We study two dimension estimates regarding linear series on algebraic curves. First, we generalize the classical Brill-Noether theorem to many cases where the Brill-Noether number is negative. Second, we extend results of Eisenbud, Harris, and Komeda on the existence of Weierstrass points with certain semigroups, by refining their dimension estimate in light of combinatorial considerations. Both results are proved by constructing chains of elliptic curves, joined at pairs of points differed by carefully chosen orders of torsion, and smoothing these chains. These arguments lead to several combinatorial problems of separate interest.
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