MacBook Air Freezing Up Intermittantly while playing a simple card game.

I have a MacBook Air 13" Mid 2012 with Mojave 10.14.6. I purchased this Mac New and have never had a problem. I've played this game for years on my Mac. All of a sudden it started freezing up between moves, the little wheel shows up. It lasts for maybe 5 to 10 seconds, but between each move. This happened before about six months ago, but went away after I did a restart. Doesn't seem to want to go away this time. Very annoying. I think it has to do with the game because it only occurs when playing. I have the game open now and can open Safari and type here without problem.