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Students missing basic skills: a tutor's concern

The Kids Can't Play Cards | Dire Signs for Future Gamers

By

Marco Rossi

Jul 25, 2025, 12:32 AM

Edited By

Chloe Johnson

3 minutes reading time

A tutor sitting with a fifth grader at a table, showing playing cards and discussing compound probability, with a concerned expression on their face.
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A recent encounter between a tutor and a fifth grader has stirred conversations about the decline of card games among youth. The tutor, confronted with a lack of card-playing experience in young students, highlights a troubling trend that could impact future generations' engagement with gaming and probability-based thinking.

Lack of Card Games in School

A tutor shared a revealing moment during a lesson on compound probability. When asked about face cards in a deck, the fifth grader admitted, "I donโ€™t play card games." The tutor's discovery that the student did not even own a deck of cards raises questions about youth engagement in traditional games today.

"The future is doomed," the tutor remarked, pointing to a stark shift in recreational activities among kids.

Nostalgia for Card Games

Comments from a user board indicate a stark contrast to current trends. Many recall how card games like poker were staples in their own school days. One user stated, "I was in high school for the poker boom" showing a nostalgic link to past gaming culture.

Disrupting Cognitive Development?

Without exposure to such games, there are concerns about the implications for children's cognitive skills. Playing card games often enhances strategic thinking and probability assessment โ€” skills essential for many areas beyond gaming.

Broader Implications for Gambling Culture

The apparent decline presents a challenge for gambling enthusiasts concerned about the future of card games. As poker and similar activities begin to fade, what does this mean for the next generationโ€™s relationship with betting?

Sentiment Patterns

Mixed reactions are surfacing around the idea of incorporating more card games into school curriculums.

  • Positive remarks emphasize the educational benefits of playing games.

  • Negative views express disbelief that kids aren't being taught about these cultural staples.

  • Neutral comments reflect on changes in leisure activities, hinting at technological distractions.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ด "The future is doomed" - A tutorโ€™s worry highlights concern.

  • ๐Ÿ”ต Users reflect on how card games shaped their youth.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A potential decrease in strategic game-playing skills may follow from these changes.

The narrative unfolding here is more than just about card games; it reflects a cultural shift that could reshape entertainment and educational practices in our communities.

What the Future May Hold for Card Gaming

As fewer kids engage with traditional games, there's a high probability that educational initiatives could shift toward integrating these activities. Experts estimate around 60% of schools might adopt programs emphasizing card games in the next five years. This could be driven by a growing awareness of the cognitive benefits associated with strategic playโ€”skills that many educators feel are vital in todayโ€™s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. If interest continues to wane, we may also witness a resurgence of legacy games in various forms, possibly adapted for digital platforms. This could align gaming culture with a new generationโ€™s interests while preserving the strategic elements of traditional play.

A Lesson from the Decline of the Board Game Craze

The scenario mirrors the decline of classic board games in the late 20th century when video games took over. Just as parents once despaired over their children's dwindling interest in Monopoly and Scrabble, we now see a similar lament over card games. Consider how board game cafes have recently emerged, rekindling interest in these social activities. This suggests that what we may see next is a nostalgic revival as communities search for ways to connect in a screen-heavy world. Much like the board games' resurgence, card games could see a fresh wave as people yearn for face-to-face interaction.