Dark riddle guides and comparisons

Ask better questions, find your way to play, and see how we write dark riddles.

Inside the studio

How to write a situation puzzle that plays fair

How we build a situation puzzle, from the twist to the table test: a statement that never lies, one story that fits, lateral thinking without cheap tricks.

Easy or hard situation puzzles: which one for your group?

Easy situation puzzles or hard lateral thinking ones? What our stars measure, how to size up a statement, and which dark riddles suit beginners or a group.

Guides

Situation puzzle questions: what to ask, and when

The yes-or-no questions that crack situation puzzles and dark riddles: where to start, what “irrelevant” means, and a lateral thinking game worked through.

What is a situation puzzle? Definition and a short history

A strange scene, yes-or-no questions: what a situation puzzle is, the lateral thinking behind it, its many names and where dark riddles come from.

How to play situation puzzles and dark riddles

A situation puzzle game from the first question to the reveal: what the narrator does, how to ask yes-or-no questions, and the lateral thinking that helps.

How to host a situation puzzle: a narrator’s guide

How to host a situation puzzle: answer yes, no or irrelevant, hint without spoiling, call it solved. Game master tips for dark riddles and lateral thinking.

Halloween riddles for adults: a dark riddle party game

Scary riddles for a Halloween party: three dark situation puzzles, how to prep them and how to host the yes-or-no questions. A lateral thinking game for adults.

Situation puzzles online with friends: calls and chats

Situation puzzles online with friends, on Zoom, Discord or a group chat: who asks when, where the answers live, slow games. Dark riddles and lateral thinking.

Situation puzzles for ESL: a yes/no speaking activity

Situation puzzles as an ESL speaking activity: a lateral thinking lesson plan built on yes/no questions, with dark riddles to project without the answer.