Assignment - Open/Closed & setting up the diagram

[all_boost]

I'm currently studying Open/Closed assignment games, and the handful that I have done (mainly in the LG strategy guide) have not been too troublesome.

However, in flipping through various practice tests and looking at assignment games in all their variations, I'm beginning to have some difficulty quickly determining how I would setup the Open/Closed Board before considering the constraints. That is, I'm not finding it very straightforward/intuitive how the "X" & "Y" (if there are 3 element sets) axis' ought to be labeled, and what the slots should be filled with.

So on page 218, for example, why not have, on the "X axis" - instead of the days - the attendees (J, K, L)? Or the rides? I mean I guess I can see how you would say that it just feels more appropriate to fill it in like you would a schedule, but what if the sets are ... hockey players, equipment and jersey color? I dont know, something a little less intuitive.

I'm not sure if I'm missing something, but the LG strategy guide seems to tacitly imply (by not addressing it) that knowing how the open board should be initially oriented/setup is not something you'd need a strategy for. If that's the case, I think i'd beg to differ...

How do I figure out what is assigned to what, and the corresponding setup? (Especially if there are 3 element sets!) Advice?

Hope my question makes sense...

[noah]

Great question! We'll have to add a bit more to our discussion of that in the next edition.

My first piece of advice will sound a bit like I'm being a jerk, but it's great to play around setting up games both ways (obviously during review, not during the LSAT!). That way you'll start to experience why (and, at times, whether) one set-up works better.

The more portable tip I have for you is to use the rules as your guide. Let's take this scenario:

Three circuses- X, Y, and Z - are touring up to three cities of these three cities- Quebec, Ringo, and Sardo.

Compare these two sets of rules:

X stops in more cities than Y.
Z stops in Sardo.
Y doesn't stop in any city that Z does.

vs.

Quebec has exactly two circuses stop by.
Ringo and Sardo share exactly one circus.
Z stops in Sardo.

Before reading on, think what you'd put on the X axis for each of them?

For the first set it'd probably make more sense to put the circuses on the bottom while the second set works best with the cities on the bottom. The way I know that (and probably you did too) is that the first set has more rules comparing the number of stops made by each circus, so it'll be easier to make inferences that way.

With the second set it's the opposite. Since we learn a lot about the numerical restrictions and relationships between cities, those should go on the bottom.

Notice that "Z stops in Bardo" is in both games - one rule a diagram decision does not make!

Also, some games can be played well with either arrangement - which is sort of infuriating!

Does that help?

[all_boost]

Yes, I think that is helpful... thanks Noah.

I guess my primary issue/worry concerns receiving a game with three intersecting element sets, because their will be more variations for the X/Y axis setup, as well as (likely) a less clear indication of where most inferences might be derived (given that games will only list so many constraints).

..it's a little unnerving!

[nborges]

Hello!

I am also interested in seeing an example with three elements. Could someone please provide an example, or reference one that is already on the forum.

Thanks!

[ManhattanPrepLSAT1]

I can't think of any Assignment games with 3 elements other than games that include an element of ordering. Here's an example of an Assignment game with an element of ordering:

PT53, S2, G4 - Debate Teams

For 3D Ordering games though there are a couple of examples that jumpt to mind with 3 element sets:

PT2, S3, G4 - Dog Show
PT22, S3, G2 - Medical Training Sessions

Good luck!