2 Truths 1 Lie in a minute
2 Truths 1 Lie, usually called Two Truths and a Lie, is the game where you tell the group three things about yourself and one of them is made up. Everyone else tries to spot the fake. It is a favourite icebreaker for new classes and teams because you learn something real about people while you play. Old friends who think they know everything about each other often get the biggest surprises.
How to play 2 Truths 1 Lie
You need at least three people and nothing else. It works in a circle, around a table or on a call, and each player takes one turn as the storyteller.
- Think of three statements. The storyteller quietly prepares two true facts about themselves and one believable lie.
- Say all three. Read them out in any order with a straight face. Putting the lie first one time and last the next keeps people guessing.
- Everyone picks the lie. If your group allows it, the others can ask a question or two first. Then each player says or points to the statement they think is false.
- Reveal the truth. The storyteller names the lie, and usually tells the story behind the strangest true one.
- Score if you like. Plenty of groups play just for fun. If you keep score, each correct guesser gets a point and the storyteller gets a point for every player they fooled.
- Pass it on. The next player becomes the storyteller, and the game goes round until everyone has had a turn.
See 2 Truths 1 Lie on your phone
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Write your statements -
Spot the lie -
Caught or fooled
Playing 2 Truths 1 Lie online
In the online room, one player is the storyteller each round. They type three statements, tick the circle next to the lie and tap Lock Statements. The room shuffles the order, so where you wrote the lie gives nothing away. Everyone else taps the statement they think is the lie, and each vote stays private until the reveal.
The reveal shows the lie, every vote, and who was caught or fooled. A correct vote earns one point, and the storyteller earns one point for each player they fooled. Writing and voting each get 90 seconds. Rooms take 2 to 8 players (best with three or more), and a match lasts 2, 3 or 5 rounds with a new storyteller each round, so in a big group tap Play Again to give everyone a turn.
There is no deck to draw from. Every statement comes from the players. Sitting together, read your three aloud for extra drama. Apart, the built-in video call lets everyone watch the storyteller's face, or you can keep FaceTime or Zoom running and share the room link.
Tips and house rules
- Make your lie about as surprising as your truths. A dull lie stands out next to one strange true fact, and so does a wild one next to two ordinary facts.
- Use small, specific details. "I've been to Portugal three times" is harder to judge than "I've travelled a lot".
- Choose truths the group doesn't already know, or friends will find the lie by elimination.
- Keep it kind. Stick to facts about yourself and nothing that could embarrass someone else.
- For younger players, suggest themes such as food, pets, school or holidays so ideas come quickly.
- For a twist, play Two Lies and a Truth, where the group hunts for the one real fact.
2 Truths 1 Lie FAQ
How do you play Two Truths and a Lie?
One player says three things about themselves. Two are true and one is made up. Everyone else guesses which one is the lie, then the storyteller reveals it and the next player takes a turn.
How many people do you need?
Three or more is best, so at least two people are guessing. The online room takes 2 to 8 players. Classes and big teams can play with everyone voting at once.
What are good examples for Two Truths and a Lie?
Mix the everyday with the unexpected. For example: "I can't whistle", "I once got lost in a museum for an hour" and "I have never seen snow". The best sets have one surprising truth and one lie that sounds ordinary.
Can you ask the storyteller questions?
House rules vary. Some groups allow one or two questions before the vote, and others go straight to guessing. Online, you can talk it over on the call before you tap your vote.
How do you score Two Truths and a Lie?
Many groups don't keep score at all. A common system gives one point to each player who finds the lie and one point to the storyteller for each player fooled, which is how the online room scores.
Can you play Two Truths and a Lie on Zoom or FaceTime?
Yes. Keep your call running and share the room link, or use the video call built into the room. The lie stays hidden until the reveal.
Is it free to play 2 Truths 1 Lie online?
Yes. The room is free in any browser, with no app to download and no account to create.
