Sandwich Attack Optimality

Definition ∞ Sandwich Attack Optimality describes the most effective execution strategy for a specific type of predatory trading activity in decentralized finance. It refers to the conditions and methods that maximize profit for an attacker performing a “sandwich attack.” This attack involves placing trades before and after a target transaction to manipulate its price. It represents a highly optimized form of value extraction.
Context ∞ Sandwich attack optimality is a critical topic within discussions of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) in decentralized finance, often appearing in technical crypto news. Reports analyze how block producers and sophisticated traders can optimize these attacks, impacting user transaction costs and market fairness. The ongoing research seeks to develop protocols and mechanisms that limit or mitigate the profitability of such exploitative strategies.