OFFSET
1,4
EXAMPLE
For n = 5, the initial configuration 01112 (with the top of the deck to the left) requires 6 moves to reach the first configuration in the eventual cycle: 01112 -> 10112 -> 01121 -> 10121 -> 01211 -> 10211 -> 02111 -> 20111 -> 02111. This is the maximum for 5 cards, so a(5) = 6.
Lexicographically first optimal initial configuration for 1 <= n <= 14:
n a(n) configuration
1 0 0
2 0 00
3 1 001
4 4 0012
5 6 01112
6 11 011023
7 18 0111023
8 24 01221034
9 44 012110234
10 58 0111234234
11 96 01200321345
12 120 011102345345
13 210 0122112345345
14 254 01112345326546
CROSSREFS
KEYWORD
nonn,more
AUTHOR
Pontus von Brömssen, Feb 04 2023
STATUS
approved