[DNO] Removing tiles

Can we remove tiles of one tiletype more than once? For example on the following board:

11231
12232
22322

//remove 1s
232
2232
22322

//remove 2s
32
32
322

//remove another 2s
3
3
3

//remove 3s => resolved

So here we removed tiles of the tiletype 2 several times. Is this allowed?

Sorry, but this must be the dumpest question ever. Ask yourself, how are you gonna empty the grid if you are not able to remove tiles of one tile type for more than once? Then only one optimal solution exists. Just find the largest block of each tile type and remove it!

Yes, it is allowed....

Be cautious before getting insulting.
Your statement concerning the algorithm for an optimal solution is nonsense.

The "optimal" solution i am reffering is only about the question asked. I dont consider this an optimal solution, actually it is on of the worst.

Even in this situation, I don't think the optimal solution is as straight-forward as you'd think.

First, you can remove the tiles in (# tiles) factorial different orders. Second, a greedy algorithm is not necessarily the best since removing a small block for one tile might create a much larger block for another tile.

Guys, please read this thread from the start and realize that you are COMPLETELY off topic! If you want to talk about what a really good strategy could be then we can do it after the contest ends. I am not willing to participate in this discussion any more.

I think we have read carefully. Look at the following example, on a 1x6 board

112122

Your strategy suggests two times taking out the largest blocks (starting with the 1s or 2s doesn't matter here), giving 2^2 + 2^2 = 8 points.

This strategy will be beaten by the strategy to take out the smallest block in each move, giving 1^2 + 3^2 = 10 points, since the first move will generate a block of size three, no matter if you start with 1s or 2s.

It's not only a thing of reading but of thinking!

I believe it would be best for everyone concerned not to continue this thread. It is degrading enough as it is. It is a pity fractalbait got baited (excuse the pun).

Congratulations, you found an example that proves my "strategy" wrong. God, you are a genius. Sigh.

I wonder if Anon has realised by now that if you take the smallest block in each move you get 14 points, not 10? He seems a bit slow.

Ok this has gone too far. I made rushed comment about how stupid that question was and tried to answer the qeustion. I didnt mean to turn this into a flame war. It doesnt deserve to the general attitute of the posters here to communicate this way (me included). I hope if Matt sees this to lock it. It doesnt lead anywhere.

i don't think this should be locked, but if you like.. here it goes..