⏱️ Pacing & Triage Playbook
Master the three-pass method to maximize your score while managing time effectively. This systematic approach ensures you don’t miss easy points while strategically handling difficult problems.
🎯 Three-Pass Strategy
First Pass: Foundation (Problems 1-15, 45 minutes)
Goal: Build confidence and secure easy points
- Problems 1-10: Lock down with high accuracy (95%+)
- Problems 11-15: Solid attempts with good accuracy (80%+)
- Time per problem: 2-3 minutes average
- Mindset: “I can do this, one problem at a time”
Second Pass: Strategic (Problems 16-25, 25 minutes)
Goal: Maximize expected value through smart triage
- Quick scan: Identify approachable problems
- Time per problem: 2-4 minutes based on difficulty
- Guessing strategy: Use elimination-based expected value
- Mindset: “I’m making smart decisions”
Third Pass: Final Review (5 minutes)
Goal: Verify answers and make final decisions
- Bubble check: Ensure all answers are marked
- Quick verification: Spot-check calculations
- Final guesses: Apply expected value to remaining blanks
- Mindset: “I’m finishing strong”
⏰ Time Management Framework
Checkpoint System
- 15 minutes: Should be on problem 5-6
- 30 minutes: Should be on problem 10-12
- 45 minutes: Should be on problem 15-17
- 60 minutes: Should be on problem 20-22
- 75 minutes: Contest ends
Time Allocation by Problem Type
| Problem Range | Time Budget | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | 25 minutes | High accuracy, don’t rush |
| 11-15 | 20 minutes | Balanced speed/accuracy |
| 16-20 | 20 minutes | Strategic triage |
| 21-25 | 10 minutes | Selective approach |
🎯 Triage Decision Tree
🚀 Momentum Management
Building Momentum
- Start strong: First 5 problems set the tone
- Quick wins: Don’t overthink early problems
- Confidence building: Each success builds on the last
- Rhythm: Find your optimal pacing
Maintaining Flow
- Stay present: Focus on current problem only
- Trust preparation: Don’t second-guess your methods
- Calm energy: Alert but not tense
- Process focus: Steps, not outcomes
Recovering from Stalls
- Don’t panic: Stalls are normal
- Switch tactics: Try different approach
- Move on: Don’t get trapped on one problem
- Reset: Take a deep breath and refocus
📊 Progress Tracking
Mental Checkpoints
- After problem 5: “I’m on track”
- After problem 10: “I’m building momentum”
- After problem 15: “I’m in good shape”
- After problem 20: “I’m finishing strong”
Time Awareness
- Don’t watch clock constantly: Check every 5-10 problems
- Use natural breaks: Between problem groups
- Stay flexible: Adjust if needed
- Trust your rhythm: Don’t force artificial pacing
🎯 Problem Classification
Easy Problems (1-10)
- Characteristics: Straightforward, familiar patterns
- Strategy: Solve completely, high accuracy
- Time: 2-3 minutes each
- Risk: Low, don’t rush
Medium Problems (11-20)
- Characteristics: Require some insight, moderate complexity
- Strategy: Balanced approach, good accuracy
- Time: 3-4 minutes each
- Risk: Medium, strategic decisions
Hard Problems (21-25)
- Characteristics: Complex, require significant insight
- Strategy: Selective approach, use eliminations
- Time: 2-5 minutes each
- Risk: High, strategic guessing
⚡ Quick Reference
Time Budget
- Total: 75 minutes
- First pass: 45 minutes (problems 1-15)
- Second pass: 25 minutes (problems 16-25)
- Final review: 5 minutes
Accuracy Targets
- Problems 1-10: 95%+
- Problems 11-15: 80%+
- Problems 16-20: 60%+
- Problems 21-25: 40%+
Decision Rules
- Easy problems: Always solve
- Medium problems: Solve if approachable, skip if stuck
- Hard problems: Guess with eliminations, skip if no eliminations
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