Calvinball; Isn't it funny how this piece of comic-book comical genius is in fact a perfect synopsis on the work of the real namesake of the secondary eponymous character?
Hobbes' Leviathan concerns the necessity of the social contract to ward against anarchy, the war of all against all. The basic logic is simple enough and can be found explained in modern terms in many places, including game theory. The highest expression of the social contract probably occured in Victorian Britain, an order for and on society that pre-disposes ordinary people to obey the rule of law and the spirit of justice. Even if one is lawful, in today's litigous society there's few enough who believe in justice. But why should they? The idea that the justice system can be played like a harp from hell is well out of the bag, and as for justice in world politics!
It is the lesson of Leviathan that the cassus belli omnium contra omnes is the idea that your neighbour thinks he can attack you without fear of repercussion from some higher power. You therefore have to assume that he will, in which case the only reasonable course of action is pre-emptive strike. But being like you, your neighbour has been thinking the same thing, and will arrive at the same conclusion. Neither of you even have to want to attack the other, just be unrestrained in that option...and then you have M.A.D.
Calvinball. All you know is that your opponent can make any rule, forfeit or contingency for you that she can imagine...and you can do the same to her. All you can expect is pain, strain and embarrasment. What is the point of playing? Its fun!
