Logic Games (aka Analytical Reasoning)

The games are not fully solvable up front. Given the original set of rules, several possible different scenarios are still possible. Don’t waste time up front trying to deduce one single solution to the game. Instead, determine what must be true based on the rules and what cannot be true based on the rules, then proceed to the questions.

Each question is independent of the others. The first question in a game may state “If J is in spot 2, what must be true?” That condition will remain for only that question. In the next question, do not assume that J is still in spot 2.

Don’t make any extra assumptions. If a rule states “H is ahead of both I and J,” you know that H is ahead of I, and H is ahead of J. DO NOT assume that I is ahead of J just because it was mentioned first. These games always explicitly state their rules; you are not expected to infer any non-explicitly stated relationships.

Draw a diagram. Games are much simpler if you draw a quick sketch for the initial rules, as well as quick sketches for some of the questions. Develop a method for recording information that you can use to quickly view the limitations imposed by the rules. Make your diagrams small (you will not be able to use extra scrap paper in this section), simple, and intuitive.

Don’t get bogged down by a difficult game or a difficult question. If one game seems too hard, move on to the next one. Remember that your score is based on the total number of questions you answer correctly, so if you are having trouble answering a question, it’s best to move on to questions that you can answer. (You cannot skip on to a different section of the test, however.)

When you approach a game for the first time, focus on doing it untimed and getting every question correct. Then go back through the game and figure out how you got the answer for each question. Create steps for yourself to follow as you solve the game.

Develop diagrams that you can use to record information for the various games. The games tend to fall into three basic types: games that require you to put things in order, games that require you to put things into groups, and games that require you to determine the attributes of each thing. Tailor your diagrams to the types of games for maximum efficiency.

Redo a game until you are completely comfortable with how to solve it quickly. Repetition will help the steps for solving games stick in your head. It will also help you learn how to spot deductions in order to answer the questions faster.