Chapter 144
HomeContests test more than knowledge — they test decision-making under pressure. The best algorithm is useless if you spend 40 minutes debugging an edge case.
Read all problems first (10 min)
Skim every problem. Identify the easiest and hardest. You might spot a pattern that connects multiple problems.
Solve in increasing difficulty
Get the easy points first. A submission on the board builds confidence. Don't chase the hardest problem for the first hour.
The 20-minute rule
If you've been stuck on one problem for 20 minutes with zero progress, skip it. Come back later with fresh eyes.
Leave 15 minutes for final review
Re-read your submissions. Double-check I/O format, 64-bit, modulo, edge cases. A hasty "last submission" often costs more points than it gains.