https://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/786097
One of the things we look at when it comes to games is which
"intelligence" they use. Multiple Intelligences is a theory that says
there are different ways of being smart and that this impacts learning.
We probably all know people who can't understand the rules until they
play the game or who memorize the rules and still can't play. Those are
different intelligences at work.
In my reviews I'm going to try
to address the "intelligences" which might be in use for specific games.
I'd love to hear feedback about my opinions. I think its easy to see a
game a certain way based on who you're playing with. I'm reminded of a
guy in our group who was the undisputed champ of Magic until he tried a
local con. I think the same applies to many games, so gathering
opinions will help.
The intelligences are divided into 8
categories. Some of them are more difficult to game (or find games for)
than others and some intelligences lend themselves more to theme than
to mechanics.
Linguistic intelligence (Words)
These
people tend to think in words rather than pictures. They are good at
listening and talking. Usually they are good at teaching and
communicating. Games with lots of words tend to favor them -
storytelling games and most word games are where they're at their best.
Logical-mathematical intelligence (Numbers and Logic)
These
are people that like to make conceptual models of things. They think
in logical, reasoned ways. They have lots of questions. They tend to do
well at games where planning is key or where numbers are important.
Spatial intelligence (Pictures)
These
people think visually. They create images to remember things. They
enjoy maps and charts. They tend to do well at games where they can see
the solution or where the game relies on understanding spaces.
Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence (Body)
These
are people who have to touch things to understand them and who are
focused on their own bodies. They tend to be good athletes or dancers.
They do well at dexterity games and non-verbal games (like charades).
Musical intelligence (Music)
Those
in this group tend to have musical talent and they think in sounds and
patterns. There are very few boardgames which favor them (at least that
I'm aware of) although they may find some themes appealing (Battle of
the Bands, for example).
Interpersonal intelligence (People)
This
is the ability to relate to and understand others. They tend to be
communicators and peacemakers. In gaming, interpersonal intelligence is
very useful since it allows you to read the others at the table and to
put yourself in their shoes as you try to guess what they might do next.
Intrapersonal intelligence (Self)
This
is knowledge of the self. Those who excel here tend to have a firm
grasp on their own strengths and weaknesses. They are another group
which may have difficulty finding specific games, although they are most
likely to be able to pinpoint what it is about specific games they like
and dislike.
Naturalist intelligence (Nature)
This one
is "newer" than the others. Naturists are born observers and they are
able to classify things quickly and easily - for example, naturalist
intelligences allows kids to recognize different kinds of dinosaurs.
They are good at connecting things they see into groups. This one is
harder to follow (at least for me) and thus far I think it's more
thematic than mechanical in most games, although it might help with a
game like Set.
