Problem

Source: JBMO Shortlist 2022

Tags: combinatorics, game, Junior, Balkan, shortlist



Anna and Bob, with Anna starting first, alternately color the integers of the set $S = \{1, 2, ..., 2022 \}$ red or blue. At their turn each one can color any uncolored number of $S$ they wish with any color they wish. The game ends when all numbers of $S$ get colored. Let $N$ be the number of pairs $(a, b)$, where $a$ and $b$ are elements of $S$, such that $a$, $b$ have the same color, and $b - a = 3$. Anna wishes to maximize $N$. What is the maximum value of $N$ that she can achieve regardless of how Bob plays?