1-3-1
Frame a problem or decision as 1-3-1: one problem, three distinct solutions, one recommendation. Use when the user brings a non-trivial decision or fork and wants options weighed before a pick ("what should I do about X", "help me decide", "weigh the tradeoffs"), or names "1-3-1" or "do a 131". Skip questions with one right answer, just answer those.
- Installs
- 662
- Last 24h
- +22
- Trending rank
- #5535
- Security
- Not audited
Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/timschoch/skilly --skill 1-3-1- 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 1-3-1 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.
One problem, three solutions, one recommendation. The discipline is producing the three solutions before committing to the one recommendation, so the recommendation is a choice among real alternatives, not the first idea dressed up.
1: the problem
State the real problem in one sentence. Root cause, not symptom; one problem, not a bundle. If it needs an "and", split it and take the one that matters most.
Done when: a single sentence the user would agree is the right problem to solve.
3: the solutions
Give three genuinely distinct solutions, real alternatives a reasonable person could each pick, spanning the space (differing on effort, cost, risk, or reversibility). Name each option's key tradeoff in the same breath. No straw options padded to hit three; if only two real paths exist, say so rather than invent a third.
Done when: three options that don't collapse into flavors of one, each with its tradeoff stated.
1: the recommendation
Pick exactly one and commit. Say why it wins against the problem stated in step 1, and name the one thing that would change your mind. A recommendation is a stance, not a hedge: "I'd do B" beats "any could work".
Done when: one option chosen, rationale tied to the problem, and the flip condition stated.
Reference
Output shape. Keep it this tight:
Problem: … Options: 1) … (tradeoff), 2) … (tradeoff), 3) … (tradeoff) Recommendation: …, because … . Reconsider if … .
Order is the discipline. Produce all three options, then choose. Jumping to the recommendation and back-filling options anchors on the first idea, the exact failure this framework exists to prevent.
Scope. Real forks only: trade-offs, competing paths, "what should I do". A question with one right answer gets that answer, not a manufactured 1-3-1.
Prototype escape. On a very complex or visual fork — UI options, interface shapes, anything easier to judge by looking than by reading — offer /prototype alongside the recommendation: a cheap concrete artifact beats a described one.
FAQ
What does the 1-3-1 skill do?
Frame a problem or decision as 1-3-1: one problem, three distinct solutions, one recommendation. Use when the user brings a non-trivial decision or fork and wants options weighed before a pick ("what should I do about X", "help me decide", "weigh the tradeoffs"), or names "1-3-1" or "do a 131". Skip questions with one right answer, just answer those.
How do I install 1-3-1?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/timschoch/skilly --skill 1-3-1 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/1-3-1/ (personal) or .claude/skills/1-3-1/ (project).
Which AI agents can use 1-3-1?
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 1-3-1 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 1-3-1?
It is published by timschoch in timschoch/skilly. It has 662 recorded installs.
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