Chapter 4: Conquering Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games)

Welcome to one of the most feared yet fascinating sections of the LSAT: Analytical Reasoning, commonly referred to as Logic Games. This section tests your ability to organize information, think systematically, and solve complex puzzles. For many students, it presents a unique challenge because it feels so different from anything they’ve encountered in their academic careers. But don’t worry—with the right strategies, you’ll soon see this section as an opportunity to score big points.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Analytical Reasoning Section of the LSAT in 2025

Here are detailed answers to your questions regarding the LSAT in 2025, focused on the current and upcoming changes to the exam format:

1. Is LSAT getting rid of Analytical Reasoning?

Yes, the LSAT is in the process of phasing out the Analytical Reasoning section, also known as Logic Games. This change stems from a settlement in 2019 where the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) agreed to develop new ways of assessing analytical skills that are more accessible for individuals with visual impairments. LSAC is currently working on revising the exam format, and it’s anticipated that by 2025, the traditional Logic Games section will no longer be part of the test.

Learn more: LSAC’s Official Statement

2. What is Analytical Reasoning on LSAT?

Analytical Reasoning (AR), commonly referred to as Logic Games, tests your ability to understand and manipulate relationships between variables. It typically involves solving puzzles that require you to organize information into groups or sequences based on a set of rules. This section is designed to measure your critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and ability to handle complex problem-solving tasks efficiently.

Despite being phased out, this section has historically been one of the most challenging and unique aspects of the LSAT.

3. What is the hardest section on the LSAT?

While this can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses, many test-takers find Logic Games (Analytical Reasoning) to be the hardest section, especially before mastering the diagramming strategies. However, some find Reading Comprehension or certain Logical Reasoning questions just as difficult due to the abstract and dense nature of the material.

Without Logic Games, future LSATs might place more pressure on the Reading Comprehension section, which is time-consuming and challenging for many.

4. Why did the LSAT get rid of Logic Games?

The LSAT is phasing out the Logic Games due to accessibility concerns. In 2019, a visually impaired test-taker filed a lawsuit claiming that the Logic Games section unfairly disadvantaged those who could not visually interpret diagrams and charts. As part of the settlement, LSAC agreed to eliminate this section and develop alternative ways to assess the same cognitive skills. This process is expected to be completed by 2025.

More details can be found here: ABA Journal: LSAT to Remove Logic Games

5. Is the LSAT easier now without Logic Games?

It’s hard to say definitively. For students who struggle with visualizing complex relationships or have difficulty with puzzles, the removal of Logic Games could make the test easier. However, it depends on what replaces the section. LSAC has promised a replacement that will assess similar skills, so the LSAT may remain just as challenging but in a different format. Keep an eye on LSAC’s updates for more specific changes.

6. What is the loophole in LSAT Logical Reasoning about?

The “Loophole” in Logical Reasoning is a concept from Ellen Cassidy’s popular LSAT prep book, The Loophole in LSAT Logical Reasoning. It refers to a strategic way to approach Logical Reasoning questions by finding flaws or gaps in the argument’s reasoning. This “loophole” is the key to identifying why the argument doesn’t hold up and helps you choose the correct answer in questions that ask for weakeners, strengtheners, or necessary assumptions.

Check out the book: The Loophole in LSAT Logical Reasoning

7. Has LSAT Logical Reasoning gotten harder?

The Logical Reasoning (LR) section hasn’t fundamentally changed in format, but test-takers have noted that recent exams have included more nuanced and abstract questions. The LSAT is designed to maintain consistent difficulty over time, but as prep companies and students improve at gaming the test, the LSAC has subtly adjusted question complexity, especially around question traps and ambiguity.

8. What percentage of the LSAT is Logical Reasoning?

Historically, Logical Reasoning made up about 50% of the LSAT with two separate sections, each containing 24-26 questions. With the upcoming changes, this percentage may shift, especially if the LSAC eliminates Logic Games and potentially rebalances the exam structure. However, for now, Logical Reasoning remains the largest section of the test.

9. What is the most common logic game on the LSAT?

The most common types of Logic Games include:

Sequencing games: These ask you to place variables in a specific order based on certain rules.
Grouping games: These involve dividing variables into different categories or groups based on a set of conditions.
Hybrid games: A mix of both sequencing and grouping elements.

Though these games are being phased out, understanding these game types has been crucial for past test-takers.

