> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.enagrams.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# negotiate_open

> Open a bounded-turn negotiation over contested symbols

## Overview

When you want to edit symbols currently reserved by another agent, open a negotiation rather than blocking. Negotiations run a state machine with bounded turns and a deadline — if the counterparty doesn't respond by the deadline, the negotiation auto-resolves in your favor. Hitting `max_turns` without a terminal action escalates to a human.

## Parameters

| Parameter              | Type      | Required | Description                              |
| ---------------------- | --------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| `initiator_session`    | string    | Yes      | Your `agent_sessions.id`                 |
| `counterparty_session` | string    | Yes      | The session currently holding the symbol |
| `file`                 | string    | Yes      | File path in question                    |
| `workstream_id`        | string    | No       | Workstream id (if applicable)            |
| `symbol_ids`           | string\[] | No       | Specific `symbol_graph_nodes.id` values  |
| `symbol_names`         | string\[] | No       | Symbol names (when ids aren't known)     |
| `rationale`            | string    | No       | Why you need the symbols                 |
| `max_turns`            | number    | No       | Turn cap before escalation               |
| `deadline_ms`          | number    | No       | Response deadline (default 5 minutes)    |

## Example

```json theme={null}
{
  "tool": "negotiate_open",
  "arguments": {
    "initiator_session": "sess_me",
    "counterparty_session": "sess_them",
    "file": "src/billing/stripe.ts",
    "symbol_names": ["createSubscription"],
    "rationale": "Need to add proration branch before your refactor ships."
  }
}
```

The counterparty responds via [`negotiate_respond`](/mcp/negotiate-respond).