Tally mode: counting over a period

Some arguments are not about whether something happens, but how often. Tally is the mode for those: it counts, and it settles itself the moment the outcome is mathematically certain.

What you set

• What gets counted. One event, described so both of you would recognise it when it happens.
• How many. At least, at most, exactly, or fewer than a number you set.
• Until when. The period the count runs for.

Reporting an occurrence

Every time the event happens, one side reports it. The other side confirms or rejects that report — a count only moves when both agree, which is what keeps a tally honest without anyone refereeing it.

It can end early

As soon as the result cannot change any more, the challenge ends immediately, even if the deadline is weeks away. "At least five times" is settled the moment the fifth confirmed occurrence lands; "at most twice" is settled the moment the third one does.

Good tally claims

• "You will be more than ten minutes late at least three times this month."
• "The team concedes fewer than four goals in the next five games."
• "The dog gets exactly two extra walks this week."

Anything you cannot recognise unambiguously is a poor tally claim: if you would argue about whether an occurrence counted, you will argue about the result too.