Re: Setup and Rule Diagrams

[Dave Killoran]

Setup and Rule Diagram Explanation

This is a Circular Linearity: Balanced Game.

This game is discussed in detail in our podcast recap of PT1 Logic Games at https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/podcast/104/


This is the very first game of the first LSAT of the modern era (marked by the introduction of the 120-180 scoring scale). It is also the last time a Circular Linearity game appeared in a released LSAT section before other Circular games appeared in February 1999 and October 2003. The setup is as follows:

pt1_j91_g1_1.png

Since there are six chairs and six trade representatives, this is a Balanced game. The chair numbers prove to be relevant only on Question #1. Since the game contains no rules of opposition, the best defined block, PN, should be placed on the diagram:

pt1_j91_g1_2.png

The placement of the PN block is arbitrary. They could be placed at the end of any pair of spokes, and could be in the order PN or NP. Do not assume that P and N are in chairs 1 and 2. Nevertheless, it is important to place the block on the diagram, as it will provide a starting point for adding other variables.

The final rule also bears further analysis. The rule states, “If O sits immediately next to P, O does not sit immediately next to M.” Accordingly, every time O and P sit next to each other, then M cannot sit next to O and the configurations MOP and POM are impossible. Even though the rule can be written as a conditional, the representation we have provided is superior since it is easier to apply from a visual standpoint.

[rameday]

Hello,

I just wanted to say that I found the circular games module very helpful and I am blowing through the game. However, the one issue I had with it is that, if I had put a different block at the outset when I created my spokes (as opposed to PN like John did) would I have not been able to solve the game or would it have just made the game harder to solve.

I understand that John said that PN block are the most powerful but my fear is that I may not notice that on another game ( i may pick a different block as more powerful) and therefore struggle with circular games.

A

[Ron Gore]

Hi Rameday,

The only only blocks you could have used would have included LM or LN. However, it is not certain whether you have LM or whether you have LN. So long as you remembered those blocks were uncertain, you could have answered the questions with those possible blocks, but it would have been less efficient.

The whole reason to use NP or PN in your global setup was that those variables MUST be adjacent globally. Always focus on absolutes rather than possibilities. Showing your possibilities globally rather than absolutes will slow you down and introduce greater risk of confusion and error as you make your way through the game.

Thanks,

Ron