I think if technically it is possible for the robot (TL monster) to start the game when one of the players arrives and issues the start command then there is no question of grace period elapse leading to forfeit. At the end of the grace period the clock starts so the player arriving late is automatically penalised by the clock draining. The obvious problem in this proposal is that when a midgame disconnect happens the clocks are frozen and it is generally assumed that resumption takes place within a minute or two. I dont know if there have been instances of power outage or some such which has caused a player to be not able to resume for several hours.

yes. not only power outages but also connection problems that have not been individual problems only. think of poorer countries who might cut down power completely over night without warning, think of countries where it might happen due to heat or cold or weather related influcences. think of countries who might for reasons of political crisis or control over the public opinion shut down the internet.

I have my own ups and downs with the grace period but I think the current solution and length is a good compromise. you don't have to have the clock of your opponent run down to have the problem solved it's just a 15 minute wait, then post in the game forum, that's it. the same for your opponent disconnecting or whatever. just wait 15 minutes then post in the game forum.

I think being graceful and patient is a good thing - maybe you learn that best in situations when you need it. as long as we haven't the same condition in all countries, this is needed and called for as is the grace to hear your opponent out after he/ she disconnected even after the 15 min period.

This thread belongs to the Proposals forum. Could an admin move it there?