Optiver Zap-N Test Guide

The Stock Master game in Zap-N test is primarily designed to assess reaction time under a specific set of constraints. At its core, this game is a reaction time tester by Optiver with an added challenge that requires strategic timing.

In Stock Master, players are presented with a visual interface where speedometers appear, each representing an increasing stock price. Once a speedometer appears, it begins to accelerate at varying speeds. The player's objective is to click the speedometer at the optimal moment, maximizing potential points. If you wait too long, the speedometer will disappear, resulting in a missed opportunity and a loss of points.

The game is straightforward and intuitive, making it accessible to most users. However, due to the varying speeds of the speedometers, players need to balance their reaction time with the decision-making process to achieve the highest score possible.

For those looking to practice before taking the actual test, similar reaction-based games, like Tap the Black Tile, can help hone the necessary skills. This practice can help improve your timing and reaction speed, which are crucial for excelling in the Stock Master game. In the Stock Master variation used in Optiver's Zap-N test, it's crucial to remember that the appearance of the speedometer doesn't automatically mean it's time to click; you must wait for it to reach the optimal point before taking action to increase your score. 

The Zap-N Balloon game is one of the key components of the Optiver Zap-N test, designed to assess a candidate's risk assessment and decision-making skills which are crucial attributes for a career in trading. This game, rooted in the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), presents a simple yet challenging scenario where participants inflate virtual balloons to earn money. The objective is to balance the potential gains with the risk of the balloon bursting and the accompanying losses. 

The Zap-N Balloon game as used by Optiver is divided into two distinct phases, each with different risk-reward dynamics. In the first phase, every successful pump earns the player 10 cents, and there is no direct penalty if the balloon bursts, aside from the loss of potential earnings. This encourages players to take more risks initially, similar to a strategy of price discovery in trading. The goal here is to determine the balloon's burst point through calculated risks.

In the second phase, the stakes are higher and each pump earns 20 cents, but with increased risk. If the balloon bursts, not only do you lose the accrued rewards, but each burst also incurs a 10-cent penalty. This phase demands a more nuanced approach to risk management, reflecting the complexity of real-world trading scenarios. Players must carefully analyze patterns and make strategic decisions to maximize earnings while minimizing losses.

One effective strategy involves an initial period of 'price discovery,' where players intentionally push the limits to observe when the balloon typically bursts. By mentally recording the burst thresholds, players can develop an informed strategy for subsequent rounds. In the latter stages, it’s crucial to adjust the pumping strategy based on observed patterns, aligning with your risk appetite and the explosion patterns the balloons.

For those who prefer a more quantitative approach, you could estimate the probability of a burst based on previous rounds and calculate the expected value of each pump. This involves keeping track of the number of pumps and bursts, and determining whether the potential reward justifies the risk of another pump. While this method provides a structured framework for decision-making, it might be considered overkill for the Optiver's intended purpose.  For those interested in applying this quantitative approach to a specific point in the decision tree, we offer Balloon Analog Risk Task I and Balloon Analog Risk Task II brainteasers that delve deeper into these calculations. 

 In this game, Optiver presents you with stacks of differently colored blocks, which you need to rearrange to match a specific pattern shown in the example. 

The rules of the game are straightforward yet demand careful planning. You can only move the topmost block from any tower and place it on top of another tower. If you place it on an empty spot, it becomes the new ground floor of a new tower. The objective is to replicate the example configuration in the fewest moves possible.

This Zap-N Skyscraper is identical to the game as it's played in the Pymetrics games, where the objective is to quickly and accurately rearrange the blocks to replicate the target pattern. The game tests your problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and ability to work under time pressure. Additionally, the target configuration varies with each level, adding complexity and requiring you to adjust your strategy constantly.

To prepare for this game, it can be helpful to practice with similar online games that focus on sorting and stacking, such as the one found here. While the goal of the Zap-N Skyscraper game is to replicate a specific pattern rather than just sorting by color, the underlying mechanics and strategic thinking required are quite similar.

