How to pick which DILR sets to attempt in the first 5 minutes?

✓ Accepted answer

Spend 60–90 seconds per set scanning (not solving) all sets in the first 4–5 minutes. Here's what to look for: Green flags (likely solvable): - Small, fixed entity count (4–6 entities with clear roles) - Tabular or grid structure with few blank cells - Questions that ask for a specific value or rank (not 'how many arrangements are possible?') - At least one constraint that immediately pins a value Red flags (likely a time-sink): - More than 6 entities or multiple constraint types that interact with each other - Questions asking 'which of the following is definitely true' across all arrangements — you must enumerate exhaustively - 'Minimum/maximum possible' questions on large grids (they usually have a trick, but it's not visible in the scan) The foothold test: in 30 seconds, try applying the single most restrictive constraint. If it pins at least one cell or value immediately, the set is likely solvable. If you can't crack a foothold in 30 seconds, drop it and return only if time permits. Calibration: most toppers solve 3 out of 4 sets completely rather than touching all 4 partially. A fully-solved easy set gives 4–5 marks; a half-solved hard set gives 1–2. Commit to complete solutions on chosen sets rather than spreading thin.