Orientation Question

[tzyc]

I guess not so many people take a lot of time to solve orient quetions, but sometimes the first question of game takes more time for me to solve. (such as the one in PT 40 Sec 2 Game 3)
I tried both ways; eliminate one answer choice by seeing each constraint (sentence) and by diagram.
But sometimes whichever I use it takes a lot of time...than the latter questions.
(sometimes the first questions takes the most time...)
Is there a "knack" to solve those orientation questions?
I know it is the simplest question in game, so I do not want to miss it...
And how long should I use for orientation questions?

Thanks.

[demetri.blaisdell]

Orientation questions might seem "easy" but they might be the most important question of the game. The reason I say that is because I use it as a test of my diagram. If I've pulled pieces of my diagram out and tested the answer choices and I'm still staring at 2 answer choices, I clearly missed something. For that reason, I usually don't use the constraints.

If you want to go faster on orientation questions, the trick is to either use multiple constraints at a time (like the string method in relative ordering games) or use a second level inference that you got by combining two or more constraints. But don't rush if you are likely to make a mistake. Remember that you are doing two things: solving the question AND confirming your diagram. Those are both important things so if it takes a little time, it's worth it.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Demetri