In competitive programming, common pitfalls can derail even skilled programmers, so awareness and prevention are vital. One frequent mistake is overcomplicating solutions, where programmers attempt complex algorithms for problems that may have simpler, more efficient solutions. Carefully reading and understanding the problem statement is crucial, as it prevents errors arising from misinterpretation. Another common issue is overlooking edge cases, which can lead to runtime errors or incorrect outputs, especially on boundary values or large inputs. Optimizing solutions is also essential; using inefficient algorithms can cause time limit exceeded (TLE) errors in competitive environments. Finally, rushing through code or failing to thoroughly test solutions before submission can result in unexpected failures. Developing a methodical approach, practicing different algorithms, and maintaining clarity in understanding problems are effective ways to avoid these pitfalls and improve performance in competitive programming.