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How to Solve Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up Problem
Master the Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up LeetCode problem with undetectable real-time assistance. Get instant solutions and explanations during your coding interviews.
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Start Free for WindowsMedium#2260
LeetCode ProblemMinimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up
You are given an integer array cards where cards[i] represents the value of the ith card. A pair of cards are matching if the cards have the same value. Return the minimum number of consecutive cards you have to pick up to have a pair of matching cards among the picked cards. If it is impossible to have matching cards, return -1.
ArrayHash TableSliding Window
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Problem Breakdown
Understanding the Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up Problem
Let's break down this LeetCode problem and understand what makes it challenging in interview settings.
Problem Statement
You are given an integer array cards where cards[i] represents the value of the ith card. A pair of cards are matching if the cards have the same value. Return the minimum number of consecutive cards you have to pick up to have a pair of matching cards among the picked cards. If it is impossible to have matching cards, return -1.
MediumProblem #2260
LeetCodeMinimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up
Related Topics
ArrayHash TableSliding Window
How Phantom Code Helps
Get real-time assistance for Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up problems during coding interviews. Phantom Code provides instant solutions and explanations.
Examples
# Example 1
Input
cards = [3,4,2,3,4,7]
Output
4
# Example 2
Input
cards = [1,0,5,3]
Output
-1
Constraints
1 <= cards.length <= 105
0 <= cards[i] <= 106
How Phantom Code Helps with LeetCode Problems
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Solve Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up — You are given an integer array cards where cards[i] represents the value of the ...
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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HackerRank
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CoderPad
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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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up and using Phantom Code during coding interviews.
How does Phantom Code help me solve coding problems like Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up 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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up?
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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up?
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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up 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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up 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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up 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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up 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 Minimum Consecutive Cards to Pick Up 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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