Start with a specific goal
Choose one task: remembering a sequence, noticing details, responding to a signal or calculating accurately. Follow its rules and record time and errors. Five to ten minutes is a convenient starting session, not a proven universal training dose.
Cabe is an iPhone and Android app with games for memory, attention, reaction time and mental math. Try several free browser tests before installing it, then choose tasks you enjoy repeating.
Match the exercise to your goal
- Memory: remember number positions in the chimp test. Compare sequence length and errors.
- Attention: find numbers in order in a Schulte table. Record time alongside mistakes.
- Reaction: wait for a colour change in the reaction time test. Compare several attempts on the same device.
- Mental math: solve a short set of calculations and check the answers. Start with accuracy before adding time pressure.
- Logic: explain each step in an easy Sudoku. This practises one kind of constraint problem; it is not a general intelligence test.
1. Remember number positions
In the chimp test, study where the numbers are, then tap them in order after they disappear. Choose a manageable sequence rather than repeatedly guessing at the hardest level. Record sequence length and errors, keeping settings consistent between sessions.
For an exercise away from the screen, study five objects, cover them and name them from memory. Check the answer before adding another object. Find more examples in our memory games guide for adults.
2. Find numbers in order
Open a Schulte table and find numbers from 1 to 25 in order. Keep the grid size fixed, try twice with a short break and record both times instead of only your best score.
This task practises number search. It does not measure reading speed or comprehension. If reading is your goal, practise with unfamiliar text and a summary: see five exercises for reading with understanding.
3. Respond without guessing
Wait for the colour to change before tapping in the reaction test. Complete five attempts and note early taps separately. Compare averages on the same phone or computer using the same input method.
Device latency and tiredness can affect the numbers. A single record does not demonstrate better everyday reactions. Our reaction time guide explains simple reactions, response choices and inhibition.
4. Calculate and check
Try five similar problems: 27 + 18, 46 + 17, 35 + 29, 58 + 16 and 64 + 27. Start without a timer and check the answers: 45, 63, 64, 74 and 91. Explain at least one calculation, such as 27 + 18 = 27 + 10 + 8.
Once answers are accurate, use a fresh set at a similar level and record total time. Remembering the same answers is not the same as calculating faster. Explore Cabe math games and the mental math guide for more options.
5. Explain the reasoning
Choose an easy Sudoku. Before placing a number, explain which values the row, column and box exclude. If stuck, review candidates instead of guessing. Record whether you finished without hints; keep different difficulty levels separate.
A sample weekly plan
- Day 1: choose two tasks and record starting results.
- Day 2: repeat the memory task with the same settings.
- Day 3: try two Schulte tables and record time and errors.
- Day 4: complete a reaction series and a short calculation set.
- Day 5: solve a Sudoku without rushing.
- Day 6: practise the real task you care about: summarise something you read or calculate a purchase total, then check.
- Day 7: return to your two starting tasks. Compare accuracy, settings and several attempts rather than one record.
This is an example schedule, not a programme promising improvement in seven days. Change one difficulty setting at a time. If errors increase, return to the previous level or take a break.
Understand what progress means
A better game score primarily shows learning on that task. The review by Simons and colleagues distinguishes improvement on trained tasks from transfer to other abilities; an app cannot promise a general intelligence boost on this basis. Read our brain training research review.
Cabe can help organise varied practice and keep game results. For a goal outside the app, test that goal too: reading comprehension, calculation accuracy or recall of material you need. A game score does not replace that check.