EveryMemoryFlanker Task
Try the Flanker Task free online. Respond to the center arrow while ignoring the flanking arrows. A fun self-check of selective attention.
⚡ Quick answer
The Flanker Task shows a row of arrows and asks you to respond to the center one while ignoring the flanking arrows. It exercises selective attention and your ability to suppress distractions. Your score is the number of correct responses, with a median reaction time shown, all saved on your device so you only compare with your own past runs. It is a fun self-check, not a medical test.
Key takeaways
- Respond to the center arrow, ignore the flanking arrows
- Incongruent rows are slower than congruent ones - that is the point
- Free in-browser, no sign-up; best score and reaction time saved on device
- A self-relative attention check, not a diagnostic test
The Flanker Task is a classic attention challenge: judge the direction of a central arrow while surrounding arrows try to pull you the wrong way. The mismatch between center and flankers is what makes it tricky.
Play it above - tap Start, then tap Left or Right based on the middle arrow only. Congruent rows (all the same way) are easy; incongruent rows test how well you can ignore distractions.
How to play
Focus on the middle and let the rest blur out.
- Tap Start to begin the 20 trials
- Look at the center arrow in each row of five
- Tap Left or Right to match its direction only
- Ignore the flanking arrows even when they point the other way
No account is needed and your best correct count is stored locally on your device.
What it trains
The flanker setup leans on focus-related skills.
- Selective attention to one item among distractors
- Inhibiting the pull of conflicting information
- Quick, accurate decision-making under mild pressure
Honestly, you mainly get faster at this specific task. Enjoy it as practice and a brain teaser rather than a measure of intelligence.
Congruent vs incongruent trials
The two trial types feel very different.
- Congruent (▶▶▶▶▶) - flankers agree, so it is fast
- Incongruent (▶▶◀▶▶) - flankers conflict, so it is slower
- The gap between the two is the heart of the task
- Staying calm narrows that gap over time
The honest way to read your score
Compare your correct count and reaction time only against your own earlier sessions, and look for trends rather than single results.
For more focus practice, try our reaction time test or learn about attention span.
⚠ When to talk to a professional
This Flanker Task game is for entertainment and self-comparison only. It is not a clinical assessment and cannot diagnose any condition. If you have concerns about attention, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
