Sometimes flagging etiquette sucks

I've run into a few situations where someone else flagging generally ruined the game for me... perhaps you'll agree, perhaps you won't, but I want to put some thoughts out there for fodder.

As to flagging etiquette, I mostly like it. Because it seems to give a sence of respect to the game and players are more likely to receive respectful conduct from their opponents.

However I've had many games lately where the person flagging did so at a time that foils my plans for victory, or at least a solid slot at second.

The crux of this flagging problems comes from the generally pereved notion that flagging means that those who are first and/or those higher than the flagger shouldn't attack the flagger... and if they do they are somehow ashalts... sometimes it's taken too far.

I've noticed a pattern of flagging that generally annoys the hell out of me...

Situation 1:
There are three players left on the board. You are first, but not so strong that a couple of bad rounds wouldn't sway your position. You develope a stratigy... and part of it includes taking down another player and becoming stronger by holding his territories. Then said player flags.

Now you are in a positon that if you attack the flagger, you are made out to be a jerk... but if you don't your chances of holding first, or even second are weak at best.

Situation 2:
There are three or four players on the board. You are second, third or fourth, but have a pretty good chance of becoming first or second in a couple of rounds.

Then one of the players flags... now all attacks are you. By your next turn you are solidly in last place, and are likely to be taken out in the next round.

So one freaking flagger and this flagging etiquette has forced you to take a big point hit... lame.


So on one side of the coin I like that fact that there is an etiquette of conduct that allows games to remain respectful... but sometimes this etiquette is abused and generally ruins the game for you...

So the question I pose is, when is it proper to break this flagging etiquette?