One good way to learn to invest in stock is to use stock instructional games. These games are developed to allow potential investors the opportunity to invest in stocks without taking the risk associated with novice players putting real money into the market.

These games are not only valuable to the beginning investor, however. Otheres with more experience still want the advantages of “paper trading,” or practice trading, before they commit money to a new strategy or new company.

Currently, these games are often available in on-line versions, which increases their speed and usefulness considerably.

Non-Threatening Reality

This non-threatening version of reality allows players in the game to see what happens if they take risks in investments that they would in other circumstances (ie: dealing with their own money) not try for fear of the consequences.

With the stock instructional games, players can learn to invest in stock by following a pattern or by taking risks and are able to see what the actual consequences are. The rules and objective in the games allow the first time or novice investor to understand a structure and plan and gives them guidelines in which to work.

The online element allows an ease of use not available in the paper versions of investment games, since a computer aided game that helps people learn to invest in stocks can automatically follow the selected stocks in which the investor has placed his or her money, and can automatically figure profits and losses, etc.

Sales of stock are also easily calculated and recorded. The computer also does all record keeping and profit or loss tracking. While this may diminish the experience of the user, it also makes the games more realistic and reasonable to play.

Board Games

While online and computer aided stock market games often mirror the real stock market in order to give people the actual feel of investing in the current market, there are some board games that aim to help the players learn to invest in stock generally, rather than teaching them about the current market.

Newer versions of stock market board games are similar to “Stock Rush;” a board game that is simple to play and avoids complicated tables and charts and tracking in favor of simply giving the idea of what it is like to invest in the stock market generally.

The game has all kind of action, and offers exciting game play, captivating the players while teaching them how the stock market works, with them being nearly unaware that they are learning.

All Ages

Adults and older children can play together and learn about the stock market together, as well as learn about commodities, franchises, and options.

Many adult investors who are specifically trying to pick up skills that will help them in their regular investing prefer the computer modules that simulate the actual stock market, however. 

There are games from CNBC SST that are used in a classroom setting, but can just as easily be used by individuals. Wall Street Survivor, Investopedia Stock Simulator, and Fantasy Stock Market are great for individual investors.