Puzzler Brain Trainer

A classic mixed-puzzle magazine, with an extra dimension: brain-training advice from Professor Ian Robertson, memory jogs, 10-minute daily workouts and not a gadget in sight. Four Workout Challenge pages in each issue enable readers to track their performance.

Within its 80 pages, Puzzler Brain Trainer has plenty for the seasoned puzzler, but is ideal for those new to puzzles and who want to keep their brain active, yet don't know where to begin.

Every fourth page is a Workout page. The content of these pages is carefully planned to exercise different parts of the brain in short bursts: for example, a number puzzle follows a verbal reasoning puzzle which comes after a logic problem. Ten to 15 minutes is all that's required to flex mind-muscle with the Workouts, so these are perfect for tea-breaks.

The serious puzzle enthusiast will be more than satisfied with the number and variety of traditional puzzles that are included. In addition, there are many small puzzles.

Each issue, Professor Ian Robertson of Trinity College Dublin provides expert advice on the subject of brain training. Topics covered so far have ranged from developing better numeracy skills to improving the ability to remember names, and from increasing concentration to thinking quickly.

There's one competition per issue, with prizes ranging from one large cash prize of £1,000 or 10 £100 cash prizes to a widescreen TV and Home Cinema system or digital cameras and printers.

The title's design is sympathetic to the idea of brain training. Clean lines, light colours, clearly differentiated 'brain boxes' with Professor Robertson's recommendations, and distinct Workout pages mean there's no distraction for the reader and puzzler.