LSAT 90, Logic Game 3, Question 17, LSATHacks

H hosts in the Fall, so M also has to host in the Fall (rule 1).

Each of the other three variables (V, T, O) has to be placed at least once. Of those two, V is the most restricted variable, due to rules 2 and 3.

So let’s make two scenarios using V. We can make one scenario where V is in Fall, and then another where V is in Spring.

Note that we could place V twice. The point of the scenarios is to start with V in Fall, or V in Spring, and see what else happens from that. But it’s no trouble to place V in the other group if it makes the scenario work.

Remember: in either scenario, HM will be in Fall. H, because the question places it there. And M, because if H is in Fall, M must be too.

Scenario 1: V in Fall

First let’s place V in Fall:

If V is in Fall, then T and O are left to place and must be placed in Spring:

The final slot will be either M or V, since rule 3 says each group needs one of M or V. (It’s fine for V to go twice in this scenario. It doesn’t have to, but it can. The point of this scenario was to see what happens if V definitely goes in Fall).

Scenario 2: V in Spring

Now, let’s place V in Spring. This forces T in Spring (rule 2):

O is the fifth variable, and it can go in either group.

Every rule is obeyed in the diagram above, so anyone can be the variable that goes twice: V, M, H, O, T. In either season! There are no rules in this game that prevent someone from going somewhere once the rules are met.

Between the two scenarios, there is one constant: T is in Spring. So D is the CORRECT.

B and E are wrong because scenario 1 shows that either M or V could host in the spring. Since either could, neither has to.

A and C are wrong because of scenario 2. This scenario is quite flexible: O can go in either season.

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