Yes or no: how to ask questions that win

Most players ask whatever comes to mind. The best players plan their questions: each question should hide about half of the cards that are left. Here is how to think that way.

Split the board in half

With 16 cards, the perfect first question hides 8 and leaves 8. A question that hides only 1, or all but 1, is usually wasted. Before each question, ask yourself: "Will this split the board roughly in half?"

Start broad, then narrow down

Do not open with "Is it the one with the red scarf?" Open with something many cards share: hair colour, glasses, a hat, inside or outside. Broad questions early tell you the most.

Count what is left, not what you think

It is easy to feel you have narrowed it down and forget to hide the cards that no longer fit. After each answer, hide those cards and count how many are left. If you lose track, you start asking questions you already know the answer to.

When to guess early

Down to 2 or 3 cards and one seems more likely? Just ask if it is that one: a guess is a yes or no question too. Wait too long and your opponent may find your card first.