Logic Games and Timing

[newhousj]

Hello,

So this is my first post on Logic Games. I'm prepping for June, so I have another 10 days to improve. And thanks to the course, my LG score has increased substantially. I "get" Logic Games. In fact, given no time limit, my correct answer rate hovers above 90%. As you might anticipate, the problems start when attempting to solve all games in 35 minutes.

Here's what typically happens. I ace the first two sections, feeling really great, diagramming clearly, making inferences almost immediately. And I'm on pace after these two. After correcting the test, I see that I also don't get these games wrong. Then, either the third or fourth game is very difficulty and eats up a lot of time. ~12 minutes. I'll watch the 7Sage youtube videos afterwards to see the inference I missed, and I have an "aha" moment. In other words, I do miss a key inference typically in this section, but its an inference that I can and do make given unlimited time. Of course, I inevitably have to guess for the final 4-6 problems of the LG section. This after getting the first 12 almost completely right.

So I have yet another very general question, but how can I make these inferences faster? I'm planning on practicing a lot more, of course. I also intend to focus some more on grouping. Sequencing is pretty easy. Any other advice on solving games quickly to avoicd running out of time?

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi newhousj,

Thanks for the question, and welcome to the LG Forum! Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to the question, "How do I make inferences faster?" As you probably know, making inferences is a function of putting the rules together in a way that reveals what must be true, and what cannot be true, about one or more variables in the game. Inferences stem from points of restriction, which - in turn - are produced by a set of rules targeting the same variable or space in your diagram. Here's what I typically look for after I've set up my game:

Linear Games

• Is the game Balanced or Unbalanced?
  
  Which variables are the most powerful and have the greatest effect on the other variables?
  
  Which rules are the most powerful in restricting variable placement?

Inferences in Linear Games typically result from either restricted variables (look for a variables that are restricted by at least two rules, and then link these rules to produce an inference), or from restricted slots (look for slots that can be filled by a limited number of variables, and identify which variables remain to fill that slot). To accomplish the latter, you need to have an operational set of Not Laws, as the slots with the greatest number of Not Laws will be the most restricted. Blocks also represent strong points of restriction, allowing us to combine rules even if the rules do not share any variables in common.

Of course, in more complex Linear Games (especially those involving Conditional Reasoning rules), the inferences may result from a combination of factors, including - but not limited to - conditional linkage, and its effect on restricting variable placement. Some conditional rules can generate Not Laws; others cannot. Making inferences in such games is largely a function of how well you can handle conditional reasoning.

Grouping Games

The same general process applies to Grouping Games. Start by linking the rules together, and ask yourself the following questions:

• Are there any variables that appear in multiple rules?
  
  Are there any chain relationships you can form using conditional rules?
  
  Are there any variables that can only be placed into a limited number of spaces? (If so, consider representing that with a Split-option.)
  
  Are there any groups that are particularly restricted? Space restrictions can result from a variety of factors, such as: 1) The numerical limitations set forth in the scenario; 2) A rule or a combination of several rules; 3) In a two-value system (e.g. Group 1 and Group 2) where all variables must be assigned to one of the two groups, from the fact that each contrapositive of a conditional rule is a positive statement.
  
  Don't forget to apply the Hurdle the Uncertainty principle to Defined or Partially Defined games, so you can take advantage of the numerical limitations of your selection groups!

And, as always, if you notice that a set of rules restrict the number of possible solutions to the game, it is incredibly advantageous to set up the game with Templates, even if you cannot determine every single possible solution out there. Templates often reveal unexpected inferences, primarily because 1) each template represents a solution consistent with all the rules in the game; and 2) the templates - as a whole - represent an exhaustive range of solutions.

As you can see, there is no "magic bullet" to inference-making in Logic Games. Having the right technique, however, is a good start

Let us know if you have any other questions that we can answer!

[newhousj]

Hey Nikki,

This post ended up being very helpful. I now take more time at the outset of each game (after diagramming) to look for inferences and rules. Grouping is still a bit tough, but looking for inferences has been a good strategy- it saves time later!

Thanks,
James