when stuck - problem-solving dispatch
Dispatch to the right problem-solving technique based on how you're stuck
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/obra/superpowers-skills --skill when-stuck---problem-solving-dispatch- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads when stuck - problem-solving dispatch automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch
Overview
Different stuck-types need different techniques. This skill helps you quickly identify which problem-solving skill to use.
Core principle: Match stuck-symptom to technique.
Quick Dispatch
digraph stuck_dispatch {
rankdir=TB;
node [shape=box, style=rounded];
stuck [label="You're Stuck", shape=ellipse, style=filled, fillcolor=lightblue];
complexity [label="Same thing implemented 5+ ways?\nGrowing special cases?\nExcessive if/else?"];
innovation [label="Can't find fitting approach?\nConventional solutions inadequate?\nNeed breakthrough?"];
patterns [label="Same issue in different places?\nFeels familiar across domains?\nReinventing wheels?"];
assumptions [label="Solution feels forced?\n'This must be done this way'?\nStuck on assumptions?"];
scale [label="Will this work at production?\nEdge cases unclear?\nUnsure of limits?"];
bugs [label="Code behaving wrong?\nTest failing?\nUnexpected output?"];
stuck -> complexity;
stuck -> innovation;
stuck -> patterns;
stuck -> assumptions;
stuck -> scale;
stuck -> bugs;
complexity -> simp [label="yes"];
innovation -> collision [label="yes"];
patterns -> meta [label="yes"];
assumptions -> invert [label="yes"];
scale -> scale_skill [label="yes"];
bugs -> debug [label="yes"];
simp [label="skills/problem-solving/\nsimplification-cascades", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
collision [label="skills/problem-solving/\ncollision-zone-thinking", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
meta [label="skills/problem-solving/\nmeta-pattern-recognition", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
invert [label="skills/problem-solving/\ninversion-exercise", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
scale_skill [label="skills/problem-solving/\nscale-game", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
debug [label="skills/debugging/\nsystematic-debugging", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightyellow];
}
Stuck-Type → Technique
| How You're Stuck | Use This Skill |
|---|---|
| Complexity spiraling - Same thing 5+ ways, growing special cases | skills/problem-solving/simplification-cascades |
| Need innovation - Conventional solutions inadequate, can't find fitting approach | skills/problem-solving/collision-zone-thinking |
| Recurring patterns - Same issue different places, reinventing wheels | skills/problem-solving/meta-pattern-recognition |
| Forced by assumptions - "Must be done this way", can't question premise | skills/problem-solving/inversion-exercise |
| Scale uncertainty - Will it work in production? Edge cases unclear? | skills/problem-solving/scale-game |
| Code broken - Wrong behavior, test failing, unexpected output | skills/debugging/systematic-debugging |
| Multiple independent problems - Can parallelize investigation | skills/collaboration/dispatching-parallel-agents |
| Root cause unknown - Symptom clear, cause hidden | skills/debugging/root-cause-tracing |
Process
- Identify stuck-type - What symptom matches above?
- Load that skill - Read the specific technique
- Apply technique - Follow its process
- If still stuck - Try different technique or combine
Combining Techniques
Some problems need multiple techniques:
- Simplification + Meta-pattern: Find pattern, then simplify all instances
- Collision + Inversion: Force metaphor, then invert its assumptions
- Scale + Simplification: Extremes reveal what to eliminate
Remember
- Match symptom to technique
- One technique at a time
- Combine if first doesn't work
- Document what you tried
FAQ
What does the when stuck - problem-solving dispatch skill do?
Dispatch to the right problem-solving technique based on how you're stuck
How do I install when stuck - problem-solving dispatch?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/obra/superpowers-skills --skill when-stuck---problem-solving-dispatch in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/when-stuck---problem-solving-dispatch/ (personal) or .claude/skills/when-stuck---problem-solving-dispatch/ (project).
Which AI agents can use when stuck - problem-solving dispatch?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is when stuck - problem-solving dispatch safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains when stuck - problem-solving dispatch?
It is published by obra in obra/superpowers-skills. It has 523 recorded installs.
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