Two Truths and a Lie: Rules, Tips and 60 Examples
Two Truths and a Lie is the simplest getting-to-know-you game there is. Each player says three things about themselves. Two are true, one is made up, and everyone else has to guess the lie. You need no cards, no board and no app, which is why teachers, team leaders and party hosts keep coming back to it. Here are the rules, the best versions to play, tips for telling (and spotting) a good lie, and 60 example statements.
How to Play Two Truths and a Lie
- Everyone sits in a circle, or joins the same video call.
- Each player quietly thinks of three statements about themselves: two true, one false.
- Pick who goes first. Use the Random Name Picker if nobody volunteers.
- The first player says all three statements, in any order.
- Everyone else guesses which one is the lie, by voting with fingers (1, 2 or 3) or by discussing it together.
- The player reveals the lie, and often the story behind the true ones. Then the next person takes a turn.
Scoring (optional)
Most groups do not keep score at all. If you want a winner, give one point to every guesser who finds the lie, and one point to the speaker for every person they fool. Play one or two full rounds and add it up.
Ways to Play
- Classroom icebreaker: students write their three statements on a card first, so shy pupils have time to think. The teacher reads the cards out and the class guesses whose they are as well as which is false.
- Team or work meeting: keep statements to hobbies, travel and harmless surprises. One round of five to ten people takes about fifteen minutes.
- Online or remote: players type their three statements in the chat at the same time, then everyone votes with a poll or emoji reactions.
- Teams: split into two groups. A team picks one member, writes three statements for them together, and the other team guesses.
- Two Lies and a Truth: flip it. Say one true thing and two lies. The group has to find the one that is true, which is harder than it sounds.
- Theme rounds: everyone must stick to one topic, such as food, childhood or holidays.
How to Tell a Good Lie
- Make your truths sound unlikely. The best rounds have a real fact that sounds invented, like having met a famous person or eaten something strange.
- Make your lie sound ordinary. "I can't ride a bike" fools far more people than "I swam with sharks".
- Keep all three the same length. A lie with lots of extra detail stands out.
- Use something half true. If you have been to Spain, say you have been to Portugal.
- Say all three in the same voice. Many players slow down or smile on the lie.
How to Spot the Lie
Ask one follow-up question about each statement if your group allows it. Real memories come with small, boring details; invented ones often get vague or too perfect. Watch for the statement the speaker rushes through. And remember that people who know the rules often pick the most ordinary-sounding line as the lie, so experienced players start hiding the lie in the middle.
60 Two Truths and a Lie Examples
Use these as ideas and change them to fit you. Any of them can be your truth or your lie.
For Kids
- I have a pet goldfish.
- I have broken my arm.
- I can whistle with my fingers.
- I was born in another country.
- My favourite food is broccoli.
- I have been on a plane.
- I can do a cartwheel.
- I have a twin.
- I once lost a tooth at school.
- I have read the same book five times.
- I can say the alphabet backwards.
- I have never seen snow.
- I sleep with a night light.
- I have touched a snake.
- I can wiggle my ears.
For Students and Teens
- I have met a famous footballer.
- I can solve a Rubik's cube.
- I have never eaten sushi.
- I play three instruments.
- I have been to four different schools.
- I have dyed my hair blue.
- I can type without looking at the keys.
- I have stayed awake for a whole night.
- I was in a newspaper photo as a child.
- I hate chocolate.
- I have a scar from a trampoline.
- I know how to sew.
- I have never watched a horror film.
- I once got lost in a shopping centre.
- I can name every planet in order.
For Work and Team Building
- I have lived in three countries.
- I once worked in an ice cream shop.
- I have run a marathon.
- I am afraid of escalators.
- I have never had a cup of coffee.
- I speak four languages.
- I have been on television.
- I once missed a flight by two minutes.
- I have climbed a volcano.
- I collect old maps.
- My first job was delivering newspapers.
- I have shaken hands with a prime minister.
- I can't swim.
- I have been to a wedding in another country where I knew nobody.
- I grow my own tomatoes.
Funny Ones
- I once ate a whole pizza by myself.
- I have been chased by a goose.
- I can lick my elbow.
- I fell asleep at a cinema twice in one week.
- I have a sock I have worn since I was twelve.
- I once walked into a glass door at a party.
- I named my plant Kevin.
- I can burp the alphabet.
- I have sent a text to the wrong person and it was about them.
- I have never seen a Star Wars film.
- I put ketchup on pasta.
- I accidentally dyed all my clothes pink.
- I have a phobia of buttons.
- I won a hula hoop contest.
- I once got stuck in a revolving door.
Games Like Two Truths and a Lie
If your group enjoys it, try Never Have I Ever questions (everyone learns who has done what), Would You Rather questions for quick debates, or a round of Truth or Dare for older players. Teachers will find more ideas in our classroom games guide.
Is It Really Random Who Gets Fooled?
Not quite. People are poor lie detectors in general: in psychology studies, people judging whether a stranger is lying get it right only a little more often than chance would. So if your friends cannot spot your lie, it may not be your acting. It is mostly guesswork, which is exactly what makes the game fair for everyone.
FAQ
What are the rules of Two Truths and a Lie?
Each player says three statements about themselves. Two are true and one is false. The other players guess which statement is the lie, then the speaker reveals the answer and the next player takes a turn.
How many people do you need for Two Truths and a Lie?
At least three: one speaker and two guessers. It works best with four to fifteen players. Bigger groups can split into smaller circles or play in teams.
What is a good lie for Two Truths and a Lie?
A good lie sounds ordinary and believable, such as not being able to ride a bike or never having eaten a common food. Pair it with two true statements that sound surprising.
Can you play Two Truths and a Lie online?
Yes. Players type their three statements in the chat or say them on camera, and everyone votes with a poll, numbers in the chat or emoji reactions.
What is Two Lies and a Truth?
It is the reverse version: a player says one true statement and two false ones, and the group has to find the single true statement.