Overview of game types - Grouping games

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to identify grouping games on the LSAT, accurately translate rules into diagrams, and distinguish between standard, advanced, and hybrid grouping setups. You will know how to recognize blocks, antiblocks, and placeholders, and apply systematic strategies for making deductions. Achieving command of these grouping principles will enable you to confidently tackle a major game type in the Analytical Reasoning section.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand the Analytical Reasoning section's grouping game types. Pay close attention during your revision to:

• distinguishing grouping games from other game structures (ordering, hybrid)
• diagramming elements, groups, and variable group sizes/population constraints
• translating and applying block, antiblock, conditional, and placeholder rules
• testing answer choices using process of elimination for must/could and EXCEPT questions
• making deductions, especially using combined rules and placeholder reasoning
• avoiding common diagramming and deduction errors in grouping scenarios

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. Which of the following is always true of a grouping game?
   1. Every group has the same number of elements
   2. You cannot have both blocks and antiblocks
   3. Groups never overlap
   4. Elements are assigned to one or more groups under constraints
2. When a rule reads, “If A is selected, then B is not,” what is the correct contrapositive?
   1. If B is selected, then A is not
   2. If B is not selected, then A is selected
   3. If A is not selected, then B is selected
   4. If B is not selected, then A is not selected
3. Which diagram best represents the relationship: "X and Y cannot be grouped together"?
   1. X/Y (block)
   2. X, Y (separate)
   3. X—Y (antiblock)
   4. X & Y (placeholder)
4. Suppose a game says, "Each group has at least two elements." What deduction can you usually make?
   1. Some elements may not be grouped
   2. No group can have only one element
   3. There must be overlap among groups
   4. Each group must share at least one element

Introduction

Grouping games are a main Analytical Reasoning game type on the LSAT. These questions require selecting elements from a pool and dividing them among groups or teams, subject to rules restricting assignments, numbers, or memberships. Recognizing grouping games and translating restrictions efficiently is critical for maximizing accuracy and speed on test day.

Grouping setups can be basic, where all elements are assigned and group numbers are fixed, or advanced, with variable group sizes or overlapping membership. Hybrid games may mix grouping with ordering or additional dimensions, increasing complexity.

Success with grouping games depends on your ability to diagram groups, symbolize rules clearly, and generate deductions—especially when rules interact. Below is a breakdown of grouping game fundamentals, rule types, and strategic approaches for deduction and elimination.

Grouping Game Features

Grouping games typically present:

• A list of elements (people, objects, etc.)
• Two or more groups or categories (teams, committees, shifts, etc.)
• Rules dictating which elements may or may not be in the same group, how many go in each group, and requirements for assignment

Key Term: grouping game
An LSAT game structure where you assign elements from a set into two or more groups, teams, or categories under specified constraints.

Rules may specify exact or minimum/maximum group sizes, forbid certain pairings, or establish conditional relationships. Grouping games can be divided by whether you know the group sizes or must deduce them from the clues.

Diagramming Grouping Games

For a standard grouping game, use columns or labeled sections for each group. Place blanks for each possible slot or use lists for elements available or assigned. Always leave space for flashes of deduction.

Key Term: block
A rule stating certain elements must be grouped together.

Key Term: antiblock
A rule stating certain elements cannot be grouped together.

Key Term: placeholder
A deduction that a certain group or column must contain at least one element (e.g., because of an antiblock or distribution constraint).

Conditional rules are common—e.g., "If X is in Group 1, then Y is not." Always draw an arrow and write the contrapositive as well to catch deductions.

Worked Example 1.1

A choir of seven singers (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) must be assigned to two performances, Red and Blue, each requiring at least three singers. No one can perform at both.

• Rule 1: If A is in Red, then B is not.
• Rule 2: C and F must perform together.
• Rule 3: D cannot perform with G.

How should you begin diagramming, and what is a key deduction?

Answer:
Draw two columns labeled Red and Blue. Use blanks for each, mark that each must have at least three slots, and an extra slot for the remaining singer. For rule 2 (C and F), put a block C&F—they must be in the same group. For rule 3 (D/G), mark an antiblock between them. For rule 1, draw an arrow: A_Red → ~B_Red, and its contrapositive: B_Red → ~A_Red. A key deduction is that if C is in Red, F must also be; if D is in Red, G must be in Blue.

Rule Types: Block, Antiblock, Conditional

Grouping games hinge on restrictions enforced with blocks, antiblocks, and conditionals.

• Blocks: Whenever a rule says "X and Y must be grouped together," use an outlined box or notation X&Y in one group.
• Antiblocks: When a rule says "X and Y cannot be in the same group," mark a slash or link but ensure they land in separate groups.
• Conditionals: Conditional rules require you to diagram both the rule and its contrapositive.

Worked Example 1.2

Game: There are three work teams (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) and five workers (J, K, L, M, N). Each team must have at least one worker. The following rules apply:

• J and N cannot be on the same team.
• If K is on Alpha, L is not.
• M must be on a different team from K.

Suppose K is placed on Beta. Which element, if any, must now be true?

Answer:
If K is on Beta, rule 2 is irrelevant for Alpha. Rule 3 requires M and K to be on different teams, so M cannot be on Beta. N can be with K (since only J and N are restricted). No forced placement is required except that M cannot join K on Beta, so M is assigned to Alpha or Gamma.

Exam Warning

Conditional rules with "only if" or "unless" are often misdiagrammed. Remember: "A only if B" means B is required for A—draw the arrow from A to B. "Unless" can be translated as "if not" and diagrammed accordingly.

Variable Group Sizes and Placeholders

Some grouping games specify only minimum or maximum sizes. Always test edge cases and use placeholder deductions.

If a rule says, "at least one person must be in Group X," then for an antiblock like "A and B cannot be together," there must be multiple groups, and each must get at least one of the pair. Placeholders remind you to keep an element in a column or group at all times.

Multiple Groups and Overlapping Membership

A minority of grouping games have elements belonging to more than one group, or where elements may remain unassigned. Be systematic—list every placement possibility, watch out for conditional group membership, and use tables if needed.

Worked Example 1.3

Five students (P, Q, R, S, T) form up to two committees. No student can serve on both committees. Rules:

• P and Q cannot serve together on a committee.
• At least two students must be on each committee.

If S and T are both assigned to Committee 1, what must be true?

Answer:
If S and T are on Committee 1, then at least one more must be added to reach the minimum of two per group (so Committee 1 has S, T, and at least one more). P and Q cannot both be there; if P is on Committee 1, Q must be on Committee 2 (or remain unassigned, if allowed). Use blocks and antiblocks to track possible arrangements efficiently.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Grouping games require dividing elements among groups using rules about membership, size, and assignments.
• Blocks and antiblocks must be diagrammed clearly to enforce grouping requirements and prohibitions.
• Conditional rules must be drawn with arrows, and you must include contrapositives.
• Placeholders help ensure minimum or maximum assignments are met when group sizes are flexible.
• Advanced or hybrid grouping games may mix variable group sizes, overlapping groups, or combine grouping with ordering logic.
• Accurate diagramming, rule translation, and deduction steps are critical for Analytical Reasoning grouping games.

Key Terms and Concepts

• grouping game
• block
• antiblock
• placeholder