Let n ≥ 3 be an integer. We show that it is consistent that every σ1n-set of reals is universally Baire yet there is a projective well-ordering of the reals. The proof uses “David’s trick” in the presence of inner models with strong cardinals.

If there is no inner model with ω many strong cardinals, then there is a set forcing extension of the universe with a projective well-ordering of the reals.

We construct, assuming that there is no inner model with a Woodin cardinal but without any large cardinal assumption, a model Kc which is iterable for set length iterations, which is universal with respect to all weasels with which it can be compared, and is universal with respect to set sized premice.

Let N be a transitive model of ZFC such that ωN ⊂ N and P(R) ⊂ N. Assume that both V and N satisfy "the core model K exists." Then KN is an iterate of K. i.e., there exists an iteration tree J on K such that J has successor length and $\mathit{M}_{\infty}^{\mathit{J}}=K^{N}$. Moreover, if there exists an elementary embedding π: V → N then the iteration map associated to the main branch of J equals π ↾ K. (This answers (...) a question of W. H. Woodin, M. Gitik, and others.) The hypothesis that P(R) ⊂ N is not needed if there does not exist a transitive model of ZFC with infinitely many Woodin cardinals. (shrink)

Let n ≥ 3 be an integer. We show that it is consistent (relative to the consistency of n - 2 strong cardinals) that every $\Sigma_n^1-set$ of reals is universally Baire yet there is a (lightface) projective well-ordering of the reals. The proof uses "David's trick" in the presence of inner models with strong cardinals.

Assume that there is no transitive class model of [Formula: see text] with a Woodin cardinal. Let [Formula: see text] be a singular ordinal such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Suppose [Formula: see text] is a regular cardinal in K. Then [Formula: see text] is a measurable cardinal in K. Moreover, if [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text].

We give limits defined in terms of abstract pointclasses of the amount of determinacy available in certain canonical inner models involving strong cardinals. We show for example: Theorem A. $\mathrm{D}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\text{\hspace{0.17em}}({\mathrm{\Pi }}_{1}^{1}-\mathrm{I}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{D})$ ⇒ there exists an inner model with a strong cardinal. Theorem B. Det(AQI) ⇒ there exist type-1 mice and hence inner models with proper classes of strong cardinals. where ${\mathrm{\Pi }}_{1}^{1}-\mathrm{I}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{D}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}$ (AQI) is the pointclass of boldface ${\mathrm{\Pi }}_{1}^{1}$ -inductive (respectively arithmetically quasi-inductive) sets of reals.

We show in ZFC that if there is no proper class inner model with a Woodin cardinal, then there is an absolutely definablecore modelthat is close toVin various ways.

We study type 1 premice equipped with supercomplete extenders. In this paper, we show that such premice are normally iterable and all normal iteration trees of type 1 premice has a unique cofinal branch. We give a construction of an KC type model using supercomplete type 1 extenders.