Online memory game

Backward Corsi Blocks: tap the blocks in reverse, from last to first

Also known as: backward Corsi test, reverse Corsi block test, Corsi backward

Blocks on the board light up one at a time. Tap them in reverse order: the one that lit up last goes first. The sequence gets longer after every correct answer, and the game goes on until you make two mistakes in a row. You can play 10 minutes a day without signing up. Your result is free once you enter your email: we’ll show it to you and send it to your inbox.

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No timeruntil two mistakes in a row
9 blocksreverse order
No sign-up10 minutes a day
Progress30-day chart

What it trains

What backward Corsi Blocks train

In the forward version, you just remember the sequence and repeat it. Here you also have to flip it in your head, so the task works not only your spatial memory but your working memory too: you hold the order and work with it at the same time.

Your score for a round is the longest sequence you repeated backward without a mistake. Once you sign up, it’s saved, and your account shows a chart.

Forward Corsi Blocks feel easyYou want the same task, only harder
You get lost on the way backYou remember the way there, but the way back is a struggle
Rearranging things in your head is hardYou can remember it, but reordering it is another story
You want to find your limitThe sequence keeps growing until you slip up

Working memory

Hold a sequence and flip it in your head.

Spatial memory

Remember where each block was on the board.

Order

Keep track of which block came last and which came first.

Focus

Miss one flash and you can’t reverse the order anymore.

Rules

How to play

Watch
Press “Start”. The blocks light up one by one, with a “Watch carefully” prompt at the top.
Reverse it
When the display ends, tap the blocks in reverse order: the last one to light up goes first.
Correct
You repeated the whole sequence backward: the next one is one block longer. The first sequence has two blocks.
Mistake
A wrong tap ends the attempt, and you get a new sequence of the same length.
Game over
Two mistakes in a row end the game. Your score is the longest sequence you repeated backward.

Play online

Backward Corsi Blocks online

Press “Start”, watch the blocks, and tap them in reverse order.

Backward Corsi Blocks

Blocks light up one by one: tap them in reverse order, from last to first. Each correct answer makes the sequence longer.

Free play left today without signing up: 10 min

Method

The idea behind the exercise

The Corsi block-tapping test was created by Canadian psychologist Philip Corsi. Besides the forward version, psychologists also use a backward one: you reproduce the sequence starting from the end. The backward version is considered harder because you don’t just remember the order, you also have to rearrange it in your head.

The same idea with numbers is the “Digits Backward” game. And if you’d rather start with something simpler, try the forward “Corsi Blocks”.

2→3Starts with two blocksEvery correct answer adds one block.

up to 9No repeatsUp to a length of nine, each block lights up only once.

10+With repeatsBlocks can light up again, but never twice in a row.

Who it’s for

Which ages

Adults

For those who already find the forward version easy: the same short task, with the order flipped in your head.

Kids

Not part of the “Kids” collection: reversing an order in their heads is noticeably harder for children. The forward “Corsi Blocks” is a better place to start.

60+

Not part of the “60+” collection: the blocks are shown at a set pace. For a calm memory task from that collection, try “What’s Missing?”.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How is it different from regular Corsi Blocks?

In the regular version, you tap the blocks in the same order they lit up. Here you tap them in reverse: the last one to light up goes first, and the first one goes last.

What counts as a good score?

Compare yourself with yourself. Your backward span is usually shorter than your forward span, and that’s normal. Your account shows how your score changes from round to round.

Is there a time limit?

No, there’s no timer. The game goes on until you make two mistakes in a row. A correct answer resets the mistake count.

What’s the easiest way to remember?

Many people find it helps to draw an imaginary line through the blocks and then trace it from the end. Try different approaches and see which one gives you a higher score.

Do I need to sign up?

No, you can play 10 minutes a day right away. Free sign-up lets you keep playing, save your results, track your progress and unlock the daily workout.

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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Backward Corsi Blocks: tap the blocks in reverse, from last to first