Deep20Bench
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7 subjects5 rounds per subject50 question limit
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Round

Round 4

Round 4

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
39m 27s
Round cost
$3.8699 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.

System message
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.
BEGIN event
{"category":"person","event":"BEGIN","variation_token":"BYOMPCJW"}

Valid replies are shown in the required format. Rejected replies are shown separately, without provider or call IDs.

Q1
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person alive today?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person alive today?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q2
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person primarily known for work in entertainment, such as acting, music, or comedy?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person primarily known for work in entertainment, such as acting, music, or comedy?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q3
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for holding political office or leading a government?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for holding political office or leading a government?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q4
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for competing in professional sports?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for competing in professional sports?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q5
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for founding or leading a business?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for founding or leading a business?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

Source 01
Stephen King first bought WZON in 1983 and later acquired WZLO and WKIT. He said he had “personally kept [the stations] afloat and on the air all these years” and was a local, independent owner.
Open bangordailynews.com
Source 02
This led to the creation of The Zone Corporation ... King said he had “personally has kept [the stations] afloat and on the air all these years.”
Open rbr.com
2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q6
1 · Guesser asks

Did this person found or co-found a company whose main business involves software or internet services?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Did this person found or co-found a company whose main business involves software or internet services?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q7
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person a United States citizen?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person a United States citizen?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q8
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person widely known for investing or managing investments?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person widely known for investing or managing investments?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q9
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for leading a major technology company?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for leading a major technology company?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q10
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person a woman?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person a woman?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q11
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person associated with a business that sells food, drinks, or clothing to consumers?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person associated with a business that sells food, drinks, or clothing to consumers?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q12
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person best known for a clothing, footwear, or fashion business?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person best known for a clothing, footwear, or fashion business?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q13
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for leading or founding a restaurant or coffeehouse chain?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for leading or founding a restaurant or coffeehouse chain?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

Source 01
Best Known For: Stephen King is a 'New York Times'-bestselling novelist who made his name in the horror and fantasy genres with books like 'Carrie,' 'The Shining' and 'IT.'
Open biography.com
Source 02
Stephen King made his first professional short story sale in 1967 and is the recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters and the National Medal of Arts.
Open stephenking.com
2 · Answer check returns No
Q14
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for leading or founding a grocery store or supermarket business?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for leading or founding a grocery store or supermarket business?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q15
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person associated with a company that produces alcoholic beverages?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person associated with a company that produces alcoholic beverages?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q16
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person associated with a company that manufactures packaged foods or beverages?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person associated with a company that manufactures packaged foods or beverages?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q17
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person served as the chief executive of a large retail store chain?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person served as the chief executive of a large retail store chain?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q18
1 · Guesser asks

Was this person born before 1960?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Was this person born before 1960?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q19
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person a member of the Walton family, which is associated with Walmart?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person a member of the Walton family, which is associated with Walmart?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q20
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person appeared on television as a chef or cooking-show host?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person appeared on television as a chef or cooking-show host?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q21
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person publicly described as a billionaire?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person publicly described as a billionaire?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q22
1 · Guesser asks

Did this person found or co-found the business they are best known for?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Did this person found or co-found the business they are best known for?"}}
Oracle evidence3 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q23
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person served as chief executive or president of a company that makes soft drinks?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person served as chief executive or president of a company that makes soft drinks?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q24
1 · Guesser asks

Was this person born in the United States?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Was this person born in the United States?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q25
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for inheriting a family business or working in a business established by their family?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for inheriting a family business or working in a business established by their family?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

Source 02
Biography.com identifies King as a bestselling novelist who made his name in horror and fantasy, and says he worked as a teacher while establishing himself as a writer.
Open biography.com
2 · Answer check returns No
Q26
1 · Guesser asks

Was this person born before 1950?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Was this person born before 1950?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q27
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person worked for Walmart?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person worked for Walmart?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q28
1 · Guesser guesses

Lee Scott

American businessman who served as Walmart's chief executive officer from 2000 to 2009.

Validator rationale The proposal identifies Lee Scott, an American businessman and former Walmart CEO, not Stephen King, the author.

