Simple Ordering Rules Introduction

Back to: LSAT Logic Games

In previous lessons, we’ve touched on rules a bit. Now it’s time to take a closer look.

Ordering rules give you information about how the variables must be ordered. Common examples are phrases such as “X must be after Y” and “X is exactly two spaces ahead of Y.”

We are going to look first at relatively simple rules that specify where a given variable (game piece) must be positioned on your game board or in relation to another variable.

There is a useful way to draw, or “diagram,” each and every one of these rules. Learning all of the proper rule representation and diagramming techniques may seem daunting at first, but trust me, it’s very manageable.

Luckily, most rules you’ll come across on basic ordering games are simply variations on a small handful of rule types: sequencing rules, block rules, options, restrictions, placements, and “or” rules. We’ll cover each of these rule types in the following lessons.

In a week or so, you should know how to diagram any ordering rule. Further, you will see all of these rules so often in practice that diagramming them becomes second nature. The ability to quickly and accurately represent any given rule in a consistent manner within your diagram is one of the keys to speed and accuracy on LSAT logic games, so pay especially close attention to the following lessons.

One maxim to remember is that you always want to be consistent: once you’ve learned how to represent a rule, strive to diagram it the same way every time.

Now, move to the next lesson, where we dive into the specifics.