Reading Scenario / Rules First

[niketown3000]

Hello,

In the powerscore virtual course, they talk about reading the entire scenario & rules before setting up the diagram so that we can make a more efficient diagram. When I am reading the scenario & rules, I am having trouble paying attention to details of the rule and connecting different rules to make a more efficient diagram. Do you have any tips or structures to how you approach reading a diagram to make the key inferences? Currently, I read each sentence of the scenario and see if I can set something up...then I move to next and add to diagram. If I find a way to make it more efficient, I have to erase and re-write portions of diagram (eats time!).

Thanks,
Niel

[niketown3000]

Could you maybe demonstrate your initial thoughts on how to setup before you start diagramming for a game like Game # 6 (5-105) of LSAT Virtual Course? This might give a more tangible approach. Thanks!

[Jon Denning]

The key to reading all the way through is that it allows you to begin to visualize the game with all of the relevant information BEFORE you begin to diagram, so as to best guarantee you won't diagram unnecessary or incorrect information. Sometimes you'll find information in the rules that will actually control the base, setup, or distribution(s); sometimes the entire nature of the game will change when you consider the rules in combination with the stimulus, as opposed to the stimulus on its own.

For the game you mention, I wouldn't be worried about specific inferences when reading through (MF not block, for instance), but rather I'd be thinking about structure and numbers: 9 people into 8 spots (four stacks of two) where people cannot be used twice and at least one of the spots in each stack is experienced. So one person is out, and it's either 4/4 or 5/3 Exp/Inexp.

Then once you have that structure in place you can start to read the rules individually for inferences and connections and work from there.

I hope that helps!

Jon