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This Logic Games question is from the October 2004 LSAT.
Let's just start by putting the symbols (FMRST) into the diagram, which is a table here. Remember that a simple table can solve almost any LSAT game, and that there is hardly ever any need for different sorts of diagrams. Tables are fast and very effective.
We know R goes last. S follows T, and the F's can't be consecutive. M can't be first. So, knowing that, let's make this diagram:
1 | 2| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6| 7|
F | T| S| F |M|F | R|
We know this fits with the rules. And, since the question asks what is possible, we can see that D is correct. Looking through the other answer choices, which one should always do even if it's done quickly, we see that none of the other ones applies to our diagram, so we didn't mess up. That's all there is to it!
Remember:
1) A diagram is needed on at least some of the questions in almost every LSAT game. A with table with symbols put into it in accordance with the rules will answer almost any LSAT question very quickly and accurately. No need for many different types of diagrams. If it's days of the week, make the table Monday, Tuesday, etc. When it's numbers, as here, just write 1, 2, 3, etc.
2) On questions that ask what is possible, the best approach is often to just find some arrangement of symbols within the table that follows the rules, then check the diagram against the answer choices to see if the diagram has struck on a possibility. This will usually work on the first try, maybe the second try at worst, and is faster than going through each answer choice to see if it's right, I think. Also, once you hit on one possibility, you can stop, since only one answer choice can be right, of course.
