So, a bald 'print' cant be used!
To be a competitive golfer you have to be tenacious, devious and challenge assumptions. So I wouldn't rule out using a bald print just yet. At least, not without first trying to find a way to adjust your algorithm so that it can be used.

For example, why do you subtract 3 at the end, as in print$n-3? Is that to compensate for adding 3 when you (always) match at start of string? If so, you could try to eliminate the need to subtract 3 by adjusting your regex to not match at start of string.

In any case, I suggest you study every line of perlre looking for something, anything, that might help you shave a stroke. That is the attitude required to win at golf.

In reply to Re^3: Code Shortening (golf) by eyepopslikeamosquito
in thread Code Shortening (golf) [RESOLVED] by Young Monk

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