10. What is the most common LSAT question?

In Logical Reasoning, the most common question types include:

Assumption: You must identify an unstated premise that the argument relies on.
Strengthen/Weaken: These questions ask you to find an answer that would either bolster or undermine the argument.
Inference: You are asked to determine what must be true based on the information provided.

These are the building blocks of Logical Reasoning success.

11. Are older LSAT Logic Games harder?

Some test-takers believe that older Logic Games (those from the 1990s and early 2000s) were harder because they were more unpredictable and had trickier setups. However, as LSAT prep has evolved, the games became more standardized and easier to diagram in recent years. That said, every test presents a challenge, and it’s always wise to practice a variety of Logic Games from different eras.

12. How long should an LSAT logic game take?

For Logic Games, you have 35 minutes to complete 4 games. That means you should aim to spend about 8 to 9 minutes per game, including reading the rules, creating diagrams, and answering the questions. Time management is critical in this section, and some games may take longer than others, so flexibility is key.

13. Why am I so slow at LSAT Logic Games?

Many people struggle with timing on Logic Games due to several factors:

Inefficient setup: If you don’t diagram the game correctly or take too long to figure out the rules, this can slow you down.
Overthinking: Some test-takers spend too much time overanalyzing each question instead of trusting their setup.
Lack of practice: Speed improves with experience, so if you’re slow, it might be due to a lack of timed practice.
Solution: Practice diagramming, focus on improving your setup speed, and do more timed drills to increase your pace.

14. How can I get faster at LSAT Logical Reasoning?

Improving speed on Logical Reasoning comes down to three things:

Familiarity with question types: Recognize and anticipate the different types of questions (e.g., assumption, flaw, strengthen/weaken).
Efficient reading: Train yourself to quickly identify the conclusion and main premises in the argument.
Practice under timed conditions: Take full timed sections to simulate test-day conditions and build endurance.

15. How is the LSAT changing in 2025?

In 2024, the LSAT will begin phasing out Logic Games due to the settlement reached with a visually impaired test-taker. LSAC will replace this section with a new way to assess analytical reasoning skills, though the exact details are still being finalized. The Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections are expected to remain, but their weight or structure may shift to accommodate the change.

Stay updated with LSAC’s announcements on changes to the LSAT:

LSAC News & Updates

By keeping up with these changes and focusing on specific strategies for each section, you can successfully prepare for the LSAT in 2025. As the exam evolves, it’s critical to stay flexible and adaptable in your study approach!

LSAT Logic Games Section Overview

What is Analytical Reasoning?

The LSAT’s Analytical Reasoning section is designed to assess your ability to understand and apply a set of rules to solve a puzzle. The games are presented as short scenarios, each followed by a set of questions. These games require careful attention to detail, quick thinking, and clear organization of information.

Why is it important?

The ability to think logically and organize information is crucial for success in law school and as a practicing lawyer. Analytical reasoning tests skills such as making deductions, identifying necessary conditions, and recognizing patterns—skills lawyers use in everything from contract drafting to case analysis.

Key Concepts in LSAT Analytical Reasoning

Before we dive into specific game types, it’s important to understand the basic structure of Analytical Reasoning and the key elements you’ll encounter in every game.

Setups: Each game begins with a scenario that introduces the rules you’ll use to solve the puzzle. The setup typically involves assigning, ordering, or grouping a set of elements (people, objects, events, etc.).
Rules: These are the conditions that must be followed for each game. Rules might involve restrictions on where certain elements can be placed, relationships between elements, or necessary outcomes.
Deductions: Once you understand the setup and rules, the next step is to make deductions—logical conclusions that must be true based on the information given. Deductions help you answer questions faster and more accurately.

Common Types of LSAT Logic Games

The Logic Games section typically features a mix of the following four game types. Each has its own unique strategies and challenges:

1. Sequencing Games

In sequencing games, your task is to arrange elements in a particular order. For example, you might be asked to schedule a series of events over several days, rank contestants in a competition, or organize objects by size.

Key Strategy: In sequencing games, always look for “anchor points”—rules that fix certain elements in place, helping you narrow down possible outcomes.
Example Game Setup:
“A music festival is held over four days, with one performance each day. The bands performing are labeled B, C, D, and E. The following rules apply:
B must perform before C.
D must perform on the day immediately before or immediately after C.
E must perform after D.”

