#24 - Local, Must Be True

[Dave Killoran]

Complete Question Explanation
(The complete setup for this game can be found here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=14384)

The correct answer choice is (D)

From our initial analysis of the game, we determined that only N, P, or Q could be the juggler assigned to the rear position on team 2. Thus, answer choices (A) and (B) can be eliminated.

Considering the conditions in the question stem, when G is assigned to team 1, then from the first rule G must be in the front position, and when K is assigned to team 2, from the second rule K must be assigned to the middle position:

J97_Game_#4_#24_diagram 1.png

With G and K assigned, and L eliminated from being on team 2 due to the third rule, only H, N, P, and Q are available to be assigned to the remaining two positions on team 2. Of course, from the fourth rule, N cannot be on the same team as K (who is already on team 2), and so N can be eliminated from consideration for team 2 (hence, N is not shown as an option for the rear position on team 2 in the diagram above). Thus, only H, P, and Q remain to be assigned to the two available spaces on team 2. However, from the fifth rule P and Q cannot be assigned together, and so by Hurdling the Uncertainty we can deduce that H must be assigned to team 2. And, from the first rule, H must be assigned to the front position on team 2. Thus, according to the last rule, Q must be assigned to team 1 in the middle position. With Q removed from team 2 consideration, P must be assigned to the final position on team 2, the rear position:

J97_Game_#4_#24_diagram 2.png

Answer choice (D) is thus proven correct.

Interestingly (in a demented way), this game ends with three vicious questions that require you to closely examine the variables remaining for assignment. Since it is so easy to get caught up in which variables have been placed, these three questions serve as a good reminder that in Grouping games it is always important to examine the variables yet to be placed. Many of the most difficult Grouping game questions have hinged upon recognition of this fact.