On test day, you'll have 35 minutes for four games, which averages about 8-9 minutes per game. However, not all games are created equal—some are significantly easier than others. A smart strategy involves spending 6-7 minutes on straightforward games so you have 10-12 minutes for the most complex ones. Early in your preparation, you should focus on accuracy over speed, then gradually build your timing as you internalize the diagramming techniques. Tutors can help you identify which game types tend to be your slowest and develop targeted practice strategies.

Yes—diagramming is essential. The Logic Games section is specifically designed to test your ability to organize information visually and work through logical deductions. A clear diagram prevents errors, helps you answer follow-up questions faster, and makes it easier to spot patterns. Students who skip diagramming or try to solve games entirely in their heads typically make careless mistakes and run out of time. The right diagramming approach depends on the game type, which is why working with a tutor can help you develop personalized notation systems that work for your brain.

Most students see significant improvement once they understand the game formats and practice the diagramming system, often gaining 5-10 points on this section within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. However, the improvement curve varies—some students jump from near-zero correct answers to 80-90% accuracy fairly quickly, while others plateau as they approach mastery. Your improvement depends on how much practice you do, how systematically you review your mistakes, and whether you're addressing your specific weak points (e.g., sequencing games vs. grouping games). Personalized tutoring can help you identify exactly where you're losing points and optimize your study approach.

Most successful test-takers complete 40-60+ individual logic games and take multiple full-length practice tests before their exam date. This gives you enough exposure to see patterns, develop speed, and build confidence. However, quantity matters less than quality—it's better to complete 30 games and thoroughly review every mistake than to rush through 100 games. For students in San Francisco preparing for the LSAT, a tutor can create a customized practice schedule based on your starting point, timeline, and specific weak areas, ensuring you're using your study time most efficiently.

There are four primary game types: Sequencing (ordering things in a line), Grouping (dividing items into categories), Matching (connecting items from different sets), and Hybrid games (combining elements of the above). Most test sections include variations on these structures, sometimes with twists like conditional rules or unequal groups. Mastering each game type requires learning its specific diagram format and common rule patterns. A tutor can help you recognize game types quickly, understand which rules are tricky, and develop reliable solving strategies for each one.

Test anxiety during Logic Games often stems from time pressure and fear of getting stuck. The best defense is building confidence through consistent practice—when you've solved dozens of games and know you can handle the format, the anxiety naturally decreases. During the test, if you get stuck on a game, it's perfectly acceptable to skip it strategically and return later if time permits. Breathing techniques, setting small milestones ("I'll complete this game in 8 minutes"), and practicing full-length tests under timed conditions all help normalize test-day conditions. Working with a tutor can include building mental strategies and practicing with controlled time pressure.