Smallest counter example?

[intervade]

Ok, here is my problem...

what is the smallest number of seats in a large theater that must be occupied in order to be certain that at least two people have the same first and last initials?

And.. how about at least three people have the same first and last initials... ?

So, I really am completely lost on where to even start on this problem. I THINK its related to smallest counter example but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[daon]

The question is stated as the absolute minimum amount of people GUARENTEEING that two people in the room share the same initials. So its the MAXIMUM number of people who can have different initials, then add one. How many different configurations of firstl,last initials are there?