In August 2024, LSAC made the most significant change to the LSAT in decades: the Logic Games section (formally called Analytical Reasoning) was removed from the test entirely. If you are preparing for the LSAT now, you are preparing for a different test than what your older prep materials describe. This guide covers exactly what changed, why it changed, and what it means for your preparation.
Once you understand the current format, use the free LSAT Score Calculator to see what score you need for your target schools.
The Old LSAT Format (Before August 2024)
Prior to August 2024, a standard LSAT administration contained:
- Two Logical Reasoning sections (scored)
- One Reading Comprehension section (scored)
- One Analytical Reasoning / Logic Games section (scored)
- One unscored “experimental” section (any of the three types)
Total scored questions: approximately 101 across four sections.
The New LSAT Format (August 2024 and Beyond)
Starting August 2024, every LSAT administration contains:
- Two Logical Reasoning sections (both scored, ~26–27 questions each)
- One Reading Comprehension section (scored, ~27 questions)
Total scored questions: approximately 73–80. There is no longer a separately identifiable unscored experimental section in the traditional sense — LSAC uses embedded experimental items within sections for test equating purposes.
Why Did LSAC Remove Logic Games?
The removal was driven by an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) settlement. A blind test-taker sued LSAC, arguing that the Logic Games section unfairly disadvantaged people who cannot create the visual diagrams that Logic Games traditionally require. LSAC settled the lawsuit and agreed to remove Analytical Reasoning from the test.
LSAC also cited broader validity concerns — whether Logic Games actually predicts success in law school better than additional Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension questions, which more directly resemble the skills used in legal work.
What Logic Games Were
The Logic Games section presented 4 puzzle-style scenarios per section — typically involving ordering, grouping, or assignment tasks. For example: “Seven lawyers must be assigned to three conference rooms. The assignment must satisfy the following conditions…” Test-takers created diagrams to track possibilities and answer 5–7 questions per game.
Logic Games were uniquely learnable — most test-takers who drilled them saw dramatic improvement. They were also uniquely polarizing: some test-takers found them straightforward; others found them nearly impossible without significant practice.
What the Change Means for Your LSAT Prep
Discard outdated prep materials
Any LSAT prep book or course published before 2024 that includes Logic Games content is describing a test that no longer exists. The Logic Games sections of old PrepTests are no longer scored and should not be used as primary study material. Focus on:
- Logical Reasoning (now ~65% of your scored questions)
- Reading Comprehension (now ~35% of your scored questions)
Logical Reasoning is more important than ever
With two full LR sections and no Logic Games, Logical Reasoning now accounts for roughly 65% of your score. Mastering LR question types — Assumption, Strengthen, Weaken, Flaw, Must Be True, and the rest — is the single most important thing you can do to improve your score. See the complete Logical Reasoning guide.
Reading Comprehension matters more relatively
RC was always scored, but it was one of four sections. Now it is one of three, making it a larger share of the overall test. Test-takers who coasted on strong LR and Logic Games scores while neglecting RC should recalibrate their focus. See the Reading Comprehension guide.
The test is shorter but not easier
The removal of Logic Games did not make the LSAT significantly easier — it changed what it tests. Logic Games rewarded spatial diagramming practice. The current test rewards logical reasoning and reading skills more purely. Applicants who struggle with LR and RC but were strong at Logic Games may find the current format harder. Those who struggled with Logic Games may find it easier.
Are Old PrepTests Still Useful?
Yes — with one adjustment. Official LSAC PrepTests remain the most valuable practice resource. When using older PrepTests (those that included a Logic Games section), simply skip the Logic Games section and use only the two LR sections and the RC section. The LR and RC content from all PrepTests remains representative of the current test.
LSAC has also released PrepTests designed for the current three-section format. These are the most directly representative practice material available.
Score Scale: Did It Change?
No. The LSAT score scale remains 120–180. LSAC uses test equating to ensure that scores across the new format are comparable to scores from the old format. A 165 under the new format represents the same level of performance as a 165 under the old format.
Next Steps
- LSAT Logical Reasoning Guide — master the now-dominant section
- LSAT Reading Comprehension Guide
- Best LSAT Prep Books — make sure your materials reflect the current format
- LSAT Study Schedule — build your prep around the current test
- LSAT Score Calculator — see what score you need