What is a 1-back reaction game?

A 1-back game asks whether the current item is the same as the item shown immediately before it. This version uses four pixel symbols.

Does the first symbol count as a round?

No. The first symbol is an untimed learning sample that gives you something to compare with the first scored symbol.

How does endless mode work?

Endless mode starts with a 2.4-second answer window that gradually shrinks to 650 milliseconds. The first wrong answer or timeout ends the run.

Can I play the n-back reaction game on mobile?

Yes. Tap the large MATCH and DIFFERENT buttons. On a keyboard, use M or Left Arrow for MATCH and D or Right Arrow for DIFFERENT.

1-BACK MEMORY · 20 ROUNDS

N-BACK REACTION

Is the current pixel symbol the same as the one immediately before it? Remember one step back and answer fast.

ROUNDS 0 / 20

Complete 20 scored rounds with 10 matches and 10 differences. Mistakes and timeouts still advance.

CORRECT0

ACCURACY—

AVG. REACTION—

BEST REACTION—

READY?

CURRENT

SAME OR DIFFERENT?

The first symbol is a learning sample and is not scored.

Keyboard: M or ← for MATCH · D or → for DIFFERENT · Touch: tap either large button.

HOW TO PLAY

Compare each symbol with the one before it

01
Start the game and memorize the first symbol. It is a learning sample, so there is no timer and it does not count toward your score.
02
For every scored round, compare CURRENT with PREVIOUS. Choose MATCH if they are identical, or DIFFERENT if they are not.
03
Answer before the timing bar empties. Finish all 20 standard rounds, or protect one life as the endless timer shrinks.

ONE STEP BACK

What does this 1-back game test?

You keep one visual item in working memory, compare it with a new item, and make a two-choice response. The memory slot stays visible so the rule is always clear.

This short recreational challenge can help you practice focused comparison and response control. It is not a medical or cognitive assessment.

READ YOUR RESULT

Accuracy first, then reaction speed

Standard mode contains exactly 10 MATCH and 10 DIFFERENT targets. Accuracy includes wrong answers and timeouts; average and best reaction times use correct answers only.

For a fair personal comparison, repeat the same mode on the same device. Keyboard and touch can produce different reaction times.

QUESTIONS

N-back reaction game FAQ

What does 1-back mean?

It means you compare the current symbol with the symbol exactly one position earlier. You never need to remember a longer sequence in this game.

Does the first symbol count?

No. It is an untimed learning sample. The first scored round appears after that sample and compares against it.

Are MATCH and DIFFERENT balanced?

Yes in standard mode. Every 20-round game contains exactly 10 MATCH targets and 10 DIFFERENT targets in a shuffled order.

What happens in endless mode?

You have one life. The answer window begins at 2.4 seconds and falls toward 650 milliseconds. One wrong answer or timeout ends the run.

Can I use a phone or keyboard?

Yes. Tap MATCH or DIFFERENT on a phone. On a computer, press M or Left Arrow for MATCH and D or Right Arrow for DIFFERENT.