Step-by-Step Solution Example:

Step 1: Note that B must perform before C, so B can’t perform on Day 4 and C can’t perform on Day 1.
Step 2: D must perform immediately before or after C, so D and C must be adjacent to each other.
Step 3: E must perform after D, so E can’t perform on Day 1 or 2.
Step 4: Create multiple diagrams of potential sequences based on these deductions and eliminate options that violate any rules.

2. Grouping Games

Grouping games involve assigning elements to different categories, groups, or teams. For instance, you might be asked to sort students into classes, assign workers to shifts, or categorize objects based on shared characteristics.

Key Strategy: Look for mutually exclusive groups. Often, rules will tell you that certain elements must or must not be together. Diagramming these relationships can help you quickly eliminate impossible scenarios.
Example Game Setup:
“A photographer is organizing a photo shoot with five models: M, N, O, P, and Q. She needs to arrange them into two groups, Group 1 and Group 2. The following rules apply:
M must be in the same group as N.
O cannot be in the same group as P.
Q must be in Group 2.”

Step-by-Step Solution Example:

Step 1: Since M and N must be in the same group, you can treat them as a single unit when assigning groups.
Step 2: Q must be in Group 2, which automatically narrows down the placement of other elements.
Step 3: Since O and P cannot be in the same group, if one is assigned to Group 1, the other must be in Group 2.
Step 4: Create several scenarios that test these rules, eliminating any that violate the conditions.

3. Matching Games

Matching games involve pairing elements from two different sets based on given rules. For example, you might be asked to match employees with projects or assign products to sales regions.

Key Strategy: Use a grid to track the relationships between the two sets of elements. This helps you visualize how different pieces fit together and spot any contradictions quickly.

4. Hybrid Games

Hybrid games combine elements from different types of games, such as grouping and sequencing or matching and sequencing. These are often the most challenging games because they require flexibility and a solid grasp of the core strategies from multiple game types.

Key Strategy: Break the game down into manageable parts. Handle each part of the game (grouping, sequencing, etc.) individually before combining them into one cohesive solution.

The Fine Art of Analytical Diagramming

One of the most important skills in Analytical Reasoning is diagramming. Good diagrams help you organize information and make deductions quickly. Let’s explore some core techniques for diagramming each type of logic game.

Diagramming Sequencing Games

In sequencing games, it’s crucial to create a visual timeline of the elements you’re arranging. Start by sketching out a horizontal or vertical line that represents the order of events. Use letters or symbols to represent each element, and place them in the appropriate spots on your diagram.

Example:

For a sequencing game that involves arranging six tasks (A, B, C, D, E, and F), a basic timeline might look like this:
__ __ __ __ __ __
Now, as you add information based on the rules, you’ll start filling in this line with fixed points (e.g., B must come before C).

Diagramming Grouping Games

For grouping games, Venn diagrams or grid systems can be highly effective. You can list out the groups and use checkmarks, X’s, or other symbols to indicate which elements belong to which group.

Example:

If you have two groups, you can draw two columns labeled Group 1 and Group 2. As you process each rule, you’ll start filling in each group, keeping track of the relationships between elements.

Diagramming Hybrid Games

Hybrid games often require multiple diagrams. Start by sketching out diagrams for each component of the game (e.g., one diagram for sequencing, another for grouping), then look for overlaps between the two. These overlaps will help you make key deductions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned LSAT test-takers make mistakes in the Analytical Reasoning section. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

Not fully understanding the rules: Before you begin diagramming or solving, make sure you understand every rule. Misinterpreting a rule can lead to incorrect deductions and answers.
Skipping important deductions: Spend time up front making all possible deductions based on the rules. The more deductions you make, the easier the questions will be.
Getting stuck on one question: If a question seems overly complex, move on. It’s better to come back to it later with fresh eyes than to waste time that could be spent on easier questions.

LSAT AR Practice Questions and Step-by-Step Solutions

Practice Question 1: Sequencing Game

Scenario:
Five people—Adam, Bella, Carlos, Dana, and Evan—need to present their projects one at a time in the following order.

Carlos must present before Dana.
Evan cannot present immediately after Adam.
Bella must present after Adam.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Create a sequence line: __ __ __ __ __
Place the fixed elements: Carlos must present before Dana, so C must be placed before D.
Add Bella’s rule: Bella must present after Adam, so A must come before B.
Handle Evan’s rule: Evan cannot go immediately after Adam, so avoid placing E directly after A.

Work through the possible sequences and eliminate options that violate any rules.

