🤥 Three Truths and a Lie
Each player shares four facts about themselves: three true and one made up. The group has to spot the fib. A favorite getting-to-know-you game that always turns up surprising stories.
What you need
Equipment: Nothing (paper and pen are helpful). Give each player a minute to think of 4 statements about themselves: 3 true and 1 invented. Paper and pens help. Sit everyone in a circle.
How to play Three Truths and a Lie
- The host goes first to break the ice: says 4 statements and the group guesses.
- The first player says their 4 statements in a row, with a straight face.
- The group may ask just one question about one statement.
- On the count of three, everyone shows which statement they think is the lie, using 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers.
- The player reveals the made-up statement and tells the story behind one of the true ones.
- Move to the next player in the circle.
- For experienced players: try three lies and one truth.
Scoring and wrapping up
Scoring: Correct guess = 1 point to the guesser. Fooling most of the group = 3 points to the player.
To finish: When everyone has had a turn, add up the points and crown the Best Bluffer: the player who fooled the most people.
By age
- Ages 8-12: play Two Truths and a Lie, with three statements.
- Ages 13+: the full three truths and a lie.
Variations
- Big group: play in small circles of 5 or 6, then each circle sends its best bluffer to a final round.
- Capy twist: one statement has to be about Capy, the site mascot, and players must make it sound true.
Tips for the adult in charge
- Encourage believable lies and surprising truths. That is what makes it hard.
- Give shy kids the starter ideas below so nobody is stuck.
Safety
Nobody should share anything too personal or embarrassing.
🖨️ Printable statement starters
Give each player a few cards to spark ideas for their truths and their lie.
- I have a pet that...
- I once visited...
- My favorite food is...
- I can't stand eating...
- I was born in...
- I have a hidden talent:...
- I once broke...
- The funniest thing that happened to me was...
- I know how to...
- I have never...
- When I grow up I want to...
- My first word was...
- I collect...
- I am scared of...
- I once met...
- I can count to ten in...
- My favorite book is...
- I once won...
- My middle name is...
- On weekends I usually...
Questions and answers
What are good Three Truths and a Lie ideas for kids?
Pets, places visited, foods they love or hate, hidden talents, funny things that happened to them. The starter cards below help kids who are stuck.
How do you play Two Truths and a Lie?
Exactly the same, but with three statements: two true and one false. It is easier and better for younger kids.