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.
Round 2
Round 2
Did not identify Stephen King after 50 counted questions.
Back to all Stephen King rounds- Questions
- 50 Scored as 51
- Outcome
- Question limit reached
- Format errors
- No errors
- Duration
- 5m 3s
- Round cost
- $0.2408 All 51 turns
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":"person","event":"BEGIN","variation_token":"BKXG3AZI"}Valid replies are shown in the required format. Rejected replies are shown separately, without provider or call IDs.
Is the person male?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person male?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Stephen King ... Gender: MaleOpen nndb.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the person primarily known for work in entertainment?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person primarily known for work in entertainment?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Novelist Stephen King is best known for his works of horror.Open pbs.org (opens in a new tab)
His acclaimed novels and short story collections include Carrie, The Shining, The Stand, Misery and 11.22.63. Many of King’s books have been turned into celebrated films.Open stephenkingbooks.co.uk (opens in a new tab)
Has the person won a major award in the entertainment industry, such as an Academy Award or a Grammy?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has the person won a major award in the entertainment industry, such as an Academy Award or a Grammy?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
1995 USC Scripter Award - : winnerOpen tvguide.com (opens in a new tab)
The USC Libraries Scripter Award is an honor ... in recognition of the year's best adaptation of the printed word into film, and is given to both the author and screenwriter.Open libraries.usc.edu (opens in a new tab)
Is the person an actor who has appeared in films?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person an actor who has appeared in films?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
He’s made an appearance either in person or via his voice in fourteen television shows, thirteen movies, and one American Express commercial.Open the-line-up.com (opens in a new tab)
In the first Creepshow (1982), he plays a big role as Jordy Verrill in the segment The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill.Open mentalfloss.com (opens in a new tab)
Has the person been recognized with an Academy Award for acting?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has the person been recognized with an Academy Award for acting?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
This singular win came in the form of Best Actress, awarded to Kathy Bates for her portrayal of Annie Wilkes.Open screenrant.com (opens in a new tab)
Kathy Bates won; Best Actor was nominated for Morgan Freeman.Open nextbestpicture.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the person known for work in comedy?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person known for work in comedy?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Stephen King, U.S. writer of horror stories; his books blend horror, the macabre, fantasy, and science fiction.Open britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
He is best known for his works in the horror and fantasy genres.Open cnn.com (opens in a new tab)
Has the person directed films?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has the person directed films?"}}Oracle evidence1 model-reported source
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
1986 - Makes his directorial debut with the release of “Maximum Overdrive,” which is based on one of his short stories.Open cnn.com (opens in a new tab)
Steven Spielberg
Acclaimed film director and producer known for directing films such as Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Steven Spielberg, a film director and producer, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director and producer known for directing films such as Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park.","name":"Steven Spielberg","question":null}}Is the person primarily known for work as a musician or composer for film?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person primarily known for work as a musician or composer for film?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Stephen King, U.S. writer of horror stories, became one of the world’s best-selling writers.Open britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Stephen King is a New York Times-bestselling novelist who made his name in the horror and fantasy genres.Open biography.com (opens in a new tab)
Is the person Quentin Tarantino?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person Quentin Tarantino?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Stephen (Edwin) King ... U.S. writer of horror stories.Open britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Quentin Tarantino ... Also known as: Quentin Jerome Tarantino ... American director and screenwriter.Open britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Has the person worked with prominent film directors?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has the person worked with prominent film directors?"}}Oracle evidence3 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
Reiner adapted King’s “The Body” into the hit “Stand by Me.”Open rogerebert.com (opens in a new tab)
Two [King adaptations] directed by Frank Darabont ... and two directed by Rob Reiner.Open criterion.com (opens in a new tab)
Many [King stories] have been adapted into feature films, including Frank Darabont’s ... “The Shawshank Redemption”; the Stanley Kubrick classic, “The Shining”; and “Stand by Me,” directed by Rob Reiner.Open mylifetime.com (opens in a new tab)
Tom Hanks
Acclaimed actor known for roles in films such as Forrest Gump and Cast Away, and for collaborations with directors like Steven Spielberg.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Tom Hanks, an actor, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed actor known for roles in films such as Forrest Gump and Cast Away, and for collaborations with directors like Steven Spielberg.","name":"Tom Hanks","question":null}}Is the person known for action or thriller films?