LSAT AR Practice Strategies

To truly conquer the Logic Games section, you need a combination of strategy, accuracy, and speed. Here are some final practice tips to get you to that next level:

Repeat Games: Doing the same game multiple times can help you notice patterns and internalize diagramming techniques.
Time Yourself: Work on completing each game within 8-9 minutes. The entire section is 35 minutes, so pacing is critical.
Review Mistakes: After finishing each game, carefully review any mistakes. Figure out whether it was a misunderstanding of the rules, a missed deduction, or an issue with diagramming.

Practice Section: 10 Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) Questions with Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions

This section presents 10 Analytical Reasoning (AR) questions, each with its own detailed step-by-step solution. We will cover various types of logic games such as sequencing, grouping, matching, and hybrid games, walking you through each problem-solving process to help reinforce the strategies discussed in Chapter 4.

Example 1: Simple Sequencing Game

Scenario:
Five friends—Alice (A), Bob (B), Clara (C), Dave (D), and Emily (E)—are sitting in a row, but their positions must follow these rules:

Alice must sit somewhere before Clara.
Dave must sit immediately after Bob.

Question:
Which of the following could be the order in which the friends are seated?

(A) B, D, A, C, E
(B) A, C, B, D, E
(C) E, B, D, A, C
(D) A, B, D, C, E
(E) B, A, D, C, E

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

A must come before C (A → C).
D must be immediately after B (B → D).

Eliminate options that violate the rules:

(A) B, D, A, C, E: Here, A comes after D, and D comes after B, but this violates the rule that A must come before C. Eliminate.
(B) A, C, B, D, E: A comes before C, but there is no B immediately before D. Eliminate.
(C) E, B, D, A, C: In this option, A comes after D, which violates A → C. Eliminate.
(D) A, B, D, C, E: This option follows both rules—A is before C, and D is immediately after B. Correct.
(E) B, A, D, C, E: A comes after B, which doesn’t affect the A → C rule, but D is not immediately after B. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (D).

Example 2: Grouping Game

Scenario:
A teacher is assigning students to two different study groups. The students are F, G, H, I, and J. The following rules apply:

F and G must be in the same group.
H cannot be in the same group as I.
Either F or I must be in Group 1.

Question:
Which of the following could be a valid assignment of students?

(A) Group 1: F, G, H; Group 2: I, J
(B) Group 1: F, I, J; Group 2: G, H
(C) Group 1: F, G, I; Group 2: H, J
(D) Group 1: F, H, I; Group 2: G, J
(E) Group 1: F, G, J; Group 2: H, I

Step-by-Step Solution:

Interpret the rules:

F and G must be together.
H and I cannot be together.
Either F or I must be in Group 1.

Evaluate the options:

(A) Group 1: F, G, H; Group 2: I, J: This violates the rule that H cannot be in the same group as I. Eliminate.
(B) Group 1: F, I, J; Group 2: G, H: F and G are not in the same group. Eliminate.
(C) Group 1: F, G, I; Group 2: H, J: This satisfies all the rules—F and G are together, H and I are separated, and I is in Group 1. Correct.
(D) Group 1: F, H, I; Group 2: G, J: H and I are in the same group, violating the rules. Eliminate.
(E) Group 1: F, G, J; Group 2: H, I: H and I are together, violating the rules. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (C).

Example 3: Matching Game

Scenario:
A company needs to assign three tasks—Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3—to three employees: John (J), Kevin (K), and Lisa (L). The following rules apply:

John cannot do Task 1.
Lisa must do either Task 2 or Task 3.
Kevin cannot do Task 2.

Question:
Which of the following could be a valid assignment of tasks?

(A) J: Task 3, K: Task 1, L: Task 2
(B) J: Task 2, K: Task 1, L: Task 3
(C) J: Task 1, K: Task 2, L: Task 3
(D) J: Task 2, K: Task 3, L: Task 1
(E) J: Task 3, K: Task 2, L: Task 1

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

J cannot do Task 1.
L must do Task 2 or Task 3.
K cannot do Task 2.

Evaluate each option:

(A) J: Task 3, K: Task 1, L: Task 2: This satisfies all rules. Correct.
(B) J: Task 2, K: Task 1, L: Task 3: This satisfies all rules, but let’s continue checking other options.
(C) J: Task 1, K: Task 2, L: Task 3: J is assigned Task 1, which violates the rule. Eliminate.
(D) J: Task 2, K: Task 3, L: Task 1: L is assigned Task 1, which violates the rule. Eliminate.
(E) J: Task 3, K: Task 2, L: Task 1: K is assigned Task 2, violating the rule. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (A).

