diff --git a/llm_team_ui.py b/llm_team_ui.py
index db4ff0d..34f4b75 100644
--- a/llm_team_ui.py
+++ b/llm_team_ui.py
@@ -6339,8 +6339,9 @@ def _ratchet_loop(exp_id):
         # Pick meta-model (largest in pool)
         meta_model = models_pool[-1] if models_pool else "qwen2.5:latest"
         judge_model = models_pool[0] if models_pool else "llama3.2:latest"
+        max_trials = 50  # safety cap — prevents runaway experiments
 
-        while True:
+        while trial_num < max_trials:
             # Check if still running
             with get_db() as conn:
                 with conn.cursor() as cur: