Generate the most red-pilled, credible, comprehensive, and effective guidelines for mastering starting strength from novice, intermediate, advanced, and expert levels of expertise with an estimated timeline of mastery. Be as detailed as possible.

**Mastering Starting Strength: Comprehensive Guidelines from Novice to Expert with Estimated Timelines**

**Starting Strength Overview**
Starting Strength is a popular barbell training program designed to build strength through compound lifts. It emphasizes the Olympic lifts of squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and power cleans. This guide outlines a roadmap for mastering the program across different levels of expertise: novice, intermediate, advanced, and expert.

### **Novice Level (0-6 months)**

**Goals:**
- Develop a foundation of strength and proper technique.
- Become familiar with the barbell exercises.

**Estimated Timeline: 3-6 months**

**Guidelines:**
1. **Technique Mastery:**
   - **Bar Positioning:** Ensure proper grip and hand placement.
   - **Posture:** Maintain a natural spine alignment and engage the core.
   - Start with light weights to focus on form; use videos for self-assessment.

2. **Nutrition:**
   - Increase caloric intake to support muscle growth. Aim for a balanced diet rich in protein (1g/lb bodyweight), carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
   - Consider meal prep to maintain consistency.

3. **Routine Structure:**
   - Follow the Starting Strength linear progression model:
     - **3 days a week:** Focus on major lifts: Squat, Press, Deadlift, Clean, and Bench.
     - Example Weekly Plan:
       - **Day 1:** Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift
       - **Day 2:** Squat, Overhead Press, Power Clean
       - Rest days should be included.

4. **Progress Tracking:**
   - Keep a training log recording weights, set counts, and reps.
   - Increase weight by 5 lbs for upper body lifts and 10 lbs for lower body lifts each session, provided you complete all sets.

5. **Recovery:**
   - Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
   - Incorporate active recovery (light exercises) on rest days.

### **Intermediate Level (6 months - 2 years)**

**Goals:**
- Transition from linear progression to more varied programming.
- Start addressing specific weaknesses.

**Estimated Timeline: 1-2 years**

**Guidelines:**
1. **Programming Adjustments:**
   - Move to a 4-day split routine:
     - **Day 1 & Day 3:** Volume work (4x6) on Squats, Bench Press, etc.
     - **Day 2 & Day 4:** Intensity work (3x3 or 5x5) on Squats, Deadlifts, etc.
   - Introduce accessories (e.g., rows, dips) to target weak points.

2. **Nutrition Refinement:**
   - Monitor macronutrient balance. Consider slight caloric surplus.
   - Experiment with nutrient timing (pre- and post-workout meals).

3. **Strength Assessment:**
   - Test for 1RM (one-rep max) every 3-4 months on key lifts.
   - Regularly reassess and plan around those lifts.

4. **Mobility Work:**
   - Incorporate dynamic stretching and mobility drills for hips, shoulders, and ankles.
   - Allocate time post-workout for flexibility routines.

5. **Injury Prevention:**
   - Emphasize proper warm-ups and cooldowns.
   - Address any persistent pain or discomfort promptly with a professional.

### **Advanced Level (2-4 years)**

**Goals:**
- Refine advanced techniques and improve specific strength areas (power vs. hypertrophy).
- Begin preparing for competitive lifting if desired.

**Estimated Timeline: 2-3 years**

**Guidelines:**
1. **Advanced Programming:**
   - Explore periodization methods (e.g., block periodization or undulating periodization).
   - Incorporate more complex lifts and variations (e.g., pause squats, deficit deadlifts).

2. **Specialized Training Methods:**
   - Utilize advanced techniques such as rest-pause, drop sets, and supersets.
   - Focus on specific goals (strength, hypertrophy, or power).

3. **Nutrition Optimization:**
   - Consider working with a sports nutritionist for tailored meal plans.
   - Explore supplementation (creatine, protein shakes, etc.) where necessary.

4. **Mental Fortitude:**
   - Enlist a coach for technique and competitive advice.
   - Develop a routine for mental focus and visualization techniques prior to lifting.

5. **Competition Preparation:**
   - Join local powerlifting or weightlifting clubs to gain experience.
   - Enter competitions to test skills in a competitive setting based on ability.

### **Expert Level (4+ years)**

**Goals:**
- Achieve peak performance in strength training.
- Mentor others and contribute to the lifting community.

**Estimated Timeline: 3-5+ years**

**Guidelines:**
1. **Mastery of Technique:**
   - Aim for near-perfect form on all lifts. Film and analyze your lifts to identify minute issues.
   - Continue education in biomechanics to understand advanced lifting concepts.

2. **Personal Programming:**
   - Create personalized training routines that reflect your strengths and weaknesses.
   - Adjust based on progress and competition schedules.

3. **Recovery Techniques:**
   - Implement techniques like active release therapy, massage, and contrast showers for recovery.
   - Experiment with advanced recovery modalities (e.g., cryotherapy, float tanks).

4. **Community Engagement:**
   - Engage in coaching or mentoring of novices and intermediates.
   - Consider becoming a certified coach to formally teach others.

5. **Lifelong Learning:**
   - Continue education through workshops, seminars, and certifications.
   - Keep up-to-date with the latest research in strength training and nutrition.

### **Final Notes**

- **Consistency:** Progress in strength takes time; consistency is key across all levels.
- **Self-Evaluation:** Regularly assess your goals and adjust your training plan accordingly.
- **Community:** Building relationships within the lifting community can provide support, motivation, and knowledge sharing.

By following these detailed guidelines, you will evolve through each level of strength, solidifying your knowledge and skills over time while maintaining a focus on health, safety, and technique mastery.