Example 4: Sequencing Game with Conditional Rules

Scenario:
Six cars—A, B, C, D, E, and F—are being parked in a straight line. The following rules apply:

A must be parked next to B.
D must be parked somewhere before E.
F cannot be parked in the first position.

Question:
Which of the following could be the order in which the cars are parked?

(A) F, A, B, D, E, C
(B) A, B, D, E, C, F
(C) C, F, D, A, B, E
(D) D, F, A, B, C, E
(E) A, B, F, D, E, C

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

A must be next to B (A ↔ B).
D must come before E (D → E).
F cannot be in the first position.

Evaluate each option:

(A) F, A, B, D, E, C: F is in the first position, violating the rule. Eliminate.
(B) A, B, D, E, C, F: A and B are next to each other, D comes before E, and F is not in the first position. Correct.
(C) C, F, D, A, B, E: F is not in the first position, but D is after E, violating the rule. Eliminate.
(D) D, F, A, B, C, E: F is not in the first position, but D is not before E. Eliminate.
(E) A, B, F, D, E, C: F is in the third position, but D does not come before E. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (B).

Example 5: Grouping Game with Multiple Constraints

Scenario:
A soccer coach is dividing six players—P, Q, R, S, T, and U—into two teams, Team 1 and Team 2. The following rules apply:

P and Q must be on the same team.
R and S cannot be on the same team.
T must be on Team 1.

Question:
Which of the following could be a valid division of players?

(A) Team 1: P, Q, T; Team 2: R, S, U
(B) Team 1: P, Q, R, T; Team 2: S, U
(C) Team 1: P, S, T; Team 2: Q, R, U
(D) Team 1: P, R, T; Team 2: Q, S, U
(E) Team 1: P, Q, S, T; Team 2: R, U

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules: P and Q must be together.

R and S cannot be together.
T must be in Team 1.

Evaluate each option:

(A) Team 1: P, Q, T; Team 2: R, S, U: This satisfies all rules. Correct.
(B) Team 1: P, Q, R, T; Team 2: S, U: R and S are in different teams, and P, Q, and T are together. This works as well. Correct.
(C) Team 1: P, S, T; Team 2: Q, R, U: P and Q are in separate teams, violating the rule. Eliminate.
(D) Team 1: P, R, T; Team 2: Q, S, U: R and S are on the same team, violating the rule. Eliminate.
(E) Team 1: P, Q, S, T; Team 2: R, U: R and S are in different teams, but there is no need for that in this division Eliminate.

Correct answers: (A) and (B).

Example 6: Sequencing Game with Extra Conditions

Scenario:
Four friends—Mia (M), Noah (N), Olivia (O), and Liam (L)—are lined up to take a photo. The following rules apply:

Mia must be positioned before Noah.
Liam must be at either end of the line.
Olivia cannot be next to Liam.

Question:
Which of the following arrangements is possible?

(A) L, O, M, N
(B) O, L, N, M
(C) L, M, N, O
(D) M, O, N, L
(E) N, L, O, M

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

M must be before N (M → N).
L must be at either end (L → [M, N, O] or [M, N, O] → L).
O cannot be next to L (O ↔ L).

Evaluate each option:

(A) L, O, M, N: L is at the end, M is before N, but O is next to L. Eliminate.
(B) O, L, N, M: L is in the middle, violating the positioning rule. Eliminate.
(C) L, M, N, O: L is at the end, M is before N, and O is not next to L. Correct.
(D) M, O, N, L: L is not at either end, violating the rule. Eliminate.
(E) N, L, O, M: L is not at either end, and N comes before M, violating the rule. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (C).

Example 7: Hybrid Game with Conditions

Scenario:
A restaurant is seating three different couples—Couple 1 (A and B), Couple 2 (C and D), and Couple 3 (E and F)—at a table. The following rules apply:

A cannot sit next to B.
C must sit next to D.
E must sit directly across from F.

Question:
Which of the following seating arrangements is valid?

(A) A, C, D, B, E, F
(B) C, D, A, F, B, E
(C) D, C, E, F, A, B
(D) E, F, C, D, A, B
(E) B, A, C, D, E, F

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

A cannot be next to B (A ↔ B).
C must be next to D (C ↔ D).
E must be directly across from F.

