Logical reasoning is a higher-order function of the brain. It is an important cognitive ability that needs to grow with increasing age. In simpler terms, logical reasoning involves the deduction of a conclusion or insight, from given facts and figures. Hence, it is also called deductive reasoning.
Theoretically, logical reasoning consists of all three types of reasoning, namely, deductive, inductive, and abductive. But in practice, deductive reasoning gives the most accurate measure of cognitive capacity as well as is often representative of the function.
While some might think acquiring logical reasoning is natural and there is nothing one can do about it, others might think that building logical reasoning is too much work. But what if, we tell you, practicing logical reasoning with proven results is as simple as playing a game?
Well! It’s not that simple to champion these games, but if you think challenges are fun, then you must try the below-mentioned games!
Challenging games to complement logical reasoning
While there can be various characteristics that can make a person more of a logical thinker, however, boosting visual perception, factual knowledge, and the ability to conduct a multi-faceted mental analysis, games of logical reasoning can and must be played by all ages. Here is a list of 10 interesting brain-teasing and twisting games that will leave you with stronger reasoning.
1. Zero Squares
The game Zero Squares spread out on a closed figure is a fun brain-teasing game. Containing a small tile that moves across the canvas of the closed figure in a straight line, the game wants the player to strategically place the tile over the same color outline of the tile.
The player has to figure out the pattern in which the tile moves and accordingly curate a series of moves so that the tile lands up on the outline. While the initial levels test the logical reasoning and spatial understanding of the player through one tile, the game raises the difficulty level by increasing the number of tiles. Hence, the game strengthens both the problem-solving and spatial understanding of the player.
2. Logic Riddles
Logic riddles is a complete word game with interesting riddles. Presented in question-and-answer format, the game asks the player to find patterns and meaningful relationships while also providing important cues such as incomplete words and sentences.
Logic riddles apart from strengthening the logical reasoning of the players by testing their general knowledge about patterns and the factual world also test the player’s wit. The player has to use both their wit and worldly knowledge to outsmart the game’s logic riddles and ultimately win.
3. Pin Solver
How can logical reasoning games not include numbers? Pin Solver belongs to the number games family, but has an interesting twist for the players. The game is a difficult and challenging one for new players and children.
Pin Solver seems like a guessing game but employs the usage of number patterns. A keypad with numbers is presented on the screen and the player has to guess the right pin. The game sends cues through colors, green and yellow, while green represents the right pin number, and yellow represents that such a pin exists. The player has to accordingly use this information and come up with the correct pin within 6 attempts. The game strengthens arithmetic logical reasoning while increasing the capacity for mental work.
4. Mahjong
Mahjong might look very similar to match the pair, however, it is much more than that. A time-based game, that wants the player to carry multi-level processing and visual discrimination that too within a stipulated time, can overall increase the speed of logical reasoning in an individual.
The game presents several cards with differing symbols, but even greater differentiation is required even in similar-looking cards. The symbols are a combination of solid shapes and simple lines, which makes it a culturally-fair game for logical reasoning. Hence, Mahjong is a must-play for those who wish to enhance their logical reasoning as well as speed.
5. Einstein’s Riddle
Albert Einstein was blessed with the highest IQ and strong logical reasoning. He has created several interesting riddles that help understand one’s logical reasoning capability. It is believed that only 2% of the population can solve Einstein’s riddle. Thus, the difficulty level of this game is hard.
Presented in paragraph format with basic information about an occurrence, the riddle asks the player to use the given information and find the unknown information. The given information requires the player to conduct a multi-level analysis and then accordingly answer each of the questions. Asking the player to come up with logical explanations, the game also demands basic knowledge about the world, for instance, nationalities, cuisines, etc.
6. Sudoku
Sudoku is a popular game all around the world. Several newspapers used to publish a special section of games, with sudoku. Even though its roots are Japanese, people of all nationalities love playing the game.
The rules of the game are simple, the player needs to fill the boxes with any number between 1-9. The main focus of the game is not on any arithmetic operation, but rather on the arrangement of numbers. Thus, the game increases logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills and increases the attention span of children, who play it regularly.
7. Netwalk
Netwalk is another famous game to enhance the mental capacity of individuals. The game features a series of networks or pipes that need to be joined so that they create a flow.
The player has to rotate every piece of the piece so that they all are connected and there are no loose ends. Games like netwalk and Mahjong use symbols and patterns, thereby, enhancing pattern recognition, visual discrimination and logical reasoning. Another great thing about these games are their universal nature, i.e. They are culturally fair and don’t put any culture on the backfoot.
8. Lights out
Based on simple rules of pattern recognition, LightsOut is a simple, yet absorbing game. Consisting of a cube with dark and light smaller squares, the player needs to turn all lights on. In other words, the puzzle can be solved only when all smaller squares are lit.
For a higher score, the player needs to use minimum moves. Pattern recognition is what leads to higher logical reasoning over time. Even though the game rarely completes with lesser quicks, it is challenging for a player to do so.
9. Sliding Block Puzzle Game
The sliding block puzzle game looks like a simple puzzle involving squares and rectangles, however, it isn’t easy to crack. The game involves the player simply sliding boxes in a way so that the red rectangle can be pushed out.
Following the rules of geometry, the sliding block puzzle game has fixed placement of the boxes. The fixed placement of these boxes leads to greater difficulty, as the shapes can’t be manipulated, but only moved. Thus, asking for more mental effort on the part of the player, greater pattern recognition, and mental manipulation of shapes.
10. Connect Dots
Connect dots is a primary-level logical reasoning game. For children who don’t understand patterns, dots can be a good starting point. The game has very simple rules, that all dots must be connected without any overlaps.
The player needs to drag the lines in a horizontal or vertical fashion to connect the dots. When completed the dots form a closed figure. The game while strengthening visual perception abilities offers a great way to indulge children in logical games.
Logical reasoning: Can help individuals with learning disabilities
Logical reasoning is an executive function of our brain. It guides us in making rational decisions. What earlier started as a single-level analysis, transforms into a multi-level analysis as the child progresses. Given the complexities of life, all aspects need to be considered before arriving at a conclusion.
However, individuals with learning disabilities are either slower in making this analysis or struggle when too many facets are added to a problem. The reduced reasoning capabilities of individuals with a learning disability is a concern for most special educators. However, it isn’t completely impossible to teach specially abled children logical reasoning. In a study1 by B. Grossen, the concept of sameness analysis was introduced, which when included in the curriculum of children diagnosed with learning disabilities can enhance their analogous and logical reasoning.
Conclusion
While logical thinking is used in various scenarios in the real life, however, logical reasoning is considered to be one of the most important cognitive components of our intellect. Many institutions train aspirants for better logical reasoning. Given the growing demand for logical reasoning exercise and activities, online games have stepped up and catered to the demand. Accessible and very user-friendly, such games are an interesting way to kill time while gaining something cognitively rewarding.
References
[1] Grossen, B. (1991). The Fundamental Skills of Higher Order Thinking. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 24(6), 343–353. https://doi.org/10.1177/002221949102400603