>"Use extended contests, they handle escalation really well, simple contests don't. If you're a point away from defeat in an EXTENDED contest you can always change ability and tactics to get what you want - at the risk of upping the ante somewhat."
That's an excellent point, and one I never considered. Yeah, simple contests (it should be obvious), allow for only one shot at establishing intent and stakes, etc. But the extended contest rules have explicit features that allow you to modify your intent, mid contest.
That actually gives you a good criteria for whether or not to use an extended contest, if you turn it around. Ask: might the players decide mid-contest to change their minds about what they're after? Or do we only care to go directly to resolution? If the former, use an extended contest. If the latter, stick with simple.
I like that a lot.
Mike
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