You are the Guesser being evaluated in a Twenty Questions benchmark. One subject is hidden. The initial BEGIN message provides its broad category as trusted game metadata. Identify the subject using as few counted questions as possible. ASK is only for learning a property that helps distinguish possible candidates. Never use ASK to confirm a named candidate or ask whether the subject is a specific identity. When you are ready to name a candidate, use GUESS immediately. A correct GUESS costs zero counted questions; an incorrect GUESS costs exactly one, the same as ASK. A GUESS must provide both a name and a short identifying description. The engine replies only YES, NO, or UNKNOWN; UNKNOWN is a valid answer meaning the factual adjudication system could not determine the proposition under its evidence policy. Questions requiring proof of absence, exclusivity, completeness, exact counts, or subjective classification are more likely to return UNKNOWN. Prefer direct, positively verifiable properties when possible. The initial BEGIN event includes an opaque variation_token that contains no information about the hidden subject. Do not interpret, repeat, mention, or derive meaning from it. After BEGIN, each user reply is either one adjudicated YES, NO, or UNKNOWN token or a fixed FORMAT_ERROR event. FORMAT_ERROR means your immediately preceding response did not match the required structured-action contract, was not semantically adjudicated, and consumed one counted turn. Use the formats in that event and try again. Never infer that the attempted question or guess was right or wrong. At most 50 questions or rejected guesses are counted. After that limit you receive one final guess-only opportunity. Format errors also consume counted turns. The provider wire response is an object with exactly one `result` action. On the final opportunity ASK is forbidden. Return only the required structured response. Do not include analysis, hidden reasoning, or additional fields.
- Questions
- 31
- Outcome
- Solved
- Format errors
- Errors found View one example
- Duration
- 12m 41s
- Round cost
- $0.5231 All 32 turns
Format warning
The model sent replies in the wrong format.
The Guesser sent 2 invalid replies. Each one before the question limit used up a counted turn. The model was only reminded of the required format; it was never told whether its question or guess was correct.
- Valid format
- 93.8%
- Format errors
- 2
- Turns used by format errors
- 2
Transcript
Questions and answers.
Turns are shown in the order they happened. Each shows the Guesser's question or guess, then the final checked answer.
Exact Guesser setupSystem message and BEGIN event
The Guesser received these messages at the start of the round. The BEGIN message holds the broad category and a code made from the base seed and round number, which reveals nothing about the subject.
{"category":"fictional_character","event":"BEGIN","variation_token":"AMZAISLM"}Valid replies are shown in the required format. Rejected replies are shown separately, without provider or call IDs.
Is the character human (or human-like in appearance)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character human (or human-like in appearance)?"}}Is the character from a book (originally appeared in a novel or written literary work)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character from a book (originally appeared in a novel or written literary work)?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
On June 19, 1978, the comic strip first appeared in 41 newspapers.Open indianahistory.org (opens in a new tab)
The character created by US cartoonist Jim Davis debuted 40 years ago ... in a comic strip published in 41 newspapers.Open dw.com (opens in a new tab)
Did the character originate in a movie or TV show (live-action or animated)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Did the character originate in a movie or TV show (live-action or animated)?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
In 1978 he launched Garfield for United Features... Garfield (1978– ) is a comic strip.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
On June 19, 1978, Garfield was introduced to the world in a comic strip.Open 21alivenews.com (opens in a new tab)
Reply in the wrong format.
Invalid action · fixed format reminder sent
Why this reply was rejectedInvalid action · turn 4
The reply was JSON, but it matched neither the ASK nor the GUESS format.
- Recorded type
invalid_action- Turn
- 4
- Counted
- Yes · question 4
- Feedback
- FORMAT_ERROR
{"result":{"action":"ASK","question":"","name":null,"description":null}}{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"<non-empty yes-or-no property question>"}}{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"<non-empty identifying description>","name":"<non-empty candidate name>","question":null}} A reply must match one of these formats exactly. Text fields in use must not be empty; unused fields must be JSON null.
