Two Truths and a Lie: 50+ Ideas + Complete Game Rules to Break the Ice Fast

Two Truths and a Lie is one of the most versatile icebreaker games you can play. Whether you're meeting new colleagues, hosting a family gathering, or connecting with friends virtually, this simple game breaks down barriers and sparks genuine conversations.

Scroll down to find 50 inspirations for this activity.

Table of Contents

What is Two Truths and a Lie?

The rule of two truths and a lie is simple. Each player shares three statements about themselves—two true, one false. Other players guess which statement is the lie.

Each player shares three statements about themselves—two true, one false. Other players guess which statement is the lie.

The game works with just 2, but is more engaging with larger groups.

Hints: Make sure what you say doesn't make others feel uncomfortable.

Variations of Two Truths and A Lie

For a time, people played Two Truths and A Lie in different styles and continually refreshed it. There are many creative ways to play the game without losing its spirit. Here are some ideas that are popular nowadays:

1. Two Lies and a Truth: This version is the opposite of the original game, as players share two false statements and one true statement. The goal is for other players to identify the actual statement.
2. Five Truths and a Lie: It is a level-up of the classic game as you have options to consider.
3. Who Said That?: In this version, players write down three statements about themselves, mixed up and read them aloud by someone else. The group has to guess who wrote each set of ideas.
4. Celebrity Edition: Instead of sharing their profile, players would make up two facts about a celebrity and a piece of unreal information to make the party more thrilling. Other players have to identify the wrong one.
5. Storytelling: The game focuses on sharing three stories, two of which are true, and one is wrong. The group has to guess which story is the lie.

Check out more icebreaker games for groups.

When to Play Two Truths and A Lie

Perfect occasions for

• Team meetings with new members
• Training sessions that need an energising break
• Virtual meetings to add human connection
• Social gatherings where people don't know each other
• Family reunions to learn surprising facts about relatives
• Classroom settings for students to connect

The best timing is at

• Beginning of events as an icebreaker (10-15 minutes)
• Mid-meeting to re-energise the group
• Casual social time when conversation needs a spark

How to Play

Face-to-Face Version

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Arrange chairs in a circle or gather around a table
2. Explain the rules clearly to everyone

Gameplay:

1. Player shares three statements about themselves
2. Group discusses and asks clarifying questions (1-2 minutes)
3. Everyone votes on which statement they think is the lie
4. Player reveals the answer and briefly explains the truths
5. Next player takes their turn

Scoring (Optional): Award 1 point for each correct guess

Virtual Version

Setup:

1. Use video conferencing (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
2. Consider using polling tools like AhaSlides for voting
3. Keep the same turn-taking structure

Pro tip: Have players write their three statements simultaneously, then take turns reading them aloud for discussion.

50 Ideas to play Two Truths and A Lie

Two Truths and A Lie about achievements & experiences

1. I've been interviewed on live television
2. I've visited 15 countries across 4 continents
3. I won a state championship in high school debate
4. I met a celebrity at a coffee shop in Los Angeles
5. I've been skydiving three times
6. I once got lost in a foreign country for 8 hours
7. I graduated valedictorian of my high school class
8. I've run a marathon in under 4 hours
9. I once had dinner at the White House
10. I was born during a solar eclipse

Truths and Lies about habits

11. I wake up at 5 AM every single day
12. I've read the entire Harry Potter series 5 times
13. I brush my teeth exactly 4 times per day
14. I can speak 4 languages fluently
15. I've never missed a day of flossing in 3 years
16. I drink exactly 8 glasses of water daily
17. I can play the piano, guitar, and violin
18. I meditate for 30 minutes every morning
19. I've kept a daily journal for 10 years
20. I can solve a Rubik's cube in under 2 minutes

Truths and Lies about the hobby and personality

21. I'm terrified of butterflies
22. I've never eaten a hamburger
23. I sleep with a childhood stuffed animal
24. I'm allergic to chocolate
25. I've never seen any Star Wars movie
26. I count steps when I walk upstairs
27. I've never learned to ride a bicycle
28. I'm afraid of elevators and always take stairs
29. I've never owned a smartphone
30. I can't swim at all

Truths and Lies about family and relationships

40. I'm the youngest of 12 children
41. My twin sister lives in another country
42. I'm related to a famous author
43. My parents met on a reality TV show
44. I have 7 siblings
45. My grandparents were circus performers
46. I'm adopted but found my birth parents
47. My cousin is a professional athlete
48. I've never been in a romantic relationship
49. My family owns a restaurant

Truths and Lies about weirdness and randomness

41. I've been struck by lightning
42. I collect vintage lunch boxes
43. I once lived in a monastery for a month
44. I have a pet snake named Shakespeare
45. I've never been on an airplane
46. I was an extra in a major Hollywood movie
47. I can juggle while riding a unicycle
48. I've memorised pi to 100 decimal places
49. I once ate a cricket (intentionally)
50. I have perfect pitch and can identify any musical note

Tips for Success

Creating Good Statements

• Mix obvious with subtle: Include one obviously true/false statement and two that could go either way
• Use specific details: "I visited 12 countries" is more engaging than "I like to travel"
• Balance believability: Make the lie plausible and the truths potentially surprising
• Keep it appropriate: Ensure all statements are suitable for your audience

For Group Leaders

• Set ground rules: Establish that all statements should be appropriate and respectful
• Encourage questions: Allow 1-2 clarifying questions per statement
• Manage time: Keep each round to 3-4 minutes maximum
• Stay positive: Focus on interesting revelations rather than catching people in lies

Frequently Asked Questions