adeam's blog

Preparing for MNPC
By adeam, history, 12 months ago, In English

Hello Community,

I'm from Morocco, and next months we have the MNPC (Moroccan National Programming Contest). This will be my first time participating, and I really want to prepare well for it.

I'd appreciate any advice, tips, or resources that could help me train effectively. Also, I've heard from some people that the style of MNPC problems is a bit different from Codeforces. Can anyone confirm this and maybe explain the differences?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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12 months ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Grind on usaco: https://usaco.guide/

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12 months ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

Codeforces (Div2 A-D) vs. ICPC-Style Contests

Problem Types

  • Codeforces (Early Problems): Mostly ad-hoc, constructive, or greedy. Rarely requires advanced algorithms (A-C are often "think outside the box").
  • ICPC: Mix of ad-hoc + heavy algorithmic problems (graphs, DP, advanced DS like segment trees).

Algorithmic Knowledge

  • Codeforces: Many problems solvable with intuition, math, or simple observations.
  • ICPC: Even medium-hard problems demand standard algorithms (e.g., Dijkstra, SCC, flows).

Preparation Focus

  • Codeforces: Speed + pattern recognition (practice recent Div2 A-D).
  • ICPC: Deep topic mastery (use CSES, Atcoder ABC (last problems), or Leetcode Hard for interview-like structured problems.

Rare Data Structures

  • Codeforces: Occasionally BIT/SegTree in D, but often avoidable.
  • ICPC: Expect niche DS (e.g., sparse tables, Mo’s algo).

Suggested Training

  • For ICPC/MNPC: Grind CSES, Atcoder ABC E/F, and Leetcode DP/Graphs.
  • For Codeforces: Spam contests + analyze ad-hoc tricks.
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12 months ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

are you sure MNPC will be held this year?

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