Two truths and a lie: examples and a free game helper for teams

Two truths and a lie is the icebreaker where each person shares three statements about themselves and everyone else guesses which one is made up. Browse 40+ ready-made examples below, or switch to Play with your team to get a random turn order, a timer and a running scoreboard.

How to play two truths and a lie

1. Give everyone two minutes to prepare. Each player privately writes down two true facts about themselves and one believable lie.
2. Set the order. Add names in the Play tab and press Shuffle; the tool picks a random order so nobody has to volunteer first.
3. The storyteller reads all three statements in any order, without giving anything away.
4. Everyone else guesses. Start the timer and let the group question the storyteller until time runs out, then lock in guesses by show of hands.
5. Reveal and score. The storyteller names the lie. Mark everyone who guessed right and press Score & next player to give them a point.

Most groups finish one full round in 15 to 25 minutes, depending on headcount and how long the cross-examination runs.

Scoring options

The simplest version gives one point to every player who spots the lie. If you want to reward good bluffing too, tick Storyteller gets +1 if nobody guesses right before starting. The plus and minus buttons on the scoreboard let you fix a mistake or award a bonus point for a great story without restarting.

Two truths and a lie examples for work

Good sets are specific, short and work-safe. Here are a few more to show the pattern (the lie is in italics):

• I once shared a cab with a famous chef. I've never been to a theme park. I can play the violin.
• I've been to Iceland twice. I was a lifeguard for three summers. I can name every US state capital.
• My first car was bright orange. I've run a half marathon in under two hours. I'm left-handed.
• I've worked in four different time zones. I once hosted a radio show in college. I've never used a spreadsheet formula.

Notice that the lies aren't wild. The best ones sit right next to something true, so the group has to think about who you are rather than which statement sounds impossible.

Tips for writing a good set

• Match the details. If your truths include numbers or places, give your lie a number or place too. A vague statement next to two specific ones stands out.
• Use a surprising truth. The fun comes from the true fact nobody expected, like an unusual first job or a hidden skill.
• Keep it light. Skip health, money, relationships and anything a teammate might feel they have to keep secret.
• Don't lie about colleagues. Statements should be about you, not about the people in the room.
• Keep a straight face. Read all three at the same pace. Pausing before the lie is the most common giveaway.

In person vs remote

In the room

Ask guessers to stand or raise one, two or three fingers at the same moment so nobody copies the first hand up. For groups larger than about 12, split into tables of five or six with one person running the tool at each.

On a video call

Have the storyteller type their three statements into chat as a numbered list, then everyone replies with 1, 2 or 3 at the same time. Share your screen with the Play tab open so the group can see whose turn it is and the countdown. Keep the timer at 45 to 60 seconds to hold attention on screen.

Running it at a team offsite

Two truths and a lie works best early in an offsite, when people know each other's job titles but not much else. Try it at the welcome dinner or as the first activity after arrival, then keep the scoreboard going across the trip with a small prize at the closing session. It pairs well with a few rounds from our icebreaker generator and the prompts in our guide to icebreaker questions for work.

For distributed teams meeting face to face for the first time, it's a natural way to connect the person to the video tile; our page on remote team offsites has more on planning that first gathering. Looking for what to do after the icebreakers? Browse our team retreat ideas and team building activities.

If you're organizing the whole trip, tell us your headcount, dates and goals and we'll send a free itemized offsite proposal within 48 hours.

FAQs

What are good two truths and a lie examples for work?

Good work examples are specific but harmless, such as an unusual first job, a place you've traveled, a hidden skill or a funny habit. Make the lie believable and about as detailed as the two truths.

How do you win two truths and a lie?

Guessers earn a point each time they spot the lie, and the player with the most points after everyone has had a turn wins. Some groups also give the storyteller a point when nobody guesses correctly.

How long does a game take?

Plan on about a minute per person for statements and guessing. A team of ten can play a full round in roughly 15 minutes.

Can you play two truths and a lie on Zoom or Teams?

Yes. Have the storyteller post their statements in chat, ask everyone to reply with their guess at the same time, and share the Play tab on screen to show the turn order, timer and scoreboard.

Does the game helper save players' names?

No. Names and scores live only in your browser tab and disappear when you close or refresh the page.