# Gavin Andresen
# 2010-12-14 16:37:40
# https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2227.msg30108#msg30108

If you're simulating, be sure you're not overlooking the 'opportunity cost' of working on the next-valid-block when you're 'holding back' blocks. @p{par}

Example: @p{par}

Cartel finds block N.  Instead of releasing it right away, Cartel holds it and starts working on block N+1 (trying to get a head start). @p{par}

Before Cartel finds block N+1, somebody else finds an alternate block N and announces it. @p{par}

IF Cartel loses the race to announce, then Cartel has wasted time looking for a block N+1 that will not be accepted. @p{par}

If they simply announce block N right away, they'll never waste time trying to find a block N+1 that has only a 50% chance  of being accepted. @p{par}

Unless the Cartel can propagate their blocks across the network faster than the whole rest of the network, there is never an advantage to holding back blocks. @p{brk}