--- title: Scoring, hints, and tools description: Dynamic challenge points, hint deductions, and the tools teams can use during play. --- import WorkshopRecordingLink from '../../../../components/workshops/WorkshopRecordingLink.astro'; [CTF awareness session: CryptX 2.0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO-dMGd8CAM) ## Challenge points change as teams solve Challenge values decrease as more teams solve them. The first team to solve a challenge earns its maximum value through a “First Blood” bonus; as the solver count grows, the points for that challenge are reduced for all teams that solved it. [The briefing explains the dynamic scoring matrix](https://youtu.be/kO-dMGd8CAM?t=1592) and [First Blood and the retroactive point change](https://youtu.be/kO-dMGd8CAM?t=2497). ## Hints cost points Some challenges offer unlockable hints. Using a hint reduces the remaining points available from that challenge, so teams trade assistance for score. [The session introduces unlockable hints](https://youtu.be/kO-dMGd8CAM?t=1960) and [the associated deduction](https://youtu.be/kO-dMGd8CAM?t=1978). ## Use permitted references thoughtfully Teams may use online documentation, public walkthroughs, and generative AI tools. The speaker cautions teams to understand and verify their solutions rather than relying blindly on a tool or reference. [The permitted tools](https://youtu.be/kO-dMGd8CAM?t=1992) and [the warning to understand solutions](https://youtu.be/kO-dMGd8CAM?t=1998) appear in the recording. [Continue to the required write-ups and interviews](/docs/en/workshops/ctf-awareness/writeups-and-interviews)