🧠 Brain Boost N-Back

What is Brain Boost N-Back?

Brain Boost N-Back is a free working memory training game based on the Dual N-Back cognitive training paradigm. Following the late-1990s research of cognitive psychologist Susanne Jaeggi, N-Back has been reported to improve working memory and fluid intelligence — making it one of the most well-known neuroplasticity-based exercises. In a 3×3 grid, a visual stimulus (position) and an auditory stimulus (letter tone) are presented simultaneously every few seconds, and you must quickly decide whether each matches the stimulus from N trials ago. An adaptive difficulty system raises N by one when your accuracy hits 80%+ and drops it by one when accuracy falls below 50%, keeping you near your cognitive limit. All scores and history are stored locally in your browser via LocalStorage — no server transfer.

Common Use Cases

How to Use

1. 1
   Watch the Tutorial

   On first visit, an N=1 tutorial appears automatically. Learn how stimuli are presented, how to respond, and the keyboard shortcuts before starting a real session.
2. 2
   Configure the Session

   Choose N (1–9), session length (short/standard/long), stimulus interval (2–3s), sound on/off, and adaptive mode. Beginners: start with N=2, standard length, normal speed.
3. 3
   Start Training

   A cell lights up while a letter tone plays. If the position matches the stimulus from N trials ago, press [Position Match] (key A). If the sound matches, press [Sound Match] (key L). Press both if both match, none if neither.
4. 4
   Review & Repeat

   After each session, your position/sound accuracy and cognitive score are displayed. With adaptive mode on, N auto-adjusts for the next session. Train daily for at least 2 weeks to see meaningful gains.

Frequently Asked Questions