| name | ralph-router |
| version | 1 |
| description | Entry point for the Ralph anti-loop system. The agent assesses the incoming task and loads the correct anti-loop skill level automatically. Invoke at the START of every task, before any other action.
|
Ralph Router — Automatic level selection
Before you act, pick the right level. Never start a task without loading the correct skill.
Decision tree
I receive a task.
│
├─ How many steps do I expect?
│ │
│ ├─ 1–3 steps / single operation / lookup / quick edit
│ │ └─ → Load ralph-small
│ │ Path: /home/ubuntu/.openclaw/skills/ralph-small/SKILL.md
│ │
│ ├─ 4–10 steps / sequential workflow / moderate dependencies
│ │ └─ → Load ralph-medium
│ │ Path: /home/ubuntu/.openclaw/skills/ralph-medium/SKILL.md
│ │
│ └─ 10+ steps / debugging / refactor / architecture / high complexity
│ └─ → Load ralph-huge
│ Path: /home/ubuntu/.openclaw/skills/ralph-huge/SKILL.md
│
├─ Unsure about complexity?
│ └─ → Err on the side of more discipline. Prefer ralph-medium on a simple task
│ over ralph-small on a task that turns out complex.
│
└─ Already using ralph-small or ralph-medium and exhausted attempts?
└─ → Escalate to the next level immediately.
Do not wait. Do not retry the same tier. Escalate.
Automatic escalation rule
ralph-small → 2 failed attempts → ralph-medium
ralph-medium → 3 failed attempts → ralph-huge
ralph-huge → 4 failed attempts → Circuit breaker + wait for user
There is no escalation beyond ralph-huge. After four failed unique attempts, stop, emit the diagnostic, and wait for human input.
After success (self-improvement)
When the task was run under ralph-small, ralph-medium, or ralph-huge and you have verified success (evidence in the same turn):
- Follow the Closure: self-improvement section at the end of whichever Ralph level you used — it links to
self-improvement and .learnings/ without blocking the user reply.
- Skill path (OpenClaw):
/home/ubuntu/.openclaw/skills/self-improvement/SKILL.md
This is optional but high-value for recurring patterns, non-obvious fixes, and tool/gateway gotchas.
Note for the agent
Never tell the user “I’m using ralph-[level]” — that is internal operations detail.
Select, load, act. The user wants outcomes, not narration of your selection process.