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"American businessman who served as Walmart's chief executive officer from 2000 to 2009.","name":"Lee Scott","question":null}}
2 · Validator returns No
Q29
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person served as the chief executive officer of a company?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person served as the chief executive officer of a company?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q30
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for writing books?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for writing books?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q31
1 · Guesser asks

Are this person's books primarily about business, management, or leadership?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Are this person's books primarily about business, management, or leadership?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q32
1 · Guesser asks

Do this person's books discuss nutrition, diet, or health?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Do this person's books discuss nutrition, diet, or health?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q33
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person a medical doctor?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person a medical doctor?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q34
1 · Guesser asks

Does this person advocate a vegetarian or plant-based diet?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Does this person advocate a vegetarian or plant-based diet?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q35
1 · Guesser guesses

John Robbins

American author of Diet for a New America and advocate of healthier, environmentally sustainable food choices.

Validator rationale The proposal identifies John Robbins, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"American author of Diet for a New America and advocate of healthier, environmentally sustainable food choices.","name":"John Robbins","question":null}}
2 · Validator returns No
Q36
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for selling or promoting nutritional supplements?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for selling or promoting nutritional supplements?"}}
Oracle evidence3 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q37
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for scientific research or working as a university professor?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for scientific research or working as a university professor?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q38
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for advocating organic food or sustainable farming?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for advocating organic food or sustainable farming?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q39
1 · Guesser asks

Was this person born before 1940?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Was this person born before 1940?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q40
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for journalism or writing for newspapers or magazines?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for journalism or writing for newspapers or magazines?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

Source 02
King attended the University of Maine, where he wrote for the school newspaper... He had sold his first story in 1967 to a mystery fiction magazine, after which many of his stories were published in men’s magazines.
Open britannica.com
2 · Answer check returns No
Q41
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known for teaching exercise or physical fitness?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known for teaching exercise or physical fitness?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q42
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person associated with a specific diet or weight-loss program?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person associated with a specific diet or weight-loss program?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q43
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person associated with the health-food or natural-food industry?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person associated with the health-food or natural-food industry?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q44
1 · Guesser asks

Was this person born in 1945 or later?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Was this person born in 1945 or later?"}}
Oracle evidence1 model-reported source

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q45
1 · Guesser guesses

Harvey Diamond

American author born in 1945, best known as co-author of the diet and health book Fit for Life.

Validator rationale The proposal identifies Harvey Diamond, whereas the trusted subject is Stephen King.

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"American author born in 1945, best known as co-author of the diet and health book Fit for Life.","name":"Harvey Diamond","question":null}}
2 · Validator returns No
Q46
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person written books about spirituality or personal development?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person written books about spirituality or personal development?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns Yes
Q47
1 · Guesser asks

Is this person known as a motivational speaker?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Is this person known as a motivational speaker?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
Q48
1 · Guesser asks

Was this person born in 1948 or 1949?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Was this person born in 1948 or 1949?"}}
Oracle evidence2 model-reported sources

The Oracle reported these excerpts and URLs. They are not independently checked.

2 · Answer check returns No
Q49
1 · Guesser guesses

Don Tolman

American author and health entrepreneur born in 1946, known for promoting whole-food nutrition and personal well-being.

Validator rationale The proposal identifies Don Tolman, while the trusted subject is Stephen King.

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"American author and health entrepreneur born in 1946, known for promoting whole-food nutrition and personal well-being.","name":"Don Tolman","question":null}}
2 · Validator returns No
Q50
1 · Guesser asks

Has this person directed a health or wellness institute in Florida?

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"ASK","description":null,"name":null,"question":"Has this person directed a health or wellness institute in Florida?"}}
2 · Answer check returns Unknown
G
1 · Guesser guessesNot counted

Paul Pitchford

American nutrition educator and author of Healing with Whole Foods, which integrates dietary guidance with Asian healing traditions.

Validator rationale The trusted subject is Stephen King, while the proposed identity is Paul Pitchford, a different person.

Recorded Guesser outputRequired JSON format
{"result":{"action":"GUESS","description":"American nutrition educator and author of Healing with Whole Foods, which integrates dietary guidance with Asian healing traditions.","name":"Paul Pitchford","question":null}}
2 · Validator returns No