S&P - That's called Search and Pounce and the most common mode for new contesters and for old and rusty contesters as well. You get to pick and choose and move at your own pace. You are still trying to figure this whole contesting thing out. It can be intimidating when you come across an OP running fast (QRQ). It's hard to copy the exchange info. You can just move on down the band or you might what to hang out a while and figure this guy out. It might take two, three or even four exchanges but you will get it because you are challenged and determined!

Sometimes you hear numbers or an exchange that just don't make sense no matter how many times you hear it. The OP is probably using "cut numbers". To make matters worse these OP's usually come at you FAST and it can leave you scratching your head! These are the ones you are afraid to ask for a repeat at the risk of sounding stupid. So you hang out and listen for another 5 minutes and you still can't get it. Everyone else seems to copy okay but you are stumped? Be familiar with cut numbers and remember these:

The only cut number I recommend using right away is N for 9 but only for RST. In a contest 599 takes forever to get two 9's out. We already know the number so use 5NN and shorten it up. ENN (599) sounds cool in a fast exchange but I don't recommend using it starting out. Zero is the longest and most troublesome number. Hey be sure to copy that 5th dash! ...or was that an 8 or 9? The easiest number to copy is #1. If you only copy A, W or J then you know it's a 1.

Be careful using T for zero. The only time I consider using T is in between other numbers and still I rarely use it. Like 501 1003 (5T1 1TT3). A much higher chance for errors and repeats using T on the end of numbers.

Speaking of repeats. A little off topic but something to consider when you are asked to "repeat". If your CW speed is close to the Run station, repeat your exchange at the same speed again. The reason he asked for a repeat was because he didn't hear what you said. It was not because he can't copy at your speed! DON'T slow down and repeat @ 10 WPM. Chances are you just made the problem 10X worse and got another AGN request. Here's why... and it happens a lot on the low bands in noise and static crash conditions. Slowing down dramatically increases the possibility of the next static crash hitting right in the middle resulting in another AGN request. Often times speeding up is exactly the best solution for getting thru just before the next crash!

Once you feel comfortable doing S&P and built up some confidence, it's time to think about trying the dreaded and most feared mode of all. "Run Mode". After all you are a contester and you like the competition? Time to get your score up and you can do it.