not comfortable playing in the rain and I am certainly not a fan of playing in the cold.  

Cold being anything below 72 degrees!

As I am writing this, 30% of the Midwest is currently under 10 degrees – YIKES!!   Truth be told – it appears to be cold weather just about everywhere across the U.S. right now.

Which translates to no golf for me – at least for the time being.  

So, how am I filling my time you might ask? 

It appears the game of golf doesn’t always take place on a green, manicured course.  (Who would have thought?)  Sometimes it can take place at your kitchen table.  

We recently purchased the card game “Play Nine”.  It’s a card game that is played among two or more people.  You take risks to gain rewards in this competition of chance, and just as in regular golf, the lowest score wins.  

My golfing partner is much better than me – he is all about strategy and thinking three or four moves ahead!  

I, on the other hand, just take it one discard at a time.

Not only do we think the game is enjoyable – there appears to be a few benefits of playing cards that I hadn’t really given any thought to, until now that is. 

 

Card games have provided people with endless amounts of entertainment for centuries. There are hundreds of different card games out there, some sticking to the classic 52-card deck, others incorporating their unique cards that give the game a special twist like “Play Nine” for instance. 

I am sure like us, you have probably made some fond memories playing card games with friends and family, and surprisingly enough card games carry quite a few positives that you might not have known about.  Here are some of the benefits.

• Great Entertainment Value.   There’s a reason why card games are a staple of the casino industry!

• Keep Your Brain Sharp.  Most classic card games such as Poker, Blackjack, and Rummy require players to stay sharp and focused.   

• Improve Your Memory.   Many card games implore you to utilize your memory.  (Guess professional Poker Players get this one – counting cards come to mind?)

• Provide Stress Relief and Relaxation.  Studies have proven that playing “non-competitive” card games can be very relaxing.  (NOTE:  Is “non-competitive” playing any game even a thing?)

• Social Game.  Possibly the biggest benefit of playing card games is the social aspect they bring to the table.  

Ok, Ok, I get it – some people love the winter weather and I know that even in cold weather you can have an adventure. You can ski, snowboard, go tubing and so many other things, but I am NOT “made for winter”, and it looks like this cold weather is going to be around for a few more weeks.  

So for now I will continue to practice up on my putting, play a bit of “Play Nine” cards and pray for those 50-degree days to be here a little sooner.  

My Reads from the Reds – There are only two seasons – Winter and Golf!

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting.    Written by Kathy Festa