Online cognitive flexibility trainer

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: figure out the rule

Also known as: Card Sorter, card sorting test, WCST

Match each card to one of four key cards. Nobody tells you the rule: color, shape or number, you have to work it out from the “correct” and “incorrect” feedback. Every now and then the rule changes. A round lasts two minutes, and you can play 10 minutes a day without signing up. Your result is free once you enter your email: we show it to you and send it to your inbox.

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2 minutesper round
3 rulescolor, shape, number
No sign-up10 minutes a day
Progress30-day chart

What it trains

Why take the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

The exercise works your cognitive flexibility: find the rule from feedback, and when it stops working, let it go and look for a new one. The hardest part isn’t guessing the rule but noticing in time that it has changed.

After each round you see how many rules you found, how many answers were right, how many were wrong and how many times you answered by the old rule. Sign up and your rounds are saved, with a 30-day chart in your account.

You keep doing things the old way even when it no longer worksIt’s hard to let go of the previous rule
New situations without instructions take you a whileYou have to work out the rule yourself
You love puzzlesHere nobody explains the task
You want a two-minute warm-upA short round with a clear score

Finding the rule

The rule can only be worked out from “correct” and “incorrect”.

Changing strategy

When the rule changes, drop the old one and look for a new one.

Paying attention to feedback

One unexpected “incorrect” can mean the rule has changed.

Working memory

Remember which rules you’ve already tried.

Rules

How to play

Start
Press “Start”. At the top are four key cards: one red triangle, two stars, three yellow crosses, four blue circles.
Card
A card appears below. Tap the key card you want to put it with.
Feedback
The game says “correct” or “incorrect”. Use the feedback to work out what matters now: color, shape or number.
Rule change
After six correct answers in a row, the rule changes without warning.
New rule
Mistakes start piling up? Look for a new rule. Each rule you find is worth 3 points.

Play online

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test online

Put each card with a key card and work out the rule from the feedback. Play 10 minutes a day with no sign-up.

Card Sorter

Sort the cards onto the sample cards. Nobody tells you the rule: figure it out from the “right/wrong” feedback. Sometimes the rule changes without warning.

Free play left today without signing up: 10 min

Method

What the exercise is based on

The exercise is modeled on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, first described in 1948. The key cards are almost the same as in the original, and the rules are the same and come in the same order: color, shape, number. One difference: in the classic test the rule changes after ten correct answers in a row, here after six.

Answers that follow the old rule after it has changed are called perseverations in psychology, and your results show them on a separate line. A similar switching skill, but with a cue, is trained by the Task Switcher.

3rulescolor, shape, number

6correct in a rowand the rule changes without warning

+3pointsfor each rule you find

Who it’s for

Which ages

Adults

A two-minute puzzle for people who like to figure things out without instructions.

Kids

Not in the “Kids” collection: the rule isn’t explained and has to be worked out, which is tricky for young children. Better for older schoolchildren.

60+

Not in the “60+” collection. If you enjoy puzzles, give it a try: you get “correct” or “incorrect” feedback after every answer.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How is the score counted?

Correct answers minus mistakes, plus 3 points for each rule you find.

How do I know the rule has changed?

The game doesn’t warn you. If mistakes start after a run of correct answers, the rule is already different.

What does “by the old rule” mean?

These are mistakes where you placed a card by a rule that has already changed. Your results show them separately.

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.

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Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: figure out the rule