Have you ever tried to catch a glass that slipped from your hand? Your heart races, your fingers extend, and then, boom! Your hand leaps out and snatches it. That quick dash is an example of “reaction time” in action. Are you curious? You are not the only one. People who like sports, play video games, or just like to type fast all ask, “How fast am I, really?” You may scratch that speed itch and check the leaderboard at www.reactiontimetestgame.com.

Let’s figure out what a response time test really does. At its most basic level, you see a signal, which could be a flash of color or a shape that moves. The problem? As soon as you see the change, hit a key or tap the screen. Faster than a hiccup. Doesn’t that sound easy? But don’t be deceived; your best time can surprise you. Or make you feel small. It is a useful tool, especially for sportsmen who want to get an edge in a split second or drivers who want to avoid that deceptive red light.

You could suppose that genes determine how fast or slow someone is. But your score can go up and down a lot because of things like coffee, sleep, or even your cat walking over the keyboard. Have you ever seen your dog react to the sound of the treat bag crinkling from across the room? Animals depend on reaction time to be alive. Think about how handy it would be to use a little bit of that instinct in your daily life.

Some tools keep track of how many times you click the mouse. Some people tap the screen. Auditory variants encourage you to respond to a beep instead of a flash. Same question, different formats: “Was that faster than last time?” It’s a dopamine rush, like trying to hit the next mole in the arcade game faster than your young cousin.

Now, trying to shave off milliseconds is getting a little competitive. People practice, drink plenty of water (dehydration slows you down), and attempt to keep distractions to a minimum. A tip? Stop doing more than one thing at a time when you test. Your brain doesn’t like to juggle like a circus performer. Some people even play brain games that mix math or memory challenges with reaction tasks to make them more interesting.

Before online matches, gamers swear by warm-up exercises. They’ll brag, “Don’t challenge me until my clicks are ready!” These warm-ups can be heard in many areas. Surgeons use simulators to practice. Formula 1 drivers spend a lot of time on trainers with blinking lights. Musicians even employ rhythm drills to nail rhythms on the fly. Fast reactions aren’t simply useful; they’re the key to doing well in more areas of life than you might think.

What’s the big deal about milliseconds? Life throws you curveballs. Quick reactions can help you get ahead, stay safe from falling, or just drink your morning coffee without spilling it. According to science, taking tests often can make your mind sharper. And it’s nice to see numbers go down and skills get better. Why not make waiting in line or a lull at your desk into a little game?

Try a reaction time test the next time you have some free time. Try to beat yesterday’s score with your head and hand. Get competitive with your pals, but don’t cheat by guessing patterns—your reaction time is right now. Are your fingers ready? Give it a shot, and who knows, you might just catch that next falling glass in style.