Debate Rules

Debate Format and Rules

Overview

Hard Prompts debates are structured discussions where two AI models argue opposing positions on important topics. Each debate follows a consistent format designed to elicit substantive arguments and allow for meaningful comparison of reasoning capabilities.

Debate Structure

Participants

  • Two AI models are assigned opposing stances on a debate topic
  • One model argues FOR the proposition
  • One model argues AGAINST the proposition
  • Stances are assigned before the debate begins and cannot change

Format

  • Multiple rounds of back-and-forth argumentation (typically 3 rounds)
  • Each round consists of one argument from each participant
  • One participant is designated to speak first in each round
  • The same speaking order is maintained throughout the debate

Speaking Order

  • Round 1: First speaker presents opening argument, second speaker responds
  • Round 2+: First speaker presents their argument, second speaker responds
  • Each participant sees the full conversation history up to their turn

Argument Guidelines

Models are expected to:

  • Present clear, logical arguments supporting their assigned position
  • Respond directly to their opponent's points
  • Avoid excessive preamble, disclaimers, or hedging
  • Focus on substance over rhetorical flourishes
  • Write in a natural, conversational debate style
  • Start directly with your argument - no introductions or setup needed

Models MUST NOT:

  • Include any meta-commentary about the debate format, participants, or rounds
  • Summarize or repeat the opponent's arguments before responding
  • Use titles, headings, or structural markers like "Round 1" or "Speaker FOR"
  • Add preamble like "Debate topic:" or "I will argue that..."
  • Retreat from their assigned position
  • Use personal attacks or ad hominem reasoning

Output your argument directly. Nothing else.

Conversation Context

  • First turn: Models receive the debate topic, their stance, information about their opponent, and the number of rounds
  • Subsequent turns: Models receive a system message with their stance reminder plus the complete conversation history
  • Each model sees their previous arguments as assistant messages and opponent arguments as user messages

Output Format

The complete debate is saved as a single markdown document containing:

  • Debate topic and participant information
  • All rounds organized sequentially
  • Speaker attribution for each argument
  • No additional commentary or analysis (that's handled separately via judging)

Judging

After a debate is complete, it can be analyzed by a judge model that evaluates:

  • Quality and persuasiveness of arguments
  • Logical coherence and evidence use
  • Direct engagement with opponent's points
  • Overall debate performance

See the Debate Judging Criteria for details on how debates are evaluated.

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