Evaluate each option:

(A) A, C, D, B, E, F: A is next to B. Eliminate.
(B) C, D, A, F, B, E: C is next to D, but A is next to B. Eliminate.
(C) D, C, E, F, A, B: C is next to D, E is across from F, and A is not next to B. Correct.
(D) E, F, C, D, A, B: C is next to D, but A is next to B. Eliminate.
(E) B, A, C, D, E, F: A is next to B, violating the rule. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (C).

Example 8: Conditional Grouping Game

Scenario:
A bookstore has six books—X, Y, Z, A, B, and C—that need to be displayed. The rules are:

X and Y must be displayed together.
A cannot be displayed with B.
C must be displayed if Z is displayed.

Question:
Which of the following could be a valid display arrangement?

(A) X, Y, Z, A, B, C
(B) Z, A, B, C, X, Y
(C) C, X, Y, A, Z, B
(D) Y, X, Z, C, A, B
(E) A, C, B, X, Y, Z

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

X and Y must be together (X ↔ Y).
A cannot be with B (A ↔ B).
If Z is displayed, C must be displayed (Z → C).

Evaluate each option:

(A) X, Y, Z, A, B, C: X and Y are together, but A is next to B. Eliminate.
(B) Z, A, B, C, X, Y: Z is displayed, and so is C, but A is next to B. Eliminate.
(C) C, X, Y, A, Z, B: A is next to B. Eliminate.
(D) Y, X, Z, C, A, B: X and Y are together, Z is displayed, and so is C, but A is next to B. Eliminate.
(E) A, C, B, X, Y, Z: X and Y are together, but A is next to B. Eliminate.

None of the options satisfy all conditions correctly. You should reevaluate the possible arrangements and perhaps come up with a new set of options.

Example 9: Complex Logic Game

Scenario:
A travel agency is assigning three vacation packages—Beach (B), Mountain (M), and City (C)—to three employees: Sam (S), Tim (T), and Lisa (L). The rules are:

Sam cannot handle the City package.
Tim must handle either the Beach or Mountain package.
Lisa must handle the package that is not assigned to Tim.

Question:
Which of the following is a valid assignment?

(A) S: M, T: B, L: C
(B) T: C, L: B, S: M
(C) T: B, L: C, S: M
(D) L: M, S: B, T: C
(E) S: B, T: M, L: C

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

S cannot handle C (S ↔ C).
T must have B or M (T → [B or M]).
L must handle the remaining package.

Evaluate each option:

(A) S: M, T: B, L: C: S does not have C, T is handling Beach, and L is left with City. Correct.
(B) T: C, L: B, S: M: T cannot handle C. Eliminate.
(C) T: B, L: C, S: M: S does not have C, which is fine, but T cannot handle C. Eliminate.
(D) L: M, S: B, T: C: S cannot handle C. Eliminate.
(E) S: B, T: M, L: C: S cannot handle City. Eliminate.

Correct answer: (A).

Example 10: Sequencing with Subsets

Scenario:
Four athletes—A, B, C, and D—are competing in a race. The rules are:

A must finish before B.
C must finish after D.
A cannot finish in first place.

Question:
Which of the following could be the finishing order?

(A) D, A, B, C
(B) A, C, D, B
(C) B, C, A, D
(D) D, C, A, B
(E) C, D, A, B

Step-by-Step Solution:

Understand the rules:

A must finish before B (A → B).
C must finish after D (D → C).
A cannot be in 1st place.

Evaluate each option:

(A) D, A, B, C: A is before B, and C is after D. A is not in 1st place. Correct.
(B) A, C, D, B: A is before B, but A is in 1st place. Eliminate.
(C) B, C, A, D: A is not before B. Eliminate.
(D) D, C, A, B: A is before B, but A is not in 1st place. Correct.
(E) C, D, A, B: A is not before B. Eliminate.

Correct answers: (A) and (D).

Summary

In this section, we explored a variety of Analytical Reasoning questions with detailed explanations on how to approach and solve each one. Each example reinforced the strategies discussed in Chapter 4, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rules, systematically evaluating options, and utilizing logical reasoning techniques to arrive at the correct answer. Practicing with diverse logic games not only enhances your

skill set but also builds your confidence for the LSAT.

Feel free to revisit these examples as needed and incorporate similar strategies into your practice sessions!

Now that you’ve mastered the fundamentals of Logic Games, it’s time to dive into practice. In the next chapter, we’ll break down the Reading Comprehension section, where we’ll focus on how to quickly understand complex passages and identify the key information needed to answer questions accurately.