In this game, candidates doing the Optiver Zap-N test are challenged to respond quickly and accurately to shapes appearing on the screen. The game presents a series of circles and squares that randomly appear on different sides of the screen. The primary objective is to press the correct arrow key corresponding to the shape (right for circles and left for squares) regardless of their position on the screen. This can be more challenging than it sounds because the mind often wants to react to the position of the shape rather than its form, leading to potential mistakes.

The Simon effect, a well-known psychological phenomenon, is at play in this game. Named after J. R. Simon, who first described it in 1963, the Simon effect refers to the tendency of individuals to respond faster and more accurately when there is congruence between stimulus and response features. In simpler terms, people are quicker and more precise when the location of a stimulus matches the location of their response. However, in the Zap-N Shapeshift game as employed by Optiver, this congruence is deliberately disrupted, requiring candidates to focus purely on the shape of the object and not its position on the screen.

The game lasts for about 2.5 minutes, during which applicants must find the optimal balance between speed and accuracy. It's important not to rush at the beginning; instead, start at a moderate pace and increase speed as you become more comfortable with the game's mechanics. The challenge lies in maintaining accuracy while handling the increasing pressure of the game’s pace.

Preparation for this game can involve practicing a Simon experiment, which can be found here. This will help you familiarize yourself with the concept of ignoring the location on the screen and focusing on the visual stimulus, connecting that to the correct inputs. This practice will improve your ability to manage cognitive interference and enhance your reaction time and accuracy under pressure. 

The Zap-N Pincode game is a challenging component of the Optiver Zap-N test, designed to assess a candidate’s memory and concentration under pressure. In this game, you are required to memorize and input sequences of numbers that are displayed one digit at a time. The game is divided into three rounds, each with increasing difficulty and different rules for inputting the numbers.

In the first round, the task begins simply with a sequence of three digits. However, as the game progresses, the sequences become longer, eventually requiring you to remember up to 10 digits at a time. The challenge lies in maintaining focus and accurately recalling these longer sequences as the game advances.

The second round introduces an additional layer of complexity. Here, you need to enter the numbers in reverse order. For example, if the sequence shown is 276, you must input 672. Similar to the first round, this round starts with a shorter sequence but gradually increases in difficulty, demanding the recall of sequences up to 10 digits long in reverse order.

The third and final round requires you to sort the digits from low to high before inputting them. If the sequence contains repeated digits, you must include each instance in the correct order. For example, if presented with the sequence 7383, you must enter 3378. This round begins with three-digit sequences but can increase to as many as 12 digits, testing your ability to quickly and accurately sort and remember the numbers.

Successfully navigating the Zap-N Pincode game requires a strong working memory and the ability to maintain concentration as the tasks become increasingly complex. Although there are no specific resources online for practicing these exact variations, you can improve your performance by training your ability to memorize sequences of numbers. One useful tool can be found here, which helps develop the skills necessary to excel in the Pincode game.

It’s important to note that during the Zap-N test, the use of pen and paper is prohibited. Optiver has systems in place to detect any form of cheating, so it’s essential to rely solely on your memory and mental capabilities. This game typically lasts around 15 minutes, and preparation should focus on exercises that challenge your memory and concentration, gradually increasing the complexity and length of the sequences you practice.

Understanding and mastering the Zap-N Pincode game is crucial for those looking to excel in the Optiver Zap-N test, as it directly evaluates your cognitive ability to handle complex information under time constraints.

The task-switching game in the Optiver Zap-N test evaluates your proficiency in cognitive flexibility, specifically your ability to alternate seamlessly between different types of tasks. This game is designed to test how efficiently you can transition between mathematical and visual tasks, a key skill in high-pressure environments where quick thinking and adaptability are essential.

During each round of the game, you are presented with two prompts: a basic addition equation and two sets of arrows. The challenge lies in determining which of these prompts to focus on based on their location on the screen. For instance, if both the addition equation and the arrows appear in a specific location, you should ignore the arrows and solve the addition equation. Conversely, if they appear in another location, you should ignore the addition and focus on whether the two sets of arrows are identical. Your task is to quickly and accurately identify the relevant prompt and answer the corresponding question, switching your focus as needed based on their position on the screen. 

