Two Truths and a Lie

Set up

Sit where everyone can see each other. Give people a minute to think of three statements about themselves: two true, one false. Nothing needs to be written down, though a scrap of paper helps nervous players.

How to play

1. One player says their three statements in any order, in the same tone of voice.
2. The others may ask a few questions. The player must answer truthfully about the truths and keep up the lie.
3. On the count of three, everyone votes by holding up one, two or three fingers for the statement they think is the lie.
4. The player reveals the answer, and usually tells the story behind the most surprising truth.
5. Move on to the next player until everyone has had a turn.

Scoring, if you want it

Most groups do not keep score. If yours likes to, give one point to each person who spots the lie and one point to the speaker for every person they fool.

Ways to change it

• Themed: all three statements must be about food, travel, school days or this past year. A theme makes it easier for people who freeze at an open question.
• Two truths and a wish: the false statement is something you would like to be true. Gentler, and a good version for children.
• Written version: everyone writes their three statements on a card, the host reads them out, and the group guesses both the lie and the author.
• On a video call: vote by typing 1, 2 or 3 in the chat and pressing enter together.

Who it suits, and who it doesn’t

This is a strong opener for people who do not know each other well: new teams, a class in the first week, a party with several friend groups. It falls flat with close family, who already know the answers. Children under ten often find it hard to invent a believable lie.