Mohinem's blog

Best way towards Candidate Master ?
By Mohinem, history, 7 years ago, In English

Hi, few days ago I barely hit Expert on Codeforces, I would like to know the best strategy to stick in the Expert zone, and also the practice strategy to become Candidate Master. I usually solve Problems A,B and C. I sometimes do D and E outside of contest. Usually, their ideas don't strike me, but when they do, there's very little time left in the contest. How to reduce that time of striking ideas ?

Also, what should be the best strategy for upsolving the Google Code Jam problems ?

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7 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +63 Vote: I do not like it

You can start doing ladders on A2OJ.com as per your choice (preferably 1700-1800), then switch to the later ones. This will help you to solve ABC early so that you have enough time to solve D during the contest.

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    7 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +61 Vote: I do not like it

    Huge plus, ladders are great, and they also boost your confidence. Definitely a way to go :)

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    7 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    are A2OJ ladders reliable? How much did you use them on your way to candidate master? Enigma27

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      7 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +26 Vote: I do not like it

      Ladders are just an ordered collection of CF problems so that you don't waste all of your time in solving too easy problems and too tough problems as relative to your current level. Beside of contests and Upsolving, I practiced only ladder's questions on CF.

      I am also planning to join 1900 - 2000 ladder in my summer vacation, so if you wanna join we can solve and discuss it:)

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        7 years ago, # ^ |
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        When you are gonna start, when your summer vacations start? I want to join you, and discuss the problems, if you want!

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        7 years ago, # ^ |
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        How to know which ladder is good for me, is it directly related codeforces rating or should I join a ladder more than my codeforces rating.

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          7 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

          You can start to solve any ladder, but the tasks in them are chosen precisely so that you can solve problems on the contests and stay on the rating shown in the name of the ladder. I would recommend solving ladders just above your rating.

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        7 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        Hey! I am also interested in joining you in problem solving. What do you say we can create a google group where anyone can join and discuss problems?

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5 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

13 months and still struggling between blue and cyan.

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    5 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +31 Vote: I do not like it

    Don't worry. You'll be there. Just have patience.

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    5 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

    The easiest way to increase rating is by not worrying about rating at all. Just enjoy problem solving.

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5 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +27 Vote: I do not like it

Practice more, do more virtual contests and complain less

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5 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

Codeforces also have a rating system for problems.

then, Why there is a need to go A2OJ.

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