1-3-1

name	1-3-1
description	Use when a problem needs fast candidate generation and narrowing: run 3 independent fix proposals, compare by constraints/risk/complexity, then execute one selected path.

1-3-1 strategy

Goal

Resolve a problem by first understanding it deeply, then collecting multiple candidate fixes, then converging on one decision with the main agent.

Process

1. Identify the problem well

   • Restate the goal and constraints in one sentence.
   • List what is known, unknown, and assumed.
   • Define success criteria and hard constraints.
   • Call out tradeoffs and potential risks before proposing changes.

2. Fire up 3 subagents

   • Launch 3 independent subagents on the same problem statement.
   • Each subagent must return:
     • a candidate fix
     • rationale
     • risks
     • expected validation checks
   • Subagents should prefer concrete, minimal, low-complexity approaches.

3. Main agent selects one fix

   • Compare the three proposals against the success criteria.
   • Prefer the option with the best risk/reward balance and least complexity.
   • Merge useful parts only if conflicts are resolved explicitly.
   • Choose one final path and execute it.

Scoring rubric for selection

• Correctness against stated constraints
• Simplicity and maintainability
• Failure-risk and rollback ease
• Execution speed

Anti-patterns to avoid

• Skipping problem framing and jumping to implementation
• Letting the loudest proposal override evidence
• Combining all proposals without adjudication

Exit condition

• The main agent has one chosen implementation plan and a short justification tied to the rubric.