Minute Mysteries

Fun lateral-thinking game to develop questioning skills & deductive reasoning.

Minute Mysteries

Fun lateral-thinking game to develop questioning skills & deductive reasoning.

Fun Lateral-Thinking Game

This set of brain teaser games challenges groups to solve one or more mysteries by asking strategic Yes-or-No questions that reveal hidden information. A fun lateral-thinking game, Minute Mysteries develop critical thinking skills as participants learn to approach problems from multiple angles, test assumptions, and refine their questioning techniques. It naturally builds active listening and collaborative problem-solving skills.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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In advance, refer to the Narrative tab to choose from a selection of unique mysteries (with limited facts.)
Challenge your group to solve the mystery as quickly as possible.
To help them find a solution, your group can only ask you questions that can be answered with “YES” or “NO.”
When ready, state the facts of a particular mystery, eg “Romeo and Juliet are dead, lying in a puddle of water with broken glass everywhere. How did they die?”
Invite your group to start asking questions. You may only respond with “YES” or “NO.”
You may respond with “IRRELEVANT” if your answer to a question does not bring the group closer to a solution.
If, after ten or more minutes, your group has not solved the mystery, you may guide your group to ask questions about a certain topic to draw them closer to a solution. For example, “Where did the water come from?”
Once solved, present another mystery if your group is interested.

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