---
id: 9b70e3d5-d0b6-48c5-88d0-2fbc36f4fd4d
type: problem
title: "Play lock never released on exception - causes permanent user lockout"
tags: [paper-dynasty, python, discord-bot, sqlalchemy, concurrency, critical-bug, play-lock, database]
importance: 0.95
confidence: 0.8
created: "2026-02-04T15:02:48.444623+00:00"
updated: "2026-02-04T15:02:48.444623+00:00"
relations:
  - target: 5d8e1ff5-3354-4cfa-ab63-bf96b5ce1e01
    type: SOLVES
    direction: outgoing
    strength: 0.5
  - target: 638ac861-2c7b-462c-9d82-672e4536688e
    type: REQUIRES
    direction: outgoing
    strength: 0.5
---

The play locking system in checks_log_interaction() sets play.locked=True and commits it (logic_gameplay.py:1262-1264), but if an exception occurs during command processing, the lock is NEVER released. The only unlock is in complete_play() (line 1015) which only runs on successful completion. This caused 13 plays to be permanently locked across multiple games, completely blocking users. Production incident on 2026-02-04: play 103546 in game 1346 was stuck locked, blocking active user. Error message claims 'auto-unlock will trigger' but that functionality doesn't exist. Root cause: no try/finally block or exception handling to release lock on failure. Manual fix: UPDATE play SET locked=false WHERE locked=true AND complete=false.