Why I love abstract games

I've been on vacation in Mexico, and it put me in the mood to reflect on things I don't normally think about. It led to an essay in which I try to articulate why abstract games mean so much to me.

I tried to go beyond the usual "I-like-X-because-of-features-Y-and-Z" explanation. It was hard to write.

Here it is

Does any of what I say accord with your own feelings? Do you have entirely different reasons for caring about these games?

That was a pleasant read, thanks! :)

Maybe try the Japanese language method subject-object-verb

Subject=abstract, allow free thinking but follow the rulez

Object=board, a limited area but with nearly unlimited possibilities

Verb=games, all win if it's fair and live to play another day

Thank you nick for this nice article, I never thought about meditation, but it is clear I was practicing it everyday when I come here :-) .

Excellent! Congrats Nick! Great article!!!!!

thanks kindly :)

Yeah, very nice article. Totally agree on basically all points.

I'm curious what are your thoughts on the importance of 2 players vs 1 player, since Nurikabe, for example, has the other qualities you list, though perhaps not as much depth.

I don't have much an opinion about 1p games, as I don't play them much.