The high marginal returns on the LSAT Logic games section is the most challenging but has the highest returns. Most learners improve between 7 to 15 scores on the Logic Games on their second LSAT attempts by understanding the game patterns and structure. Unlike the LR section, Logical Games are rule-based and easily understood through incremental learning. Our LSAT experts will explain what Logic Games entail: The rules, question types, gaming dynamics and structure, and the answering strategies. We also take proctored LSAT exams for prospective law students.
What is on the LSAT Logic Games? Understanding the Question Structure
The LSAT Logic Games refer to the Analytical Reasoning (AR) section of the LSAT, which makes up 33.33% of flex and 25% of traditional LSAT scores. It comprises four game-like structured puzzles with 22-24 questions. The four puzzles have unique arbitrary rules governing relationships between elements or scenarios. They require examinees to use deductive reasoning to create logical frameworks to solve the questions.
Here is a detailed breakdown to help learners understand what’s in the Logic Games section of the LSAT:
- Each game has a scenario and a primary rule following it immediately. In the LSAT, the scenario is the central theme. A rule is a restriction on the game that limits how the puzzle is solved. Here is a typical example of a rule: Jane and Luke cannot perform consecutively, or Joseph can perform only if Jay also performs.
- Each game has variables. These are elements or entities central to the scenario that a learner needs to arrange. They can be objects, people, or locations.
- Each game has multiple positions: These are spaces where test-takers place variables when arranging them to achieve an ideal layout.
- Some games have inferences: These are deductions from a given rule. Most inferences are hidden. Thus, the applicant must brainstorm and find valid deductions that satisfy the original rules.
The first step to understanding a logic game entails analyzing its elements or the stimulus and visualizing it as a diagram. An ideal diagram type will vary depending on the question stem. For example, linear diagrams apply only to linear logic games, while mapping diagrams show relationships between elements. Other diagram types include hybrid, In/Out, and Sequential diagrams.
Which Logic Games Should I Prepare for?
Grouping, Linear, and Sequencing Logic Games comprise 97% of the LSAT Analytical Reasoning section. This trend has been for over a decade and will likely continue for the next five years. Outliers like Matching and Mapping Games were commonplace in the late 90s. However, they ceased to exist and are unlikely to make a comeback.
Below is the complete list of Logic Games that have graced LSAT since the late 90s:
- Process and Mapping
- Basic Linear Logic Games
- Advanced Linear Logic Games
- Grouping Logic Games
- Pure Sequencing Logic Games
- Matching Logic Games
- Distribution Logic Games
- Selection Logic Games
Learners prepping for the LSAT today should focus on the basic linear, advanced linear, grouping, hybrid, In/Out, and pure sequencing games. These questions have dominated the LSAT series for many years and remain a confident bet.
Insider Secret into the Game Difficulty: What Our Experts Advise
The Logic Games do not have a particular difficulty sequence or index. Thus, learners need to prepare across all the popular games without focusing on any of them in particular. However, an expert review of Logic Games from past papers shows that the first two puzzles on the LSAT Logic Games are easier to crack, while the last two are more complex. Learners should take the least time on the first two games to give them enough time to tackle the last two puzzles.
Understanding the Logic Games Question Dynamics
LSAT Logic questions vary in difficulty depending on the stem or the stimuli. Learners can know the branch of the question by their key phrases. Below are the most common keywords in LSAT exams:
- Undefined
- Defined
- Defined-moving
- Underfunded
- Unbalanced
- Numerical Distribution
- Identify the Template
- Overloaded
- Identify the Possibilities
The Rule Switching Question
The “rule switching” or the “rule substitution” logic game requires applicants to pick a choice with the “same effect” on the puzzle as the original rule. The key phrase or keyword in this section of the LSAT Logic Games is “same effect,” and it means:
- An option that preserves all the deductions from the original rule
- A choice that does not add any deductions or limits on the premises made by the original rule
In context, if rule A was the original and B the new one, rule B should do everything rule A did without subtracting or adding any deductions.
Expert tip: Only one choice meets all the checkmarks in rule switching. Learners have five choices per question. Thus, four are incorrect. Use the elimination method to cancel wrong choices—considering whether they add or withhold deductions the original rule led to.
Inference Logic Questions
The inference puzzle question asks four categories of choices:
- Must Be True
This question infers that the answer must be a statement that’s always true regardless of the circumstance, provided the original rule holds. It requires learners to eliminate all “must be false” choices based on the original rule. Additionally, they must eliminate options that are not always true.
- Could Be True
A “Could Be True” question infers that multiple choices must be consistent with the original rule or stimulus. Learners have multiple correct choices that are potentially true based on the stem statement.
- Cannot Be True
A “Cannot Be True” question implies that the answer must be an impossible or incorrect statement. The choice is either inconsistent or contradicts the inferences from the original rule.
- Could Be False
A “Could Be False” question infers that the answer doesn’t always have to happen. In other words, it can be true or false depending on the original rule’s context.
The New Rule LSAT Questions
The New Rule requires learners to contemplate what will happen when a particular rule is triggered. They are also called “IF questions.” An excellent example of an “IF question” would be: If Stephen goes to the party, which of the following could be true? This question requires learners to draw a diagram showing the circumstances in which the new rule applies.
The List Logic Questions
The List Logic Games require learners to highlight or provide a complete “full scenarios” list based on the original rule. The examinee does not have to make an inference. An example of this question can be: “Which of the following choices could be the complete list of footballers from first to last?”
The best-answering strategy for this type of logical question is to review the lists given and eliminate incorrect picks. For example, a list with four footballers and one philosopher will violate the game’s rules.
LSAT Logic Games: The Bottom Line
Performing in LSAT Logic Games requires learners to combine deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning. If you need help in solving the LSAT logic games, contact us for help today.
