Dual n-back, in your browser
Dual n-back is one of the toughest working memory games there is. Every turn you see a square and hear a letter, and you have to say whether either one matches what happened N turns earlier. At 2-back it already takes full concentration.
Play free online from 1-back to 4-back. Your best accuracy for each level is saved, so you can watch yourself improve. It is a game for focus and practice, not a medical assessment.
How to play Dual N-Back
- Each turn, one of nine squares lights up and a letter is spoken.
- Press Position (or the A key) when the square is in the same place as N turns ago.
- Press Sound (or the L key) when the letter is the same as N turns ago.
- A round has 20 scored turns. Your score is the share of turns you judged correctly.
Dual N-Back tips
Start at 1-back
At 1-back you compare with the turn just before. It is the best way to learn the controls before stepping up.
Keep a rolling list
Silently repeat the last N items, dropping the oldest each turn. Keep one list for places and one for letters.
Don't press when unsure
Wrong presses count against you the same as missed matches. When in doubt, let the turn pass.
Frequently asked questions
What is dual n-back?
Dual n-back is a working memory task where you track two streams at once, positions and sounds, and spot matches with the item N steps back. It became popular through memory training research.
Does dual n-back increase IQ?
The research is mixed. People get better at the task itself, but lasting effects on general intelligence are debated. Play it as a demanding focus game, not as a medical treatment.
Do I need sound?
Yes, the letters are spoken aloud, so turn your sound on. If your browser can't speak, the letter is shown on screen instead.
