How to play two truths and a lie

The rules

1. 1

   Think of three

   Each player thinks of two true things about themselves and one that isn't true.

2. 2

   Say them in any order

   Mix them up, and say all three the same way, with a straight face.

3. 3

   Everyone guesses

   The others vote on which one is the lie. Ask a question or two first if you like.

4. 4

   The reveal

   The player says which was the lie. A point for everyone who guessed right, and a point to the player for everyone they fooled.

Tips for a good lie

• Make the truths sound unlikely. "I once met a famous cricketer" fools people more when it's true.
• Make the lie sound boring. A small, believable lie is harder to spot than a wild one.
• Keep them the same length. A long, detailed story stands out, true or not.
• Don't smile on the lie. Say all three the same way.
• Choose things people don't know yet. It's no fun if your best friend knows all three.

Example statements for kids

Mix two that are true for you with one that isn't.

• I have been on a plane.
• I can touch my nose with my tongue.
• I once found a lizard in my shoe.
• I have a pet goldfish.
• I have been to the snow.
• I can say the alphabet backwards.
• I have broken my arm.
• I have met a koala.
• I have never eaten a mango.
• I was born in another country.

Example statements for families

• I have swum with a turtle.
• I learned to drive in a tractor.
• I have been on TV.
• I can play the piano.
• I once won a pie-eating contest.
• I have climbed a mountain.
• I have never seen the ocean at night.
• I was named after a song.
• I once got lost at a theme park.
• I have surfed at Burleigh Heads.

Example statements for work

• My first job was at a fish and chip shop.
• I have worked in three countries.
• I once shook hands with a prime minister.
• I can type without looking.
• I have never had a coffee.
• I was a lifeguard one summer.
• I have run a half marathon.
• I speak three languages.
• I once fixed the office printer with a paperclip.
• I have been to every state in Australia.

Example statements for adults

• I have been in a flash mob.
• I once slept in an airport.
• I have read every book in a series twice.
• I can juggle.
• I have never broken a bone.
• I once ate a whole pavlova by myself.
• I have been chased by a goose.
• I was in a band.
• I have seen a whale from the beach.
• I have never been to a wedding.

Variations to try

• Two lies and a truth. Flip it: guess the one true thing.
• A theme each round. Holidays, first jobs, school days or food.
• Teams. Teams write three statements together about one member, and the other teams guess.
• Before the party. Everyone sends their three to the host first, and the host reads them out, so nobody knows whose they are.

Play a game like this on your TV

Who's Who Hullabaloo is the closest thing on the TV: guests send in baby photos, voices, drawings and facts before the party, and everyone guesses who's who on their phone, with a Fooler bonus for answers that trick the room. Imposter is the other one for bluffers: one player doesn't know the secret word and has to fake it.

Who's Who Hullabaloo

A quiz about the people at your party: baby photos, voices, drawings and things they said. Great for birthdays, reunions and groups who know each other.

• 3–30 players
• Depends on the questions
• Needs a guest list
• Set up before the party

Read how to play →

Imposter

Everyone gets the same secret word, except one player: the Imposter. Find them before they fool you!

• 3–16 players
• About 5–15 minutes
• Same room only

Read how to play →