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Guide on How To Play Two Truths And A Lie

Last Updated on Aug 1st 2025
how to play two truths and a lie

Learning how to play Two Truths and a Lie in a group is a fun way to liven up an event or get together virtually with friends for laughter, fun and game play. The game is relatively easy with simple rules, and there are options for a variety of age groups. No previous knowledge about the game is needed, and you can play with various-sized groups in many different settings. 

You may be asking, "How do you play the truth and lie game?" Would you like some inside information on strategy and how to always win Two Truths and a Lie? What are some examples of Two Truths and a Lie? This guide provides all the details and simple-to-follow instructions, making it easy to explain the game and play like a winner. Keep reading, and then get ready to have fun while playing this fun party game in person or virtually. 

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How To Play Two Truths And A Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is one of the best icebreaker games or birthday party activities because it encourages creativity, sparks conversation, and helps people get to know each other in a fun and engaging way. It’s also a great group game for any environment, from schools to work to friendly get-togethers, with a small group of friends or even with larger groups. The truths are sometimes even more shocking than the lies. Let's find out how to play Two Truths and a Lie.

What Is The Format For Two Truths And A Lie?

Two friends laughing and playing
Two Truths and a Lie is a great way to form deeper relationships (via Freepik)

Playing Two Truths and a Lie is simple, making it one of the easiest get to know you games to play. Here's how it goes:

  1. One player gets up in front of the group, ready to speak and lists two true facts about themselves and one lie. The goal is to blend the lie in with the rest of the statements, making it difficult to guess.
  2. The other players must then guess which of the three is the lie.

It's that simple.

You can play on a points system, where the liar gets a point if the group guesses wrong and the guessers get a point if they guess right, or just play for fun. It’s one of the most fun games to play with friends because it's simple, takes little setup time and zero prep work, and it allows you to get to know one another on a deeper, more personal level. Expect plenty of laughs, a few "whoa" moments and lots of fun throughout your gameplay.

You simply need a group of friends, coworkers or family members who are ready to get creative, come up with a few lies and tell their stories. Having a sheet of paper or a whiteboard to keep track of the score is also helpful when learning how to play Two Truths and a Lie, but you won't need dice, a game board or any other accessories.

If you need some Two Truths and a Lie examples to get you started, try talking about crazy past experiences, childhood stories, niche personality quirks, or anything else that players are unlikely to know about you right off the bat. Keep the age of your players in mind when deciding on topics. A crazy story that's a little risque might go over well with a group of friends, but it's probably not the subject to base your truth or lie on if you're playing with the boss or younger family members.

With that in mind, there’s no set rule on what questions to say and how to play Two Truths and a Lie, so find what works best for you. It's not like learning the Uno rules, What Do You Meme? Rules, Pictionary rules or Cards Against Humanity rules — but more like the easier Jenga rules. Remember that the conversation and follow-up stories are what make the game so much fun to play. Once you know the truth, ask more questions to dig a little deeper. 

How To Play Two Truths And A Lie In A Group

diverse friends having a drink and laughing
Speak your truth to the entire group (via Freepik)

Now that you know the basics, you may want to know how to play Two Truths and a Lie in a group. The answer is pretty simple. Have players take turns guessing the correct answer, or leave it up to a group vote. Alternate around the room on who’s the liar, so everyone gets a turn to share. Two Truths and a Lie is one of the best interactive group games because it requires each participant to share something personal and guess about others, which creates a playful atmosphere and ensures active participation from the whole group. It can also lead to some pretty interesting conversations about someone's hidden life. 

Playing in a group also has the potential to increase productivity, creativity and motivation, according to Carnegie Miller University. Group work is extremely beneficial in many ways and in every environment, whether it’s school, the workplace, or even within friend groups. Learning how to work better as a team and bond with one another can increase productivity and help with efficiency, and games like Two Truths and a Lie are an enjoyable and engaging way to achieve that goal. 

How To Play Two Truths And A Lie Virtually

friends playing a game on the laptop
Get creative online (via Freepik)

It’s very easy to play Two Truths and a Lie virtually, too. We seem to be getting in a theme now. This game really is that simple. The game can be played the same way over text, a phone call, or Zoom. However, it works better if you can both see and hear the person. Rather than an audio-only phone call, consider using FaceTime or a similar video call service. This makes it a great office game to try if your company is primarily virtual or working hybrid, spread across the globe.

You can also use this as a fun family game when relatives live miles away or your older children are away at college. Learning how to play Two Truths and a Lie is also fun if you're trying to get back together with old friends, between high school and college reunions or when someone you're close to has recently moved far away. Just make sure that everyone has a camera and a microphone attached to their computer or tablet so that you can see and hear them clearly while playing the game. Filters can add to the humor.

Ask your coworkers, family or friends to plan some time in an uninterrupted space, so that there are no distractions from the game and you all can giggle and talk freely. Things might get a little loud at times, so come prepared!

Another tip for how to play Two Truths and a Lie virtually is to ensure each player has a solid internet connection. It's no fun to freeze up or lose the connection in the middle of the game, so try to avoid playing if the weather is bad or there are other reasons why there could be shaky internet connections, like playing in a cafe or the park.

Two Truths And A Lie FAQs

How To Always Win Two Truths And a Lie?

two women having fun
How To Play Two Truths And A Lie? Get competitive! (via Freepik)

It’s easy to learn how to play Two Truths and a Lie, but it's much more difficult to master it and win every time. To win Two Truths and a Lie, if you're the person lying, try telling a lie that seems feasible, or is maybe just a bent version of the truth. Oddly specific lies are good, too, because when you add more detail to something, others are more likely to think it’s true.  

If you’re looking for some good Two Truths and a Lie examples, try telling a truth and lie in one statement like, “I’ve been scuba diving and saw a shark.” Perhaps you've been scuba diving but have never seen a shark. This lie is feasible, a bend of the truth and has a level of specificity to it, making it a great lie to use. Or maybe instead say something like, “I shook hands with my favorite celebrity.” This is also something feasible that has a certain level of specificity. It’s even better if you name the celebrity. Statements like these are sure to stump your fellow players.

Another great tip for winning at Two Truths and a Lie is to keep your poker face on. Understanding your "tell," just like in poker, is another great way to fool people. If you laugh a lot or change expressions when you tell the lie, people will notice, especially if that facial expression is one you use repeatedly throughout the game when you're telling your lie. Instead, keep a straight face when telling the truth and when telling your lie. Or use your tell when you state the truth! Your family, friends or coworkers are watching you carefully, so even the slightest change in facial expression or gestures can give you away. 

Whether you’re looking for fun party games, more specifically, party games for adults, Two Truths and a Lie may be the ideal game for you. It’s super easy for anyone to learn how to play Two Truths and a Lie. No prior experience is necessary, and there isn’t much of a learning curve even for younger players.

This game is a great bonding experience full of laughter and smiles, and is a fun way to learn things about one another that you may have otherwise never known. Try it with friends, family or coworkers and get ready to view the people you see or talk to every day in a whole new light. Do you plan to show everyone how to play Two Truths and a Lie at your next get-together? What are some other classic icebreaker games you love playing with family and friends?

For even more fun ideas to break the ice, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!