Urinal etiquette explained
On the Misclassification of Terminal Positions as Inherently Protective
QUESTION 12/20
A boundary is useful only in relation to the people and objects surrounding it. This arrangement tests whether the appeal of an end position survives inspection of its occupied side.
The situation
The Office · Entrance: Middle right.
| Position | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ordinary visitor |
| 2 | Available |
| 3 | Available |
| 4 | Available |
| 5 | Large visitor |
| 6 | Available |
Recommended position: 3
The counterfeit refuge
Position six is terminal, but immediately adjoins the substantial visitor at five. Its apparent security derives from a wall whose protective contribution is confined to the side on which no person is standing. Position two similarly adjoins the ordinary visitor at one; position four adjoins the substantial visitor.
Bilateral reserve
Position three leaves one unused fixture between the player and each occupant. The interior position is therefore preferable on clearance before terminal preference is relevant. The middle entrance supplies no reason to exchange that reserve for direct adjacency at six.
Conclusion
Position three is the recommended allocation. A boundary should not receive academic credit for protecting the one flank that was not presenting the problem.
In plain language
The wall at six will not help: the big bloke is still right beside you. Pick three and keep a gap on both sides.