Hi MB,
Thanks for the question! Local question performance arises out of two areas:
1. Your basic setup and the inferences you make.
2. Your ability to react to the Local condition in the question stem, and to add that to your main setup.
Both those are really broad, the steps you take after #2 above look different depending on the type of game you are solving. So, what you find is that we talk about Local questions constantly, and it's why we solve dozens of Local questions throughout the course. Because of that, I can't point you to a single lessons and say, "This is where it's all covered."
But, we can look at areas to focus on, and use that info to frame your studies as you move forward. First, your setup is key. Making inferences in your setup helps solve every single question, both Local and Global. So, concentrate on that first. Next, when you are given a Local condition, there are always implications. Each condition tends to restrict and limit the number of solutions, so look to link that Local condition to other pieces if the game (variables, rules, or spaces). Third, consider the different Local questions solution strategies. These include following the chain of reactions to the logical end (kind of like watching the dominoes fall from that Local condition), using hypotheticals to knock out answer choices (which often involves plugging the answer choice back into the scenario you have), referring to prior work, and then just brute force solving the problem (kind of like using hypotheticals, but less focused/selective, and the least desirable approach since it takes so much time). As you move through the course, watch for when each one of these is used, and consider why each approach was used in each case. Your instructors will also talk about what they are doing, and why, and this will explain why sometimes hypotheticals are the best approach, and why other times it might be simple linkage that solves the question.
Please let me know if that helps get you started. Thanks!