The objective of this game is to efficiently manage your cognitive resources by switching between solving a math problem and performing a visual pattern recognition task. This process tests your ability to shift attention between different types of tasks quickly, which is crucial in fast-paced decision-making scenarios.

Although we are not aware of any exact online games that replicate this specific type of task-switching, you can practice the general concept of switching between tasks with games like the one available here. This tool allows you to use arrow keys to submit your answers, helping you practice the quick transitions required in the Optiver Zap-N test.

This game typically lasts 1.5 minutes, requiring quick thinking and mental agility throughout. To prepare, focus on exercises that involve smoothly and accurately transitioning between different types of tasks. This will enhance your cognitive flexibility and task-switching abilities which are key skills for succeeding in the Optiver Zap-N test.

The Zap-N Number Box is one of the key components of the Optiver Zap-N test, designed to evaluate candidates' mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills. In this game, you are presented with a screen displaying four numbers alongside a target number. Your task is to use these four numbers, combined with the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to reach the target number. A critical aspect of this challenge is that you must use all four numbers in your calculation, which adds a layer of complexity to the task.

This game is essentially a variation of the classical game of 24, where the objective is to manipulate four numbers to reach a target number. However, in the Zap-N version, the target number can vary, providing a unique challenge each time. The goal of this game is to assess your logical reasoning and mathematical prowess under time pressure.

For those preparing for the Optiver Zap-N test, practicing with similar number manipulation puzzles and games is highly recommended. Developing quick mental arithmetic skills and exploring different numerical strategies can greatly enhance your performance in this game. Engaging in regular practice with games that challenge your mathematical thinking will help you become more adept at handling the pressure and constraints of the Zap-N Number Box game.

In this game, players are presented with a numerical code at the top of the screen and must quickly match it with one of several boxes displayed below. The challenge lies in making the correct match before a timer runs out. As soon as the code appears, a timer begins to count down, adding pressure to make a swift and accurate decision. If the timer expires before a match is made, the options disappear, and the round ends without the opportunity to answer. The game then immediately presents a new code, and the process repeats.

The entire game typically lasts about 1.5 minutes, during which candidates must remain focused and react quickly to each new code. This brief duration emphasizes the need for rapid decision-making and pattern recognition skills, both of which are essential for roles at Optiver.

To prepare for this part of the Zap-N test, it is recommended that candidates practice with fast-paced matching games like Set. This preparation can help improve the ability to recognize patterns quickly and make accurate choices under time pressure. The more familiar candidates become with this type of game, the better their chances of performing well during the actual test.

In this game, each round presents a hidden figure initially represented by a face-down card. The card is only revealed at the end of the round, where the actual figure is unveiled. The player's task is to create an identical replica of this hidden figure by choosing the correct shape, color, and pattern from the available options. Once a figure is constructed, the player can submit their guess by hitting a button, which then provides feedback on how many attributes were matched correctly and which were incorrect. This feedback is crucial as it guides the player in refining their subsequent attempts.

The main objective of the game is to accurately guess the hidden figure in the fewest moves possible, with the complexity of the figures increasing as the game progresses. Optiver uses this game to assess a candidate’s ability to strategically plan and think critically under pressure, qualities that are essential for success in their roles.

The game typically lasts between 15 to 20 minutes, giving candidates a limited window to demonstrate their logical reasoning and deduction skills. Preparation for this game can involve practicing with logic puzzles and deduction games like Mastermind, which helps in developing a systematic approach to narrowing down options and interpreting feedback effectively.

Excelling in this part of the Optiver Zap-N test requires careful consideration and strategic planning, as each move must be calculated to maximize accuracy while minimizing the number of attempts. Success in this game is a strong indicator of a candidate's ability to thrive in the fast-paced and analytical environment at Optiver.

By understanding the objectives and intricacies of each game and focusing on relevant skills through targeted practice, you can enhance your readiness and performance in the Zap-N Test. Regular practice, along with a strategic and calm approach, will be key to excelling in this multifaceted cognitive assessment.

For more details on the rest of the Optiver interview, visit our guide to the Optiver interview.