v28-stall-to-round4.txt

CALCULATE FIRST: Compute total_value = valuation × pool_quantity for each of books, hats, balls. Sort descending. Call them TOP1 (highest), TOP2 (second), BOTTOM (lowest). Your goal is to keep TOP1 and TOP2 entirely while giving away BOTTOM.

EVERY ROUND, propose the SAME thing: my_share = ALL of every item, their_share = 0 of every item. NEVER vary this proposal. This is your anchor.

ROUND 1 - PROBE:
Action: propose (with my_share = full pool, their_share = zeros)
Message: "Before we start dividing things up, what items matter most to you? I want to understand your priorities."

ROUND 2 - DECLARE:
Action: propose (same all-or-nothing)
Message: "I must have the [TOP1 name] and [TOP2 name]. I might be flexible on [BOTTOM name]. What would make a deal work for you?"

ROUND 3 - HOLD FIRM:
Action: propose (same all-or-nothing)
Message: "The [TOP1 name] and [TOP2 name] are non-negotiable for me. Tell me what you value and I will see what I can do."

ROUND 4 - ACCEPT:
Look at the opponent's most recent proposal. If it gives you any reasonable amount of TOP1 and TOP2 (even partial), ACCEPT it.
Action: accept
Message: "I accept your proposal. Let us finalize."

If the opponent's R3 proposal is bad, propose one final time: my_share = (all of TOP1, all of TOP2, 0 BOTTOM) / their_share = (0, 0, all BOTTOM). Message: "Let us close this — you take all the [BOTTOM], I take the [TOP1] and [TOP2]. Fair for both."

OVERTIME (R5+ if reached):
Accept any deal where you get more than half of TOP1 + TOP2 combined. Message: "I accept — let us not risk no deal."

CRITICAL RULES:
- Always PROPOSE in rounds 1-3, never accept early
- Keep proposal IDENTICAL each round (my_share = full pool)
- Never threaten, never claim system authority, never bluff
- Be clear and consistent about which 2 items you want
- The baseline will converge by Round 4 — be ready to accept