Your problem-solving skills is a critical skill that you must have if you want to thrive in your job, business, and life. While most people learn problem solving by being exposed to difficult situations and being forced to discover solutions very instantly, some do not.

As a result, not everyone is adept at effective problem-solving. However, there is a simple technique to increase your problem-solving abilities by utilizing technology. There are various enjoyable methods to do so nowadays, including playing brain games on your mobile device. Here are some game apps that help you improve your problem-solving skills while having fun.

1. Crossword puzzles

Crossword puzzles can increase your verbal skills by enabling you to connect words with unique clues. These clues may also require you to think critically about what your options for words are within the specific confines of the spaces. Completing crossword puzzles regularly generally helps you improve how quickly and accurately you’re able to do so. Consider gradually completing more difficult puzzles to test yourself.

2. Sudoku

Sudoku is a logic puzzle that uses numbers and requires you to identify patterns to complete the puzzle. These puzzles include a large box with nine boxes inside of them, and there are grid lines throughout to create nine spaces in each box. You complete the puzzle by writing the numbers one through nine in the boxes without repeating the same number in a row, column or box. This requires analytical thinking, pattern recognition, logical thinking and math skills.

3. Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles use your short-term memory skills to fit differently shaped puzzle pieces together to form an image. These puzzles require you to complete a series of steps, including color, shape and object recognition, to complete the puzzle. This requires concentration, focus and problem-solving to determine how pieces relate to other and fit together to complete the entire puzzle successfully.

4. Chess

While many puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku primarily use the left side of the brain, which is the logic side, chess actively challenges the right side, which is responsible for creativity skills. Chess also expands problem-solving skills because it requires considering solutions to ever-changing scenarios. If you’re new to playing chess, this involves relying on memorizing the different moves each piece can make. As you play more and your skills improve, this allows you to develop and plan strategies, encouraging a more logical flow of thinking.

5. Board games

There are a variety of board games that can improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When you play board games with others, you can improve your communication and teamwork skills. Many board games allow you to use logic to solve multi-step challenges.

6. Computer games

Many computer games increase problem-solving skills  and reaction times with timed trials and challenges. Computer games can also help to develop multi-tasking skills, as you need to complete minor tasks with a larger goal as the focus. The fast-paced movement of many games also requires players to think critically and make quick decisions.

7. List games

List games are challenges in which a group builds ideas off one foundational concept. You start with an item related to the provided topic, then the next person repeats your item and adds another, then the same process repeats until someone can’t recall all the items. This encourages active listening, memory recall, focus and creativity. As the lists continue or the topics become more obscure, this requires participants to think creatively to think about appropriate items to list.

Read Also: What Games Are Good For Social Skills?

Here’s an example of how the game works:

Nadia says the topic is groceries and begins the game with bread. Michael is next, so he repeats bread and adds milk. Jeremiah is third, and he repeats bread and milk and adds eggs. Bethany is next, but she can only remember milk and eggs, ending the game.

8. Memory cards

Playing with memory cards requires a standard deck of cards. Organize the cards in even rows, such as four rows of 13 cards if you remove the jokers or six rows of nine cards if you don’t. Start by flipping two cards over to check for a match, and repeat until you find and remove all matches from the game. This helps improve your memory and concentration, and setting a timer may provide an additional challenge.

9. Trivia

Trivia can be an effective way to help you remember facts and improve your knowledge. There are many of ways to play trivia, such as apps on your phone, games with friends or special events. Consider choosing trivia related to a specific topic that you know a lot about, or try general trivia that discusses many topics.

10. Magic cup

Magic cup is an activity that involves three cups that you can’t see through and a small item, such as a ping pong ball or a coin. Set the cups in a row, and place the item under one of the cups. Move the cups around quickly and repeatedly, then try to guess which cup has the item in it. This encourages concentration and tests your memory.

Follow these tips to ensure you successfully improve your professional skills while playing memorization games:

• Change the game you play. To challenge your memorization skills, change the game you play to give yourself new challenges.
• Play a game every day. Continually playing games helps you remain current in your skills. Try to play a game for at least 15 minutes a day to ensure you’re increasing your knowledge.
• Actively monitor your progress. It’s useful to track your progress in skill development, and it may motivate you to continue practicing. For example, keep a journal of how long you take to complete a crossword or Sudoku puzzle each day, and compare the times.

Conclusion

Adults can engage in a variety of problem-solving activities. Online problem solving games, which need a different skill set than in-person problem solving, are available. When group members are separated and unable to display or pick up physical clues, communication must be much clearer and more numerous.

Although many problem-solving games incorporate props and in-person features, there are many games that can be played online with others. These exercises are effective as teaching tools as well as team bonding boosters. Participants are likely to feel a sense of success and enhanced confidence after completing the course. These games are also excellent for practicing real-life conflict resolution, creative thinking, and team building skills.