chain-of-thought

name	chain-of-thought
description	Step-by-step reasoning framework for complex problems. Use when use when solving complex, multi-step problems requiring explicit reasoning Triggers on keywords: reasoning, logic, step-by-step, analysis.
allowed-tools	Read, Write, Bash, Edit, Grep, Glob
user-invocable	true
mcp-servers	["memory","sequential-thinking","sqlite"]

Chain of Thought Reasoning

context

Step-by-step reasoning framework for complex problems. Forces explicit intermediate steps, shows reasoning chains, and validates logical connections before reaching conclusions. This skill provides a structured reasoning framework that ensures thorough analysis, reduces cognitive biases, and produces well-supported conclusions.

instructions

Step 1: Frame the Problem

1. Identify the core question or decision to be made
2. List known facts, assumptions, and constraints
3. Define what a successful outcome looks like
4. Determine the appropriate reasoning depth

Step 2: Apply Reasoning Framework

1. Decompose — Break the problem into constituent parts
2. Analyze — Examine each part with the appropriate lens
3. Synthesize — Combine analyses into coherent conclusions
4. Validate — Test conclusions against constraints and evidence

Step 3: Document Reasoning

## Reasoning Analysis

### Problem Statement
Clear statement of the question being analyzed

### Key Assumptions
1. Assumption with confidence level
2. Assumption with confidence level

### Reasoning Chain
1. Step 1: evidence leads to intermediate conclusion
2. Step 2: evidence leads to intermediate conclusion
3. Step 3: synthesis leads to final conclusion

### Conclusion
Supported conclusion with confidence level

### Counter-Arguments
- Potential objection with rebuttal
- Potential objection with rebuttal

### Open Questions
- Unresolved question
- Unresolved question

Step 4: Quality Check

• All assumptions are explicitly stated
• Evidence supports each reasoning step
• Counter-arguments are addressed
• Confidence levels are assigned
• Open questions are documented

constraints

• NEVER present assumptions as facts — always label and assess confidence.
• NEVER skip counter-arguments — every conclusion should be challenged.
• NEVER use circular reasoning — each step must add new information.
• ALWAYS show the reasoning chain, not just the conclusion.
• ALWAYS acknowledge uncertainty and limitations.

examples

Example: Reasoning Analysis

Input: "Use when solving complex, multi-step problems requiring explicit reasoning"

Output:

## Reasoning Analysis

### Problem Statement
Framed question with context

### Key Assumptions
1. Primary assumption — High confidence
2. Secondary assumption — Medium confidence

### Reasoning Chain
1. Observation: factual starting point
2. Inference: logical deduction
3. Synthesis: combined insight
4. Conclusion: supported answer

### Confidence Assessment
Overall confidence based on evidence quality and assumption validity