Here are 10 free mind games to exercise your brain:
1. Sudoku
About the game
Sudoku
is a logic-based number placement puzzle. The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid so
that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes (also called blocks
or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9, only one time each (that is,
exclusively). The puzzle setter provides a partially completed grid. (source)
Where to play
Resources
2. Chess
About the game
Chess
is played on a square chequered chessboard with 64 squares arranged in an
eight-by-eight square. At the start, each player (one controlling the white
pieces, the other controlling the black pieces) controls sixteen pieces: one
king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The
object of the game is to checkmate the opponent’s king, whereby the king is
under immediate attack (in “check”) and there is no way to remove it from attack
on the next move. (source)
For more information, see the
rules of chess.
Where to play
Resources
3. Bridge
About the game
Contract bridge, usually known simply as bridge, is a trick-taking card game of
skill and chance. It is played by four players who form two partnerships; the
partners sit opposite each other at a table. The game consists of the auction
(often called bidding) and play, after which the hand is scored. (source)
For more information, see the
rules of bridge.
Where to play
These sites require you to log in and play against other human players. I couldn’t find free sites that allow you to play bridge online against computer.
Resources
4. Crossword
About the game
A
crossword is a word puzzle
that normally takes the form of a square or rectangular
grid of black and white squares.
The goal is to fill the white squares with letters, forming words or phrases, by
solving clues which lead to the answers. (source)
Where to play
Resources
5. Go
About the game
Go
is played by two players alternately placing black and white stones on the
vacant intersections of a line grid. The objective of the game is to control a
larger part of the board than the opponent. (source)
For more information, see the
rules of Go.
Where to play
Resources
6. Checkers
About the game
Checkers
is a form of the draughts
board game played on an
8×8 board with 12 pieces on each side that may only move and capture forward. (source)
For more information, see the
rules of
checkers.
Where to play
Resources
7. Reversi
About the game
Reversi
are names for a board game which involves play by two parties on an
eight-by-eight square grid with pieces that have two distinct sides. The object
of the game is to make your pieces constitute a majority of the pieces on the
board at the end of the game, by turning over as many of your opponent’s pieces
as possible. (source)
For more information, see the
rules of Reversi.
Where to play
Resources
8. Connect Four
About the game
Connect
Four is a two-player board game in which the players take turns in dropping
alternating colored discs into a seven-column, six-row vertically-suspended
grid. The object of the game is to connect four singly-colored discs in a row —
vertically, horizontally, or diagonally — before your opponent can do likewise.
(source)
Where to play
Resources
9. Chinese Checkers
About the game
Chinese
checkers is a board game that can be played by two to six people. The objective
of the game is to place one’s pieces in the corner opposite their starting
position of a pitted 6-pointed star by single moves or jumps over other pieces.
(source)
For more information, read the
rules of
Chinese checkers.
Where to play
Resources
10. Mastermind
About the game
Mastermind
is a simple code-breaking board game for two players (source).
For more information, read the
rules of Mastermind.
Where to play
Resource
***
The ten games above are enough to improve your brain fitness. But, in case you got bored, there are plenty of other mind games you can find on these sites:
Whatever game you choose, play it and boost your brain’s performance.