Throwing a party or looking for an icebreaker to use at a work event? Whatever the case, Two Truths and a Lie is a unique game that’s useful for getting to know other people—and for seeing how good you are at lying! Read on to learn what the game entails and what makes for a good lie. We also give you tons of Two Truths and a Lie ideas to help you have a wildly fun time!
What Is Two Truths and a Lie?
Two Truths and a Lie is a fun group-based game you can play at parties or use as ice breakers. No special equipment or preparation is needed, though you might want to use pencil and paper to keep track of scores (if playing for points).
To play, everyone sits or stands in a circle. One by one, each person in the circle says three statements about him/herself. Two of these statements must be facts, or “truths,” and one must be a lie. The other members then try to guess which statement is the lie.
What Makes for a Good Lie? A Good Truth?
A good lie is one that’s ultimately believable: it’ll sound like something you might’ve done or might want to do (but haven’t actually done). A lie that’s too farfetched will clearly sound fake, so try to think of lies that are similar to truths to make them as plausible-sounding as possible.
For example, don’t say, “I can speak 22 languages.” This statement is clearly a lie (unless you’re a famous polyglot!). Rather, say, “I can speak three languages fluently.” This statement is just plausible enough to make people doubt whether you’re telling the truth or not.
When it comes to telling truths, you’ll want to tell the truth in such a way that others think you’re lying even though you’re not. Therefore, a good truth will sound like something you usually wouldn’t do or wouldn’t want to do (but have actually done).
For example, if you’re normally a shy person but have been the first to get out on a dance floor, this would be a good truth to tell since other people won’t expect you to have done it.
35 Two Truths and a Lie Ideas
Below are tons of Two Truths and a Lie examples you can use for lies (or truths if applicable!). Just remember this: when choosing lies, always opt for those that will be most convincing for you!
Likes/Dislikes
- My favorite animals are peacocks.
- I hate spicy food.
- I can’t stand it when people pay with exact change.
- I am a vegetarian.
- My favorite place in the world is New York City.
Skills
- I can play the piano.
- I’m really good at cooking Italian food.
- I can juggle.
- I never learned how to ride a bicycle.
- I’m a great whistler.
Experiences
- I went to Europe as a high school student.
- I’ve met Tom Cruise.
- I’ve never seen any of the Star Wars movies.
- I’ve eaten poisonous puffer fish.
- I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket.
Wishes/Dreams
- When I was younger, my dream was to be a firefighter.
- I’ve always wanted to try paragliding.
- One of the places I want to visit most is Thailand.
- I hope to eventually run a marathon.
- If I could, I would pay to visit the moon right now.
Family
- I am a great-great grandniece/grandnephew of Abraham Lincoln.
- I am the youngest of five siblings.
- My mother has worked for the same company for 30 years.
- I own a pet hamster named Murray.
- I have 18 first cousins.
Random/Weird
- I am colorblind.
- I am legally deaf in one ear.
- I was born with a tail.
- I still own a huge collection of Beanie Babies.
- I’ve never broken a bone.
- I am deathly afraid of clowns.
- I brush my teeth four times a day.
- I never use public restrooms.
- I’m allergic to strawberries.
- I am incredibly superstitious.
Feel free to tweak these Two Truths and a Lie ideas so that they work better for you. Once you’ve got some ideas ready, get out and have fun!