I’ve had a similar experience, but with poker instead of chess. At first, I thought it was just about luck, but over time I noticed I was paying way more attention to patterns, probability, and even people’s behavior. It made me more aware at work too, especially when negotiating deals. I once read that strategic gambling stimulates reward systems in the brain, which kind of makes sense — it’s like you’re training focus under pressure. If you’re curious, I found a breakdown here: https://thedigitalweekly.com/why-intelligent-people-like-to-gamble/ . It line

Lately I’ve been thinking about whether strategy games are like a workout for the brain. I spend my evenings playing chess online after work, and sometimes I feel sharper when tackling spreadsheets the next day. Other times, though, I’m not sure if I’m just convincing myself it’s “mental exercise.” Do you think regularly using strategy in games can actually improve memory or problem-solving skills, or is it just a fun way to pass the time?

I usually unwind with puzzles on my phone during train rides. Nothing competitive or strategic, just quick little games to pass the time. Funny thing is, I realized I started remembering random details better, like where I put my keys or what groceries I still needed. I can’t say it’s life-changing, but small habits like that sneak into your day and quietly make things easier without you really noticing.