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HomeLeetCode ProblemsEscape The Ghosts
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How to Solve Escape The Ghosts Problem

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

Phantom Code generates complete solutions and debugging hints that you can use while explaining your approach, so you stay calm and in control.

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Medium#789
LeetCode Problem

Escape The Ghosts

You are playing a simplified PAC-MAN game on an infinite 2-D grid. You start at the point [0, 0], and you are given a destination point target = [xtarget, ytarget] that you are trying to get to. There are several ghosts on the map with their starting positions given as a 2D array ghosts, where ghosts[i] = [xi, yi] represents the starting position of the ith ghost. All inputs are integral coordinates. Each turn, you and all the ghosts may independently choose to either move 1 unit in any of the four cardinal directions: north, east, south, or west, or stay still. All actions happen simultaneously. You escape if and only if you can reach the target before any ghost reaches you. If you reach any square (including the target) at the same time as a ghost, it does not count as an escape. Return true if it is possible to escape regardless of how the ghosts move, otherwise return false.

ArrayMath

Phantom Code will help you solve this problem in real-time during your interview

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Problem Breakdown

Understanding the Escape The Ghosts Problem

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

Problem Statement

You are playing a simplified PAC-MAN game on an infinite 2-D grid. You start at the point [0, 0], and you are given a destination point target = [xtarget, ytarget] that you are trying to get to. There are several ghosts on the map with their starting positions given as a 2D array ghosts, where ghosts[i] = [xi, yi] represents the starting position of the ith ghost. All inputs are integral coordinates. Each turn, you and all the ghosts may independently choose to either move 1 unit in any of the four cardinal directions: north, east, south, or west, or stay still. All actions happen simultaneously. You escape if and only if you can reach the target before any ghost reaches you. If you reach any square (including the target) at the same time as a ghost, it does not count as an escape. Return true if it is possible to escape regardless of how the ghosts move, otherwise return false.

MediumProblem #789
LeetCode

Escape The Ghosts

Related Topics

ArrayMath

How Phantom Code Helps

Get real-time assistance for Escape The Ghosts problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.

Examples

# Example 1

Input
ghosts = [[1,0],[0,3]], target = [0,1]
Output
true

# Example 2

Input
ghosts = [[1,0]], target = [2,0]
Output
false

# Example 3

Input
ghosts = [[2,0]], target = [1,0]
Output
false

Constraints

1 <= ghosts.length <= 100
ghosts[i].length == 2
-104 <= xi, yi <= 104
There can be multiple ghosts in the same location.
target.length == 2
-104 <= xtarget, ytarget <= 104

How Phantom Code Helps with LeetCode Problems

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See Phantom Code in Action

Watch how Phantom Code helps solve LeetCode problems during live interviews

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Solve Escape The Ghosts — You are playing a simplified PAC-MAN game on an infinite 2-D grid. You start at ...

Here's the optimal approach using Array:

def solve(input):
# Optimal O(n) solution
return result

Time: O(n)  |  Space: O(n)

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Undetectability Checklist

Run compatibility test before interviews
Use recommended Zoom version settings
Enable advanced screen capture options
Verify native desktop architecture
Test with screen recording software

Platform Compatibility

Zoom
Supported
Google Meet
Supported
HackerRank
Supported
CodeSignal
Supported
CoderPad
Supported
Teams
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User results and traction

Thousands of developers use Phantom Code. Social proof signals that this approach helps real candidates land offers across a range of companies.

Undetectability and technical details

Our native desktop architecture avoids common detection vectors used by browser extensions. We provide a clear checklist so you can run basic checks and confirm the app will be invisible.

Platform compatibility and limitations

We work with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad and other web-based platforms. Check the compatibility note and request a browser link if a specific desktop app is unsupported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about solving Escape The Ghosts and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.

How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Escape The Ghosts during interviews?
Phantom Code generates complete solutions instantly with proper complexity analysis, letting you focus on explaining your approach and demonstrating problem-solving skills rather than getting stuck on implementation details during high-pressure situations.
What if the interviewer asks follow-up questions or modifications to problems like Escape The Ghosts?
Phantom Code adapts in real-time. Screenshot the modified problem or use audio mode to capture the interviewer's follow-up, and get an updated solution within seconds — including edge cases and optimizations.
Can Phantom Code help me communicate my solution for problems like Escape The Ghosts?
Yes. Phantom Code provides step-by-step approach explanations with 3 progressive thoughts, so you can walk through your solution naturally. It also provides time and space complexity analysis to discuss trade-offs.
How does Phantom Code assist with different programming languages for Escape The Ghosts type problems?
Phantom Code supports 11 programming languages including Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, Rust, Ruby, Swift, Kotlin, and C#. Set your preferred language and get idiomatic solutions.
What coding mistakes does Phantom Code help me avoid during Escape The Ghosts interviews?
Phantom Code catches common mistakes like off-by-one errors, missing edge cases, incorrect base conditions, and suboptimal approaches. It provides clean, well-structured code that handles all edge cases.
Is Phantom Code detectable when solving problems like Escape The Ghosts during live interviews?
No. Phantom Code runs as an invisible desktop overlay that doesn't appear in screen shares, recordings, or proctoring software. It works with Zoom, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, and all major platforms.
How does Phantom Code help when I'm struggling with Escape The Ghosts style questions under pressure?
The AI provides structured guidance: first the approach (what algorithm/data structure to use and why), then the implementation with clean code, and finally complexity analysis. This helps you think clearly even under pressure.
Does Phantom Code work for the coding platforms used in Escape The Ghosts interviews?
Yes. Phantom Code works with all major coding platforms including LeetCode, HackerRank, CodeSignal, CoderPad, HackerEarth, and any browser-based coding environment.
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