6 Brain-Boosting Games To Try

There's no shortage of fun games out there, but it's also true that some games are better for you than others. In some cases, games (such as hyper casual games) offer no value beyond being an entertaining distraction.

Other games, on the other hand, really can have a positive impact. They're the games that are both fun to play and which offer brain boosting benefits, such as improving concentration, memory, and critical-thinking skills.

We've put together a collection of some of the best mind-enhancing games below. If you're looking for some entertainment that can also have long-lasting impacts, then try one of the following.

Chess

Is it any surprise that chess is the first on our list? Chess has been around for some 1,500 years, and is known for being the ultimate 'thinking person's game.'

It can take a little while to get to grips with the rules of chess, but once you have, you'll have unlocked a lifelong passion that can offer a world of benefits. Chess has been shown to offer a wide range of benefits, including enhancing memory, improving focus, and helping to develop planning skills. It can also increase your self-awareness, function as an anti-anxiety activity, and offer protection against dementia.

That's a lot of good that can come from spending an hour or so engaging in what is ultimately an enjoyable activity.

Word Games

Word games are awesome. Not only do they offer plenty of benefits, but they're also quick and relaxing to play. You can play a game of Wordle in a matter of minutes (or even less if you manage to get the word in the first/second attempt), while a crossword puzzle can be completed while you have your breakfast (though higher-difficulty crossword puzzles may take longer).

Some of the benefits of word games include giving your memory a workout, helping to enhance your creativity, improving your problem-solving skills, and adding more words to your vocabulary. In the case of word games that have a math component (such as cryptic crosswords), you should experience a boost to your cognitive performance, too.

Ultimately, word games are fun, affordable, and brain-boosting, so they absolutely deserve to form part of your daily schedule.

Sudoku

Like the relaxation side of word games, but find that words aren't really your thing? Then try Sudoku, which is essentially the math equivalent of word games. Sudoku, released in 1979, has proven to be one of the world's most popular puzzle games, and that's thanks in large part to the mental benefits it provides.

Studies have consistently shown that Sudoku is good for the brain. For instance, it's excellent for neuroplasticity, which is the brain's way of forming new neural pathways. It'll also help strengthen your memory, give your cognitive abilities a nudge in the right direction, and help protect your brain against dementia. All those benefits from a puzzle that you can complete over your morning breakfast? Sign us up.

Looking to get the most benefits from playing Sudoku? Start as young as possible, play consistently, and play the puzzles at the more challenging levels.

Poker

From the outside, poker can seem like a typical, standard gambling game. However, unlike other casino games like roulette and blackjack, luck only plays a very small role in poker. Most of a player's outcome depends on their ability, and those abilities are, in fact, extremely good for the brain.

Poker can help enhance focus, boost decision-making skills, and even help with emotional regulation. The fact that the game can be used to improve your bank balance is even better.

Bridge

You can understand why people are a little reluctant to play bridge. It's a game that seemingly has an endless number of complicated rules. However, there's value in taking the time to get to grips with the game. It's a social game that you'll likely enjoy for the rest of your life.

Plus, there are brain benefits to playing bridge, too. After all, the more you play the game, the better you'll become at strategic thinking, you'll improve at maths, and your memory will be given a boost, too.

Tetris

Looking for a quick, easy, and fun way to improve your brain? Then give Tetris a try. A lot of research has been carried out on this classic game, and it's good news for people looking for ways to support their brain health. Tetris improves cognitive skills, reduces stress, boosts memory, and may even help improve sleep, which is essential for having a healthy brain.