Overview of game types - Sequencing games

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will understand the characteristics of sequencing (ordering) games in the LSAT Analytical Reasoning section. You will know how to identify sequencing setups, use diagramming methods, recognize clue types, and apply deduction techniques. This will prepare you to solve questions that require ordering elements and interpreting constraints—skills needed for top LSAT scores.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT Analytical Reasoning, you are required to understand and apply logical rules to multi-step ordering and sequencing problems. This article focuses your revision on:

• distinguishing sequencing games from other logic game types
• constructing effective diagrams for ordering elements
• interpreting range, block, and positional clues
• making forward deductions and using clue overlap
• efficiently answering must-be-true and could-be-true questions in sequencing games

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. What is the primary feature that distinguishes sequencing (ordering) games from grouping games?

2. If the clue reads: "If Adam presents before Brenda, then Charlie presents somewhere after Brenda," how should you represent this relationship?

3. Which diagramming layout is most effective for sequencing games that assign each element to a unique position in a list?

4. True or false? In an ordering game, placing one block clue (A is immediately before B) will always determine their exact positions.

Introduction

Sequencing games are a core LSAT Analytical Reasoning format, often called "ordering games." These require you to arrange elements in a strict order according to stated rules. A strong ability to diagram, combine, and deduce from multiple constraints sets high performers apart on these questions.

For the exam, sequencing problems demand quick recognition of game structure and systematic deduction methods. This article outlines key strategies and features directly aligned with LSAT assessment requirements.

What are Sequencing Games?

Sequencing games instruct you to determine the order in which a set of elements (such as people, events, or objects) are placed. The essential requirement is always to arrange elements in a single sequence—either numbered, such as 1st to 6th, or along a time axis, such as Monday to Saturday.

Key Term: sequencing game
A logic game where the goal is to arrange elements in a defined order, using clues about position, adjacency, or relative placement.

Sequencing games differ from grouping games, which involve splitting elements among teams or sets, by their exclusive focus on the linear order. Sometimes, sequencing can be combined with grouping, but most often it's a standalone structure.

Recognizing Sequencing Setups

Typical sequencing setups provide:

• A list of elements to be ordered.
• A fixed number of ordered slots (e.g. 1–7, Monday–Sunday).
• Clues about the order (e.g. "G comes before T," "P is third," "S immediately after L").

Layout: Draw a line or row of numbered spaces to represent the slots. Place each element only once unless the rules say otherwise.

Key Term: block clue
A rule requiring two or more elements to be consecutive (adjacent) in a specific order, usually represented as a bracketed block in the diagram.

Common Clue Types in Sequencing Games

Sequencing games rely on several repeating clue formats. The most frequent are:

• Range clues: X comes before Y (can be immediate or non-immediate).
• Block clues: A and B are consecutive (A immediately before B).
• Positional clues: P is third; T is last.
• Anti-block/Spacing clues: S is not next to L (never consecutive).

Key Term: range clue
A rule stating that one element must come before or after another, but not requiring adjacency.

Key Term: anti-block clue
A rule stating that certain elements cannot be placed consecutively.

Clue recognition and separation is exam-critical. Always check whether adjacency is required (block) or just relative order (range).

Worked Example 1.1

Six runners—Anna, Bob, Cathy, Dan, Ella, and Frank—finish a race. Each runner finishes in a different position from first to sixth. The rules specify: Anna finishes before Dan. Cathy finishes immediately before Frank. Bob does not finish last. What is the correct basic diagram, and what can you deduce immediately?

Answer:
Draw six numbered boxes. Place the block [C F] for Cathy immediately before Frank, so they must be consecutive. Mark that Anna must be before Dan (A...D). Place a restriction on Bob—he cannot be in box 6. Immediate deductions: C and F must occupy two consecutive slots, in that order; Anna cannot finish after Dan; Bob is in positions 1–5.

Diagramming for Sequencing Games

The key to success is a clear, scalable visual representation. The standard approach is to use a horizontal layout of boxes or numbers to represent the positions.

Example setup: 1 2 3 4 5 6

As you add clue information, use arrows for range relations (A → D), brackets for blocks ([C F]), and mark any forbidden placements or positions for certain elements.

Revision Tip

Before answering questions, revisit your diagram and integrate all clues, especially those that overlap (e.g., if two clues mention the same element).

Making Deductions

After diagramming, carefully examine the interaction of clues:

• Does one clue restrict where a block can go, given another requirement?
• Can two or more elements not be adjacent, so possible arrangements are forced?
• Are any positions impossible for specific elements, based on deductions?

These deductions save time when answering must-be-true or could-be-true questions.

Worked Example 1.2

If in the previous example, Anna must also finish immediately before Cathy, what effect does this new rule have?

Answer:
Now, Anna must be placed directly before [C F]—so the only possible block for three consecutive positions is [A C F]. This block must fit somewhere from positions 1–4, since it needs three consecutive positions. Dan, Ella, and Bob must fill the remaining three positions, with Bob not in last place and Dan after Anna.

Typical Question Styles

Sequencing games questions include:

• Acceptable orderings: Which complete sequence violates no rules?
• Must be true: Which statement must always be true?
• Could be true: Which arrangements are possible?
• If-then: If element X is fourth, what must/could be true?

Focus carefully on the difference between "must" and "could" in LSAT questions—a common cause of mistakes.

Exam Warning

Many test-takers misread range clues, thinking "A before B" means "A immediately before B." Unless the clue says "immediately," you must consider all possibilities where A is anywhere earlier than B.

Efficiency in Sequencing Games

To maximize your score:

• Look for the most restrictive clues—blocks and fixed positions—first.
• Integrate overlapping clues early.
• Use process of elimination rapidly for ordering questions.
• Save theoretical or time-consuming questions for last if you’re pressed for time.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Sequencing games involve arranging elements in order based on clues about relative position.
• Clue types include range, block, position, and anti-block (spacing) clues.
• Diagrams should be horizontal, with blocks and arrows clearly marked.
• Forward deductions and clue overlap are essential for efficient solutions.
• Immediate adjacency is only triggered by clues specifying "immediately before/after."
• LSAT questions may ask for must-be-true, could-be-true, and acceptable completions.

Key Terms and Concepts

• sequencing game
• block clue
• range clue
• anti-block clue