Online cognitive flexibility trainer

Task switching: the frame color sets the rule

Also known as: Task Switcher, odd or even, task switching

A digit appears inside a frame. Blue frame: is it odd or even? Orange frame: is it less or more than five? The rule changes without warning, and each round lasts one minute. You can play 10 minutes a day without signing up.

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1 minuteper round
2 rulesswitch without warning
No sign-up10 minutes a day
Progress30-day chart

What it trains

Why train task switching

The exercise works your cognitive flexibility: dropping one rule fast and picking up another. Both rules use the same two buttons, so when the frame changes, your hand tends to reach for the old answer out of habit.

After each round you see how many answers were right, how many were wrong, and your switch cost: how many milliseconds slower you answer right after the rule changes. Sign up and your rounds are saved, with a 30-day chart in your account.

It’s hard to get back to a task after a phone callSwitching eats up time
You stick to the old routine when things have changedThe previous rule hangs on
Multitasking wears you outEvery change of task feels like an effort
You want a one-minute warm-upSimple rules, fast pace

Rule switching

Blue frame means odd/even, orange means less/more than five.

Holding back the old answer

The same buttons mean different things depending on the frame.

Speed

Give as many answers as you can in one minute.

Accuracy

Each mistake is subtracted from your correct answers.

Rules

How to play

Start
Press “Start”. The one-minute timer begins right away.
Watch the frame
Blue: odd or even. Orange: less or more than five.
Answer
The left button means odd or less than 5, the right button means even or more than 5. The label you need is highlighted on the buttons.
Rule change
The frame color changes without warning. The more correct answers you give, the more often it changes.
Keyboard
The ← and → arrow keys work as the left and right buttons.

Play online

Task switching test online

Blue frame: odd or even. Orange frame: less or more than five. Play 10 minutes a day with no sign-up.

Task Switcher

The frame color tells you the rule: blue means odd or even, orange means more or less than five. The rule changes without warning.

Free play left today without signing up: 10 min

Method

What the exercise is based on

The game follows the classic task switching paradigm: the same digit, two rules, and a cue that tells you which rule applies right now. Psychologists call the difference in response time after a rule change versus no change the switch cost, and that is what the game shows in your results.

Another kind of switching is trained by the Gorbov–Schulte Table, where you alternate between two series of numbers. And in Card Sorter nobody even tells you the rule: you have to figure it out.

2rulesodd/even and less/more than 5

25→50%chance of a switchevery correct answer makes rule changes more likely

1 minper roundscore is correct answers minus mistakes

Who it’s for

Which ages

Adults

A flexibility warm-up for days made of constant switching between tasks.

Kids

Not in the “Kids” collection: you need to know odd and even numbers well and keep two rules in mind. Better for older schoolchildren.

60+

Included in the “60+” collection: digits from 1 to 9, and the rule hint is right on the buttons. 60+ set

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is switch cost?

It’s how many milliseconds slower you answer right after a rule change compared with when the rule stays the same. Only correct answers count.

Why is there no number 5?

Five is neither more nor less than five, so it never appears. The digits are 1 to 9, except 5.

Can I play with a keyboard?

Yes, the ← arrow works as the left button and → as the right one.

Do I need to sign up?

No, you can play 10 minutes a day right away. A free account lets you keep playing, save your results, track your progress and unlock the daily workout.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes, the trainer runs in the browser on phones, tablets and computers. Nothing to install.

Save your results and track your progress

Free sign-up: round history, a chart by skill and a daily workout of 5 exercises. No credit card needed.

All trainers

Task switching: the frame color sets the rule