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is the person known for action or thriller films?"}}Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources
The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.
He is best known for his works in the horror and fantasy genres, many of which have been adapted into films and television programs.Open cnn.com (opens in a new tab)
The novel became an instant success and helped to establish King’s reputation as a master of horror literature. Carrie was quickly followed by other horror stories, which were often made into highly successful motion pictures.Open kids.britannica.com (opens in a new tab)
Christopher Nolan
Film director known for complex, critically acclaimed movies like Inception and Interstellar.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Christopher Nolan, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an American author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for complex, critically acclaimed movies like Inception and Interstellar.","name":"Christopher Nolan","question":null}}Clint Eastwood
Actor and director known for work in Westerns and other film genres, and for receiving Grammy and other major awards.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Clint Eastwood, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Actor and director known for work in Westerns and other film genres, and for receiving Grammy and other major awards.","name":"Clint Eastwood","question":null}}Martin Scorsese
Acclaimed film director known for directing critically acclaimed films such as Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and The Departed.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Martin Scorsese, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for directing critically acclaimed films such as Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and The Departed.","name":"Martin Scorsese","question":null}}George Lucas
Film director and producer known for creating the Star Wars franchise and collaborating with other notable directors.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is George Lucas, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director and producer known for creating the Star Wars franchise and collaborating with other notable directors.","name":"George Lucas","question":null}}Francis Ford Coppola
Acclaimed film director known for directing The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King, while the proposal identifies film director Francis Ford Coppola.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for directing The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now.","name":"Francis Ford Coppola","question":null}}Robert Zemeckis
Film director known for directing Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and for collaborating with actor Tom Hanks.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Robert Zemeckis, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing Back to the Future and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and for collaborating with actor Tom Hanks.","name":"Robert Zemeckis","question":null}}Ron Howard
Actor and film director known for directing Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, and for acting roles in Happy Days and The Andy Griffith Show.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King; the proposed identity is actor and director Ron Howard.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Actor and film director known for directing Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, and for acting roles in Happy Days and The Andy Griffith Show.","name":"Ron Howard","question":null}}Mel Gibson
Actor and director known for Braveheart and other films.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is Mel Gibson, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Actor and director known for Braveheart and other films.","name":"Mel Gibson","question":null}}Tim Burton
Film director known for dark fantasy and gothic films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Tim Burton, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for dark fantasy and gothic films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd.","name":"Tim Burton","question":null}}James Cameron
Film director known for directing The Terminator, Aliens, Titanic, and Avatar.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposal identifies James Cameron, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing The Terminator, Aliens, Titanic, and Avatar.","name":"James Cameron","question":null}}Oliver Stone
Acclaimed film director known for directing Platoon, Wall Street, and JFK.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposal identifies Oliver Stone, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for directing Platoon, Wall Street, and JFK.","name":"Oliver Stone","question":null}}Steven Soderbergh
Film director known for directing Traffic, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean's Eleven.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Steven Soderbergh, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an American author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing Traffic, Erin Brockovich, and Ocean's Eleven.","name":"Steven Soderbergh","question":null}}Peter Jackson
Film director known for directing The Lord of the Rings and King Kong.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King; the proposal identifies film director Peter Jackson.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing The Lord of the Rings and King Kong.","name":"Peter Jackson","question":null}}Alfred Hitchcock
Renowned film director and producer known for suspenseful classics like Psycho and Vertigo.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Alfred Hitchcock, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an American author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Renowned film director and producer known for suspenseful classics like Psycho and Vertigo.","name":"Alfred Hitchcock","question":null}}Stanley Kubrick
Influential film director known for directing 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Stanley Kubrick, a film director, whereas the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Influential film director known for directing 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and The Shining.","name":"Stanley Kubrick","question":null}}Francis Ford Coppola
Film director known for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposal identifies Francis Ford Coppola, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.","name":"Francis Ford Coppola","question":null}}Steven Spielberg
Acclaimed film director known for iconic films like Jaws and E.T.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Steven Spielberg, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for iconic films like Jaws and E.T.","name":"Steven Spielberg","question":null}}Christopher Nolan
Film director known for complex, critically acclaimed movies.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King, while the proposal identifies film director Christopher Nolan.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for complex, critically acclaimed movies.","name":"Christopher Nolan","question":null}}Clint Eastwood
Actor and director known for work in Westerns and other film genres.
