How to Solve Predict the Winner Leetcode Problem - Interview Coder Guide
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How to Solve Predict the Winner Problem

Master the Predict the Winner LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.

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Medium#486
LeetCode Problem

Predict the Winner

You are given an integer array nums. Two players are playing a game with this array: player 1 and player 2. Player 1 and player 2 take turns, with player 1 starting first. Both players start the game ...

ArrayMathDynamic Programming+2 more

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Problem Breakdown

Understanding the Predict the Winner Problem

Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.

Problem Statement

You are given an integer array nums. Two players are playing a game with this array: player 1 and player 2. Player 1 and player 2 take turns, with player 1 starting first. Both players start the game with a score of 0. At each turn, the player takes one of the numbers from either end of the array (i.e., nums[0] or nums[nums.length - 1]) which reduces the size of the array by 1. The player adds the chosen number to their score. The game ends when there are no more elements in the array. Return true if Player 1 can win the game. If the scores of both players are equal, then player 1 is still the winner, and you should also return true. You may assume that both players are playing optimally.

MediumProblem #486
LeetCode

Predict the Winner

Related Topics
ArrayMathDynamic ProgrammingRecursionGame Theory
How Interview Coder Helps

Get real-time assistance for Predict the Winner problems during coding interviews. Interview Coder provides instant solutions and explanations.

Examples

Example 1
INPUT
nums = [1,5,2]
OUTPUT
false
EXPLANATION

Initially, player 1 can choose between 1 and 2. If he chooses 2 (or 1), then player 2 can choose from 1 (or 2) and 5. If player 2 chooses 5, then player 1 will be left with 1 (or 2). So, final score of player 1 is 1 + 2 = 3, and player 2 is 5. Hence, player 1 will never be the winner and you need to return false.

Example 2
INPUT
nums = [1,5,233,7]
OUTPUT
true
EXPLANATION

Player 1 first chooses 1. Then player 2 has to choose between 5 and 7. No matter which number player 2 choose, player 1 can choose 233. Finally, player 1 has more score (234) than player 2 (12), so you need to return True representing player1 can win.

Constraints

1 <= nums.length <= 20
0 <= nums[i] <= 107

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about solving Predict the Winner and using Interview Coder during coding interviews.

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