Write It Do It B/C

[FueL]

if i use x to stand for pieces, for example, 2x2 blocks, will they take points off for that?

I would define it at the top to be safe.

[personasaurus rex]

if i use x to stand for pieces, for example, 2x2 blocks, will they take points off for that?

nope, you're not allowed to do that because in this case x is a symbol, not an abbreviation. What me and my partner did was we actually wrote out "by" instead of using x. It's not that big of a hassle haha

[FueL]

if i use x to stand for pieces, for example, 2x2 blocks, will they take points off for that?

nope, you're not allowed to do that because in this case x is a symbol, not an abbreviation. What me and my partner did was we actually wrote out "by" instead of using x. It's not that big of a hassle haha

Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks for mentioning it, or I might've went into states and gotten 127874 points off for rule violations.

[Gemma W]

Are you sure about that? Because it says that you can use any symbol that you can make on a standard keyboard, and that is included. Also, you can use anything that is not used in its normal way as long as you define it. Also, it's not a symbol, it's a multiplication sign, which is a standard character. You are saying 2 times 2. It might be better just in case, but I'll probably forget and waste time trying to fix it.

[personasaurus rex]

Are you sure about that? Because it says that you can use any symbol that you can make on a standard keyboard, and that is included. Also, you can use anything that is not used in its normal way as long as you define it. Also, it's not a symbol, it's a multiplication sign, which is a standard character. You are saying 2 times 2. It might be better just in case, but I'll probably forget and waste time trying to fix it.

a multiplication sign IS a symbol. It's a x symbol that represents multiplication. Eh... I'm not sure because the rule for symbols is sketchy so if you're gonna use it, define it, but me and my partner try to avoid symbols altogether...

[Gemma W]

Are you sure about that? Because it says that you can use any symbol that you can make on a standard keyboard, and that is included. Also, you can use anything that is not used in its normal way as long as you define it. Also, it's not a symbol, it's a multiplication sign, which is a standard character. You are saying 2 times 2. It might be better just in case, but I'll probably forget and waste time trying to fix it.

a multiplication sign IS a symbol. It's a x symbol that represents multiplication. Eh... I'm not sure because the rule for symbols is sketchy so if you're gonna use it, define it, but me and my partner try to avoid symbols altogether...

But the symbol is universally recognized. Also, it is an abbreviation, just one that isn't very similar to the original. If you want to use "by", that's great and maybe smart and careful. But I don't think that the judges will take off points for that unless they are extremely picky, because again, it is universally recognized. It's not a part of a "secret code".

[personasaurus rex]

Are you sure about that? Because it says that you can use any symbol that you can make on a standard keyboard, and that is included. Also, you can use anything that is not used in its normal way as long as you define it. Also, it's not a symbol, it's a multiplication sign, which is a standard character. You are saying 2 times 2. It might be better just in case, but I'll probably forget and waste time trying to fix it.

a multiplication sign IS a symbol. It's a x symbol that represents multiplication. Eh... I'm not sure because the rule for symbols is sketchy so if you're gonna use it, define it, but me and my partner try to avoid symbols altogether...

But the symbol is universally recognized. Also, it is an abbreviation, just one that isn't very similar to the original. If you want to use "by", that's great and maybe smart and careful. But I don't think that the judges will take off points for that unless they are extremely picky, because again, it is universally recognized. It's not a part of a "secret code".

Symbols don't have to be "a part of a secret code." By symbol they mean anything as simple as a degree sign (which, as I emailed for a rule clarification, is not allowed). The degrees symbol is not similar tot he word, and it is also universally recognized, right?
Bottom line is, to be on the safe side, I would write 4 by 2 instead of 4x2, just to be on the safe side.

[Skink]

The degree symbol isn't allowed because it's not on the keyboard. 2x2 should fine as long as you define "x" as shorthand for "by". It's no different than "inches"-->"in". "x" is on the keyboard, so it should be alright. Maybe for good measure leave a space between the 2s and the "x", in this example? Just in case. Or, yeah, just write it out...

[zyzzyva980]

It doesn't matter if the symbol is "universally recognized". It's still a symbol. That's like saying you shouldn't get a ticket for speeding because so many people do it. You still get the ticket. But in this case, you can't flirt or cry your way out of a DQ.

[Schrodingerscat]

Edit: Reread and found comment was already mentioned.