Confirmed: LSAT Logic Games to Be Removed in August 2024

We now have official confirmation from LSAC that LSAT Logic Games are going away, starting August 2024. The logic games section will be totally removed and replaced by a 2nd logical reasoning section.

This gives us a clear transition period:

1. Now until June 2024 LSAT: One logic games section, one logical reasoning section, one reading comprehension section. One additional experimental section of any of the three topics.
2. August 2024 onwards: Two logical reasoning sections, one reading comprehension section. One additional experimental section of either topic.

This means you could have: LR, LR, LR(exp), RC or RC, LR, RC (exp), LR. These are just examples, there are multiple possible orders.

Note that in both cases the exam will have three scored sections and one experimental section. The only change is that logic games are going away, and will be replaced by more logical reasoning.

Why are LSAT Logic Games Going Away?

Several years ago, LSAC received a request from a blind student to take the LSAT without logic games, as the diagrams used to solve games make the section harder for non-sighted students. This request was denied. The student sued, and LSAC settled.

The lawsuit had demanded the total removal of logic games. LSAC agreed to study alternatives within four years. After some efforts to find an alternative, LSAC concluded that there is no good way to modify the section. LSAC further determined that logical reasoning is a good way of measuring the skills the LSAT measures. A study by LSAC found no difference in average scores in a large dataset if you use two LR vs. using one LR and one LG.

So LSAC has done just that, and picked a simple option which uses their existing material to continue the test.

Is my LSAT Score with Logic Games Still Valid?

Yes. LSAC scores are valid for five years. Any LSAT score which includes logic games is a valid LSAT score within that time period and can be used to apply to law schools.

What should I do if I will be studying for the LSAT before August 2024?

The simple answer is that if you are reading this article near the announcement date (October 18th), you should likely study for logic games. The June 2024 LSAT has logic games and is still almost eight months away.

If you are, however, new to studying, and reading this post closer to new years 2024, you should almost certainly not study for logic games.

A good timeframe to study for the LSAT is 3-6 months. And most people take the test 2-3 times to get their best score. All of this applies double if you are aiming for 170+.

So, if you have already been studying for a few months, you should keep doing what you’re doing. The end of LSAT logic games is far enough in the future it doesn’t change your planning. Even if you are freshly starting right now, you should likely still study for games unless you expect to need 8+ months.

But what if you are reading this article closer to new year’s 2024? In that case, on January 1sts 2024, you only have four months till the April LSAT and 6 months to the June LSAT. It is becoming less certain you should study logic games if you want multiple attempts.

If you start your studies anytime after, say, mid February, I would not recommend you study logic games.

A few groups who should study for logic games or consider it

Fall 2024 Applicants: If you are applying to start law school in fall 2024, you need to study for logic games, as every LSAT in this testing cycle still has them.

If you already tried logic games and are good at them: The current test format advantages you. It makes sense to use that and aim to take it while logic games still exist.

If you are aiming for 170+: Logic Games are the easiest section to perfect. The students I work with who have 170+ almost universally are getting -1 to -0 on games. This simply is not possible to do in a repeatable way with logical reasoning or reading comprehension. Almost everyone can perfect games, often working on their own. Not everyone can do so easily on the other two sections.

So if you want your best shot at 170+, it is worth considering studying for logic games while there is still a chance to take them. However, this value shrinks rapidly as time goes on. So give strong consideration to taking a diagnostic and advancing your studies if you fall in this group.

Farewell logic games

I’ve tutored the LSAT for 15 years. For me, logic games were the most fun and interesting section by far. I may still do some from time to time, I felt they sharpened my brain and speed. I’ll miss them.

But I understand why this decision is happening, and I am pleased with LSAC’s decision to simply add a second logical reasoning section. Logical reasoning is also an interesting section, and it is more improvable than reading comprehension.

Still though, it is natural to feel some sadness at the end of logic games. They existed in their current format for 33 years. That is an impressive run, and they were very well constructed. They managed to frustrate and thrill generations of LSAT students. They’ll be missed.

Well, missed by me. I also understand that thousands of LSAT students who have been tormented by games will be celebrating today. And I am happy for you :) I have seen that torment on the faces of students myself.

I have mixed feelings today but overall am pleased with how LSAC has handled this. I am glad we have a clear transition.

Read more:

1. Official LSAC announcement on logic games removal
2. Reddit thread on /r/LSAT discussing LG removal
3. Reddit thread on /r/lawschooladmissions discussing LG removal
4. Explanations for LSAT Logic Games (and other sections)