estoy-re-sebado's blog

CP is too easy? Code with one hand tied behind your back
By estoy-re-sebado, history, 12 months ago, In English

Two weeks ago I broke my right hand. This is forcing me to code one-handed for the time being. One might think this is a total disaster, but I only perform 100-150 rating points below my normal (tested on a burner account), and it's getting closer the more I practice.

Some things I've noticed:

  • I type and edit code at roughly 35% my usual speed
  • during contests I usually fully solve a problem in my head but lack the time to implement it
  • I rarely find the simplest solution to problems that are hard for me but, if I did, I probably would have enough time to implement it

Some conclusions to draw:

  • if you are atrocious at typing, you can maybe get +100 rating points from improving it. If you're ok at it, don't bother.
  • finding simpler solutions leads to more solved problems which will increase your rating a lot more than speed

So, if you're looking for a challenge, join the club. Break your own hand with a hammer Tie one of your hands behind your back for the next rated round!

Cheers

  • Vote: I like it
  • +148
  • Vote: I do not like it

»
12 months ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +22 Vote: I do not like it

Hi estoy-re-sebado, I hope your hand gets well soon. I am already a part of the club. I had an accident on 8th Nov and broke my right wrist and elbow. I still participated in the LeetCode weekly contest on 12th Nov. I was initially skeptical about the decision but it later turned out to be good as I made the last submission at 1:29:44, just 16 seconds before the contest ended. I had discovered the solution 30 minutes before but I took so much time typing with only my left hand. The joy I felt after the final solution got accepted is beyond words.

I totally agree, that fast typing won't take you far, you need to figure out solutions to problems. Also, never use anything as an excuse to participate in a contest, there is nothing to be lost.

→ Reply
  • »
    »
    12 months ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

    Thanks! How are you recovering so far?

    → Reply
    • »
      »
      »
      12 months ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

      It's kinda good. My cast is off, I'm doing exercises right now to regain range of motion in both the wrist and elbow. I'm also able to type with the right hand now.

      → Reply
      • »
        »
        »
        »
        12 months ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        Congrats! I have a checkup tomorrow and they're changing my cast for a less restricting one in a couple of weeks. Good look with PT!

        → Reply
        • »
          »
          »
          »
          »
          12 months ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

          Congrats to you too! Keep moving the parts you can move like fingers or shoulder. Get well soon!

          → Reply
»
12 months ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

This reminds me of last month when I went on a trip and used my mobile phone to participate in AtCoder ABC.

It has been proven that although the input was slow and my performance was not as good as usual, I still reached a performance of 1700+ (Approximately 1900 in Codeforces).

→ Reply