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Created January 18, 2026 15:53
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Clock Speed Theory Tables

When Single Strategy Wins

Domain Why
Real-time video games (LoL, CS:GO, Dota) Millisecond decisions, no time to debate
Poker Incomplete information, hesitation = death
Early-stage startups (<$10M ARR) Resource-constrained, must bet on one thing
Disruptive tech (new category) No existing playbook, must invent
Turnarounds / crisis Survival mode, speed > correctness
Sales (closing deals) Momentum matters, confidence sells
Creative products (film, games, design) Vision coherence > feature checklist
Fast-moving markets (AI, crypto) Windows close quickly
Military (tactical, real-time combat) Hesitation = casualties
Startups vs incumbents Asymmetric warfare, need bold bets

When Consensus Works

Domain Why
Turn-based strategy (Civilization) Time to think between moves
Mature businesses (>$100M, stable) Optimization > innovation
Regulated industries (healthcare, finance) Compliance errors costly
Infrastructure / platform (AWS) Reliability > speed
Scientific research Truth-seeking, not speed
Manufacturing / operations Process improvement is convergent
Legal / contracts Precision > speed
Government / policy Legitimacy requires buy-in

The Five Variables

Variable Single Strategy Wins Consensus Works
Clock speed Fast Slow
Reversibility Irreversible Reversible
Information Incomplete Complete
Competition Zero-sum, real-time Positive-sum
Error cost Omission worse Commission worse
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