Topcoder puzzle challenges are a new challenge format on Topcoder. A challenge often consists of a combinatorial puzzle, or a problem relating to a specific theme or topic. A puzzle challenge may have one single correct answer, or you may be asked to find the best possible answer within the specified constraints. There is a low barrier of entry on these challenges, as they do not require any coding experience, but they are often also difficult enough to attract experienced members to participate and test their skills.
Coding skill is not required for these challenges, and you are free to use any method you see fit to participate in the challenge. The actual challenge submission format will depend on the particular round, and will be described in the challenge specification page. In general, within the submission .zip-file, you must post a file containing your solution and reasoning for it, in a format such as a text file or a pdf-document. If you used coding to reach your solution, you should attach the code file(s) you created as well as part of your submission.
In the Collatz Sequence challenge, the contestants were tasked with finding a number with less than a hundred digits leading up to the longest sequence of numbers according to the sequence rule defined by the famous Collatz conjecture.
In the K-Special Hexagon challenge, the task was to construct a hexagon such that it contained the largest possible number of consecutive integer lengths as the distances between its vertices.
The first puzzle challenge was the Crack The Puzzle challenge, which contained 7 different hidden “flags”, that the contestants were asked to find based on the hints given. This is an example of a themed challenge on the particular topic of cryptography and security.
Please email pentti.sunila@topcoder.com if you are interested in becoming either a problem tester or author for these challenges. Experience in SRM rounds, Marathon Matches, and previous puzzle challenges will be taken into consideration, as well as experience and activity on other platforms.
The following are the payments for a Puzzle Challenge round:
Problem writer: $500 USD
Problem tester: $250 USD