Variable Ratio Schedule for Getting Kids Addicted to Board Games

In light of the above, here’s a solid Variable Ratio Schedule for playing board games with your kid:

1. the first time you play a particular game, let the kid win.
2. thereafter, let the kid win some of the time. 60% of the time is good to start (you can dial it down slowly as the kid improves if you want).
3. make the sequence of wins and losses as random as possible.
4. critically, make the outcome as close as you can every time, especially when the kid loses. She should always feel like she barely lost.

Nick Bentley, Variable Ratio Schedule for Getting Kids Addicted to Board Games (February 2019)

• board games
• parenting
• raising children