Mastering strategy games: what they are, how to begin, and how to improve your skills

By Bryan W.

What is a strategy game?: Strategy is a genre of games where players use decision-making, planning, and tactics. Unlike other games which might rely on luck such as Candy Land, strategy games are entirely about skill and using your brain.

Find a strategy game: Strategy games aren’t for everyone. Don’t feel like you have to jump right to chess just because it’s popular, feel free to start with simpler games like Exploding Kittens or Connect 4.

Learn the basics: While you don’t have to memorize every rule or mechanic you should at minimum learn what the goal of the game is and how to reach it. Ex: Connect 4’s win condition is getting  four in a row whether vertically, diagonally, or horizontally.

Play the game: Now that you’ve found a game you enjoy playing, you shoudn’t jump right to becoming the very best. Play the game regularly with other people like friends or family. Strategy games are a great way to spend time.

Learn from other players: Currently you should have some experience playing the strategy game of your choice, assuming you now have a general understanding of the game itself, you should seek advice from other people who play the game. Whether through youtube, twitch, playing against other players, or articles (from reliable sources) online. 

Practice consistently: Now that you learned some tips, strategies, or tricks from more experienced players. You might want to try them out. But you shouldn’t expect to master it instantly. As in the words of Lalaine Capucion, “By dedicating time to practice, you'll gradually build confidence and proficiency.”

Evaluate yourself: For every victory and loss you go through. Look back at the moves made during your game. search for any mistakes you or your opponent made, look at what could have led to your win/loss and what actually caused it.

Keep your cool: Getting angry or stressed is expected when playing any game, not just strategy. By remaining calm you can properly analyze Remember it’s just a game no need to flip the board or lunge over the table.

So far I’ve told you how to improve at the game, but let’s look at the input of an actual professional from the Third World Chess Champion José Raúl Capablanca: “Most players do not like losing... Those who wish to perfect themselves must regard their losses as lessons and learn from them"

By following these steps, you’ll learn not just how to play strategy games but also how to improve at them. With a bit of patience and consistency, you’ll see great results.