5 Challenging Brain Games

Some games are pretty dumb, and that can be ok - sometimes (rarely). For instance, if they are fun, despite of their GIQ (Game Intelligence Quotient).

This post is not about such games. (This song is not a rebel song)

This post is about challenging, intelligence-inducing online games. (This song is Sunday Bloody Sunday)

They are all free to play, and don't require any downloads nor unusual plugins.

Intelligent Game #1: Chess

Chess is the king's game of strategy and undoubtedly helps develop strategic thinking, which will in turn boost your thinking capabilities in general.

In this version of chess you can play against an intelligent computer opponent and select one of two styles of playing: either the straight down 2D view, or the isometric (pseudo 3D) view. My personal preference is the simple 2D option.
Play chess online for free

Intelligent Game #2: Knoword

This game has more to do with knowledge than with intelligence, but I claim that knowledge can help intelligence. (It's a patent-pending viewpoint.)
You start off with a randomly generated dictionary definition along with the first letter of its corresponding word. You must fill in the rest of the word to get points and more time. You can also skip words if you must. Simple & fun, especially if you are into words (like me).
Play Knoword online for free

Intelligent Game #3: Beanies

Beanies is a free online game inspired by one of the greatest puzzle games of all time. If you like to play games and have a flair for intelligence then you already know which game I mean. The game screenshot (to the right) should definitely look familiar. The little guys are falling down, and you can assign them certain actions so they can get to the exit. The actions, or tools, are different on each level.
The Beanies game has 50 super-challenging levels providing you with hours (days?) or mindful & intelligent fun.
Play Beanies online for free

Intelligent Game #4: Word Bubbles

Word games are often a nice and solid challenge for the brain, but this one is particularly nice. The graphics are kind of non-existent, but let's disregard that for now. Instead think of it as only a brain exercise and nothing else.
Well, a fun brain exercise...
Play Word Bubbles online for free

Intelligent Game #5: MasterMind

A brilliant game based on a classic board game. It has everything the classic had, but it's easier to play and allows you to practice your code breaking skills any time, because you are playing against the computer.The animated characters (again the Beanies) are a cute addition, and despite of their cartoonish appearance they don't make the game seem like a children's game. The highly atmospheric music is a nice bonus & helps get "in the zone".
Play MasterMind online for free

Give your Brain a Boost!

Your brain develops just like your muscles do. It grows only when it is challenged.
Playing the brain games above will definitely help, but there is even more you can do if you are looking to expand your mind and boost your brain power!

• Play puzzle games
• Learn a new language
• Solve a Rubik's Cube
• Draw or doodle, especially do so if you have no artistic skills.
• Write a poem, especially if you are not a poet.
• Listen to music or, better yet, learn to play an instrument. Also learn to read sheet music.
• Memorize people's names. 
• Memorize their birthdays too.
• Solve logic puzzles.
• Solve riddles.
• Watch foreign-language movies.
• Talk to people who are very different from you.
• Be curious!

These are just a few suggestions, though the list could go on and on.
If you have additional tips on how to improve brain power and develop brain function, please add them below!