Did the character originate in a video game?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Did the character originate in a video game?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
In 1978 he launched Garfield for United Features... Garfield has been represented in books, films, television specials, video games, amusement park attractions, and merchandise.Open americanhistory.si.edu (opens in a new tab)
On June 19, 1978, the comic strip first appeared in 41 newspapers.Open indianahistory.org (opens in a new tab)
Did the character originate in a comic book or graphic novel?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Did the character originate in a comic book or graphic novel?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
The character created by US cartoonist Jim Davis debuted 40 years ago, on June 19, 1978, in a comic strip published in 41 newspapers.Open dw.com (opens in a new tab)
An orange tabby cat peered lugubriously at the world from the panels of his first comic strip.Open theguardian.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character from mythology or folklore?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character from mythology or folklore?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
In 1978 he launched Garfield for United Features... Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Garfield — cartoon characterOpen britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character from a stage play or theatrical work?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character from a stage play or theatrical work?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
31 years after he first put pen to paper and created ... the world's most widely syndicated comic strip. ... 'I would have started Garfield on stage 30 years ago' ... 'And so it will be.'Open playbill.com (opens in a new tab)
In 1978 he launched Garfield for United Features ... Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Is the character from a religious text or scripture?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character from a religious text or scripture?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
In 1978 he launched Garfield for United Features and created one of the most popular animals in the comic world.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Garfield — cartoon character.Open britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a mascot or spokesperson for a brand/product (such as in advertising)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a mascot or spokesperson for a brand/product (such as in advertising)?"}}Oracle evidence3 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
For years, the antics of Garfield the cartoon cat have dominated advertising for Embassy Suites hotels.Open nytimes.com (opens in a new tab)
Fetch launched a Garfield-inspired marketing campaign to celebrate a new generation of pet parents.Open prnewswire.com (opens in a new tab)
IAMS Brand Teams Up with Garfield to Tackle America's Overweight Cat Problem.Open prnewswire.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character an animal (or animal-like, such as a talking animal mascot)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character an animal (or animal-like, such as a talking animal mascot)?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield [is] portrayed as an overweight, cynical, lazy and sarcastic orange cat.Open characters.fandom.com (opens in a new tab)
Species: CatOpen keycollectorcomics.com (opens in a new tab)
Does the character advertise a food or beverage product (as opposed to a non-food product)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Does the character advertise a food or beverage product (as opposed to a non-food product)?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
When Alpo decided to enter the cat food market in the 1980s, the company needed an ambassador... Alpo chose Garfield.Open hagley.org (opens in a new tab)
Garfield Honey Nut Cheerios Ad... Garfield races against Buzz the bee for Honey Nut Cheerios.Open retrojunk.com (opens in a new tab)
Reply in the wrong format.
Invalid action · fixed format reminder sent
Why this reply was rejectedInvalid action · turn 13
The reply was JSON, but it matched neither the ASK nor the GUESS format.
- Recorded type
invalid_action- Turn
- 13
- Counted
- Yes · question 13
- Feedback
- FORMAT_ERROR
{"result":{"action":"ASK","question":"","name":null,"description":null}}{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"<non-empty yes-or-no property question>"}}{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"<non-empty identifying description>","name":"<non-empty candidate name>","question":null}} A reply must match one of these formats exactly. Text fields in use must not be empty; unused fields must be JSON null.
Is the character a tiger?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a tiger?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a bird?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a bird?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Davis said, “I thought if I could create a convincing cat...”Open petplace.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a mammal?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a mammal?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield, American newspaper comic strip featuring a fat, lazy catOpen britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a rabbit?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a rabbit?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Jim created a new character – a fat, lasagna-loving cat named Garfield.Open indianahistory.org (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a cow?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a cow?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a cheetah?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a cheetah?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield ... is a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Garfield, the orange tabby catOpen gocomics.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a bear?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a bear?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a dog?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a dog?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Does the character advertise a breakfast cereal?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Does the character advertise a breakfast cereal?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
A commercial with Garfield racing with Buzz the Bee for Honey Nut Cheerios.Open retrojunk.com (opens in a new tab)
Honey Nut Cheerios with Garfield (1993)Open ghostarchive.org (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a wolf?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a wolf?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
The title character, a tabby cat.Open americanhistory.si.edu (opens in a new tab)
An orange tabby cat ... Garfield, the eponymous hero.Open theguardian.com (opens in a new tab)
Coco the Monkey
The monkey mascot of Kellogg's Coco Pops cereal
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Coco the Monkey, a cereal mascot, rather than Garfield, the fictional cat character.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"The monkey mascot of Kellogg's Coco Pops cereal","name":"Coco the Monkey","question":null}}Is the character a monkey or ape (including gorilla, chimpanzee, or orangutan)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a monkey or ape (including gorilla, chimpanzee, or orangutan)?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Jim created a new character – a fat, lasagna-loving cat named Garfield.Open indianahistory.org (opens in a new tab)
Is the character an elephant?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character an elephant?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
There are few felines as well-known as our beloved cartoon cat Garfield.Open catster.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character depicted as a fictional monster or mythical creature (rather than a real-world animal species)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character depicted as a fictional monster or mythical creature (rather than a real-world animal species)?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield is a fictional orange tabby cat and the title character of the comic strip.Open garfield.wiki (opens in a new tab)
Garfield is a cartoon character.Open britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a lion?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a lion?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield (1978- ) is a comic strip which looks at the life of the title character, a tabby cat.Open si.edu (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a puma or cougar (a large wild cat)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a puma or cougar (a large wild cat)?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield is a lazy and sarcastic but good-hearted lasagna-loving orange tabby cat.Open en.wikipedia.org (opens in a new tab)
Is the character a cat?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the character a cat?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Jim created a new character – a fat, lasagna-loving cat named Garfield.Open indianahistory.org (opens in a new tab)
Is the cereal made by Kellogg's (as opposed to General Mills, Post, or another company)?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the cereal made by Kellogg's (as opposed to General Mills, Post, or another company)?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Garfield Cereal From QuakerOpen mrbreakfast.com (opens in a new tab)
Garfield
The famous orange cartoon cat who appeared as the mascot for Ralston's Garfield-branded breakfast cereal in the 1980s.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Garfield, the same fictional orange cat character, with a compatible identifying description.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"The famous orange cartoon cat who appeared as the mascot for Ralston's Garfield-branded breakfast cereal in the 1980s.","name":"Garfield","question":null}}