Validator rationale The proposed identity is Clint Eastwood, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Actor and director known for work in Westerns and other film genres.","name":"Clint Eastwood","question":null}}Francis Ford Coppola
Film director known for The Godfather.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is Francis Ford Coppola.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for The Godfather.","name":"Francis Ford Coppola","question":null}}Ridley Scott
Acclaimed film director known for directing films like Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King, while the proposal identifies film director Ridley Scott.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for directing films like Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator.","name":"Ridley Scott","question":null}}Martin Scorsese
Influential film director known for directing critically acclaimed films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King; the proposal identifies film director Martin Scorsese.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Influential film director known for directing critically acclaimed films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull.","name":"Martin Scorsese","question":null}}Francis Ford Coppola
Film director known for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, an American author; the proposal is Francis Ford Coppola, a different person and film director.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.","name":"Francis Ford Coppola","question":null}}Rob Reiner
Film director known for directing The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, and When Harry Met Sally.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is Rob Reiner, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing The Princess Bride, Stand by Me, and When Harry Met Sally.","name":"Rob Reiner","question":null}}Francis Ford Coppola
Acclaimed film director and producer known for The Godfather trilogy.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King, while the proposed identity is filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director and producer known for The Godfather trilogy.","name":"Francis Ford Coppola","question":null}}Brian De Palma
Film director known for directing Scarface, Carlito's Way, and Mission: Impossible.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King; the proposal identifies film director Brian De Palma, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing Scarface, Carlito's Way, and Mission: Impossible.","name":"Brian De Palma","question":null}}Francis Ford Coppola
Acclaimed film director and producer.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is Francis Ford Coppola.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director and producer.","name":"Francis Ford Coppola","question":null}}Ridley Scott
Renowned director known for films like Alien and Gladiator.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King, while the proposed identity is film director Ridley Scott.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Renowned director known for films like Alien and Gladiator.","name":"Ridley Scott","question":null}}Oliver Stone
Acclaimed film director known for films like Platoon and Wall Street.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is author Stephen King, while the proposed identity is film director Oliver Stone.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for films like Platoon and Wall Street.","name":"Oliver Stone","question":null}}Martin Scorsese
Influential film director known for directing critically acclaimed films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, an American author; the proposal is Martin Scorsese, a film director.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Influential film director known for directing critically acclaimed films like Goodfellas and Raging Bull.","name":"Martin Scorsese","question":null}}Steven Spielberg
Film director and producer known for iconic films like Jaws and E.T.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, the American author; the proposal is Steven Spielberg, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director and producer known for iconic films like Jaws and E.T.","name":"Steven Spielberg","question":null}}Martin Scorsese
Influential film director known for critically acclaimed films.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Martin Scorsese, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Influential film director known for critically acclaimed films.","name":"Martin Scorsese","question":null}}Rob Reiner
Film director known for directing The Princess Bride and other notable films.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is Rob Reiner, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing The Princess Bride and other notable films.","name":"Rob Reiner","question":null}}Clint Eastwood
Actor and director known for work in Westerns and other film genres.
Validator rationale The proposed identity is Clint Eastwood, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Actor and director known for work in Westerns and other film genres.","name":"Clint Eastwood","question":null}}Steven Spielberg
Acclaimed film director known for iconic films.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Steven Spielberg, a film director, while the trusted subject is Stephen King, an author.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for iconic films.","name":"Steven Spielberg","question":null}}Clint Eastwood
Actor and director known for Westerns and other films.
Validator rationale The proposal identifies Clint Eastwood, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Actor and director known for Westerns and other films.","name":"Clint Eastwood","question":null}}Christopher Nolan
Acclaimed film director known for complex, critically acclaimed movies.
Validator rationale The proposal names Christopher Nolan, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Acclaimed film director known for complex, critically acclaimed movies.","name":"Christopher Nolan","question":null}}Rob Reiner
Film director known for directing comedies and dramas like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally.
Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposal identifies Rob Reiner, a different person.
Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"Film director known for directing comedies and dramas like The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally.","name":"Rob Reiner","question":null}}