Cognitive Training
Dual N-Back Training Game
Train working memory by comparing the current position and letter with the one N steps ago.
How to Play
Read this before you start, or come back when you get stuck.
How to Play
Dual N-Back asks you to compare the current round with the round that appeared N steps earlier.
For example, in 2-back, compare the current round with the one from two rounds ago:
| Round | Position | Letter | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Top left | C | Build history |
| 2 | Center | F | Build history |
| 3 | Top left | B | Compare with round 1: position matches |
| 4 | Bottom right | F | Compare with round 2: letter matches |
Each round has two things to track:
- Position - where the square appears on the 3x3 grid.
- Letter - the spoken and displayed letter.
Press the matching option before the next round starts:
- F or Left Arrow if the position matches.
- J or Right Arrow if the letter matches.
- Space if both match.
- Do nothing if neither matches.
The first N rounds are just warm-up because there is not enough history to compare yet.
Best Starting Point
Start with 1-back if the rules are new. Move to 2-back once the task feels clear. Higher levels are mainly for short, focused challenges.
Practice Tips
- Say the position pattern quietly in your head, such as “top, middle, bottom”.
- Keep listening for the letter even when the position feels obvious.
- Prioritize accuracy first; speed becomes easier once the rule is automatic.
- Stop after a few minutes if attention drops. This game should feel focused, not frustrating.
Difficulty Guide
| Level | Good for | Target accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 1-back | Learning the rule | 85%+ |
| 2-back | Standard practice | 75%+ |
| 3-back | Strong challenge | 65%+ |
| 4-back | Advanced challenge | 55%+ |
| 5-back | Expert challenge | 50%+ |
The game below gives feedback after each round and counts misses as well as wrong presses, so the accuracy number is more useful for practice.