Bitcoin Forum

Thanks.

The rate at which solved blocks become orphaned.

still confused.

Let's say two miners are trying to mine for the next block. The first one finds a block, and broadcasts it. The second one, on the other side of the world, doesn't hear of it for a minute or two, and in the meantime, finds another block off the same parent. They broadcast, but it's too late; the network's already seen the first block, and soon enough it's got a good few blocks following it. The second miner found a block, but it didn't make it into the blockchain. That's whatcha call an "orphan".

And a particular miner's chances of getting into that situation? That's the "orphan rate".

Confused about the definition of the word "rate"?
Confused about what a "solved block" is?
Confused about what an orphaned block is?

Describe what part of that sentence has confused you, and I'll add additional explanation.

Thank you for the explanations. Is there anything that I, as a miner, can do in order to avoid this happening?

Are you solo mining, or are you mining in a pool?

If you are mining in a pool, then it is the responsibility of the pool operator to make sure that they minimize the orphan rate.

If you are solo mining, then you want to make sure that your client is well connected to as many other miners (and mining pools) as possible with the fastest possible internet connection.

This will allow you to get your blocks shared quickly before any miners (or pools) hear about any other blocks solved at approximately the same time.

Interesting!
Thank you for your help.