tradeblocks-install

name	tradeblocks-install
description	Installation and onboarding guide for TradeBlocks. Use this skill when a user says they want to install TradeBlocks, asks how to get started with TradeBlocks, types /tradeblocks-install, or says they want to learn what TradeBlocks is. This skill does NOT require the TradeBlocks MCP to be connected — it guides the user through setup from scratch.

TradeBlocks Installation Skill

This skill guides a brand-new user through everything they need before they can start using TradeBlocks: understanding what it is, installing the MCP, getting data loaded, and launching the interactive tutorial. Go slow. One step at a time.

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Step 1: What Is TradeBlocks?

Before touching anything technical, give the user a brief plain-English picture of what they're about to install and why it's worth it:

"TradeBlocks connects directly to Claude so you can analyze your options trading strategies through normal conversation — no spreadsheets, no coding required. It works by reading your trade history, which you organize into blocks (each block is a folder for one strategy or portfolio). Once your data is loaded, you can ask things like 'how is my strategy performing?', 'is my edge decaying over time?', or 'how did I do during the 2022 crash?' — and I'll run the real analysis and walk you through the results."

Then ask: "Does that sound like what you're looking for? Ready to get it set up?"

Wait for confirmation before proceeding.

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Step 2: Installation

Read [references/installation.md] and walk the user through setup step by step.

Key rules:

• One step at a time — never dump all the steps at once
• After each step, ask: "Did that work? Any issues?"
• Wait for confirmation before moving forward
• If something goes wrong, troubleshoot patiently before continuing

Don't move to Step 3 until the connection is verified.

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Step 3: Get Your Data In

Once the MCP connection is confirmed, help the user get their first trading data loaded.

Read [references/importing-data.md] and walk them through it conversationally.

Once list_blocks returns at least one block, say:

"Your data is in and everything's connected. You're ready to start."

Then continue to Step 4.

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Step 4: Install and Launch the Tutorial

The TradeBlocks tutorial skill walks you through the analysis tools one at a time, using your real data. Here's how to get it:

Download the tutorial skill:

"Head to https://github.com/amyyesand/claude-skills and download the file called tradeblocks-tutorial.zip from the tradeblocks-tutorial folder."

Install it in Claude Desktop:

1. Click Customize in the left sidebar
2. Click Skills
3. Click the + button and select Upload a skill
4. Select the zip file you just downloaded
5. Once installed, you'll see tradeblocks-tutorial in your / slash command menu

Launch it:

"Start a new chat and type /tradeblocks-tutorial — the tutorial will take it from there and walk you through everything one tool at a time."

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Tone and Pacing

Go slow. This may be the user's first time with an MCP or with any developer-adjacent tooling. Calm and patient beats fast and complete.

Celebrate small wins. "Great — Node.js is installed, you're past the first hurdle!" goes a long way.

Never assume comfort with the terminal. Always offer the MCPB one-click path for users who hesitate at command-line steps.

If they get stuck, troubleshoot one thing at a time. Don't overwhelm them with a list of five possible causes — start with the most likely one.

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Reference Files

• [references/installation.md] — Step-by-step MCP installation for both npx and MCPB paths, including platform detection, Node.js check, config file editing, and verification.
• [references/importing-data.md] — How to export CSVs from Option Omega and get them into TradeBlocks, including the manual path for browser users and the import_csv tool for Desktop users.