One-thumb games for crowded trains

There's a whole category of games designed for the moment when your other hand is clutching a pole on a packed train. One-thumb games live or die by their controls, and getting them right is harder than it looks.

Racers are the surprising standout here. Neon Drift Rally, for instance, boils everything down to tap-to-drift and hold-to-boost, and it feels great even when your grip is awkward. No tilt required, which matters when the carriage is swaying.

Puzzlers work well too, since most only ask you to drag and tap. The trick is finding ones that don't punish an accidental input, because on a bumpy ride you'll make plenty. Games with an undo button are your friends.

What to avoid: anything with virtual joysticks or multi-touch combos. They demand two steady hands and a table, and no crowded platform offers either. Save those for the sofa.