Tight Fork Choice

Definition ∞ Tight fork choice refers to a property of a blockchain consensus mechanism where the network quickly and unambiguously selects a single valid chain from multiple competing forks. This rapid convergence minimizes the period of uncertainty when multiple block proposals exist. It is essential for maintaining consistent state and transaction finality.
Context ∞ News reports often discuss tight fork choice in the context of blockchain finality and security, particularly for proof-of-stake protocols. A robust fork choice rule is critical for preventing double-spending attacks and ensuring network stability. Developments in consensus algorithms aim to strengthen this mechanism, reducing the likelihood of prolonged chain splits.