I didn't read all of what's going on, but if your in the tournament in Ch3, it's 3 coins ONLY, no more, no less, And I think Paine already mentioned the paper & pen trick, it took my sis an hour to do it that way but it helped a ton!
And of course, hoping there's not many 1's.
Good Luck & Relax, You can try to kick Shinra later, although I don't think they really let you. Anywaz.