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name: using-superpowers description: Use at conversation start - establishes how to find and use skills, requiring skill loading before ANY response

Using Skills

The Rule

Load and apply relevant skills BEFORE any response or action. Even a 1% chance a skill might apply means you should check. If a skill turns out to be wrong for the situation, you don't need to use it.

How to Access Skills

Skills are located in global_workflows/skills/. Each skill folder contains a SKILL.md file with:

• YAML frontmatter: name and description
• Detailed instructions for when and how to apply the skill

To use a skill:

1. Read the SKILL.md file
2. Announce: "Applying [skill-name] skill for [purpose]."
3. Follow the skill instructions exactly

Mode-Based Auto-Loading

Skills are automatically applicable based on the current Engineering Agent mode:

Common Rationalizations (Don't Fall For These)

Skill Types

Rigid (TDD, debugging): Follow exactly. Don't adapt away discipline.

Flexible (brainstorming, writing-plans): Adapt principles to context.

The skill itself tells you which type it is.