Today everyone’s into online games like Fortnite. But those games come and go; it’s the classics that withstand the test of time. And there’s a reason for that. One of them is that games like crosswords, Sudoku, chess and more are really brain games that boost memory, sharpen your mind and let you have fun while you’re doing it.
But not all games reinforce the same skills, and not all of them have the same effect. The older we get, the more concerned we all are about memory. So for the next time you want to have a game night or invite the grandkids over, here’s a list of the best games for your memory and thinking skills.
The best brain games that boost memory are:
1. Sudoku
This super-popular strategic-thinking game started in – no, not Japan. The game as we know it was developed by Howard Garns, a freelance puzzle-writer from Indiana. It was first published in Dell Pencils Puzzles and Word Games magazine in 1979. Five years later it got the name that would make it famous: Sudoku. (Yes, in Japan this time.)
So what’s so great about it? It’s a real multitasker for your brain. It involves logic, strategic thinking and memory in a way that pushes your brain to make new connections. Decision-making is in there, too. And, of course, the great feeling you get when you finally manage to solve the thing.
2. Chess
You knew this one would be in here. Chess is great for long-term memory – you have to remember how each piece is allowed to move and which other pieces they can knock out – and, of course, it probably has absolutely no match when it comes to strategic thinking, planning, and quick decision-making. If your grandson or great-niece doesn’t know how to play, teach them. Not only will you gain a great partner, you’ll be giving them a skill-builder for life.
3. Make a memory-boosting brain-game out of shopping.
Not all games have to be actual games with rules. You can take short shopping lists and turn them into a memory game by using what’s known as “peg words” instead of the actual items.
Peg words are just that – words you use as “pegs” to mentally hang other words on. You might use rhymes, or opposites, or anything else you like. So if you need to buy 5 rolls, you might write “live souls.” If you need one loaf of bread, you could write “sun dread.” Then take your fun shopping list and see if you can remember everything you really meant.
4. Crossword Puzzles
These are one of the most popular puzzles on the planet. And you probably knew they’d make this list. Crosswords exercise word retrieval, associations and, of course, memory. Just one thing: If you want crosswords to work as brain-boosters, they need to be challenging. If you get too good and you see the puzzles are becoming easy, invest in a high-level book instead of scouring the local papers for them.
5. The Tray Game
This is a fantastic memory-boosting brain game for a party or game night. One person is given a tray with a choice of items to place on it. Once they’ve chosen, they take the loaded tray and choose a partner. (You can do this by drawing lots, too.) The first person holds the tray while the partner has 10, 20, 30 seconds to look at it (however long you want). Then the one holding the tray covers it and the partner has to try and remember as many items from the tray that they can. The pair that scores highest wins.
6. Jigsaw Puzzles
You might wonder what jigsaws have to do with memory. The thing is this: When you’re trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle, what you’re really doing is memorizing a picture and then trying to reconstruct it. The harder the puzzle, the more your brain gets a workout. This is something that’s amazing to do in spades with the grandchildren or your nieces and nephews.
So there you have six of the best brain games that improve memory. Enjoy!