Leetcode #2293: Min Max Game
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2293 Min Max Game in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.
You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.
Problem Statement
You are given a 0-indexed integer array nums whose length is a power of 2. Apply the following algorithm on nums: Let n be the length of nums.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Simulation
Intuition
The rules are explicit, so simulating the process step by step is safest.
Careful state updates prevent subtle bugs.
Approach
Translate the rules into state updates and apply them in order.
Track the final state or aggregate as required.
Steps:
- Translate rules into state updates.
- Iterate for each step.
- Return the final state.
Example
Input: nums = [1,3,5,2,4,8,2,2]
Output: 1
Explanation: The following arrays are the results of applying the algorithm repeatedly.
First: nums = [1,5,4,2]
Second: nums = [1,4]
Third: nums = [1]
1 is the last remaining number, so we return 1.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def minMaxGame(self, nums: List[int]) -> int:
n = len(nums)
while n > 1:
n >>= 1
for i in range(n):
a, b = nums[i << 1], nums[i << 1 | 1]
nums[i] = min(a, b) if i % 2 == 0 else max(a, b)
return nums[0]
Complexity
The time complexity is , where is the length of the array . The space complexity is .
Edge Cases and Pitfalls
Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.
Summary
This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.