I've found Number Master: Ten Pair Puzzle to be a surprisingly effective way to clear my head between writing sessions. The premise is straightforward – you pair numbers that add up to ten – but the algorithm is surprisingly elegant in how it generates the puzzles. It's intellectually satisfying to find the solutions, and the game's simplicity means I can pick it up and put it down easily, which is essential when I'm trying to maintain focus on my research. It's a novel approach to an old problem, really – providing a quick, accessible mental workout. I could see this being pedagogically sound for students as well, as a means of improving quick arithmetic skills. Plus, it's available on my iPhone, so it's always accessible.
Key Features
Simple rules, easy to learn.
Increasingly challenging puzzles.
Quick gameplay for short breaks.
"Simple to understand and play but hard to master! Perfect game to pass the time and keep your brain working!"
— 5★ User Review
IOSUpdated: 7/9/2025