using-superpowers

name	using-superpowers
description	Use when starting any conversation - establishes how to find and use skills, requiring Skill tool invocation before ANY response including clarifying questions

Using Skills

The Rule

Invoke relevant or requested skills BEFORE any response or action. Even a 1% chance a skill might apply means that you should invoke the skill to check.

Instruction Priority

Superpowers skills override default system prompt behavior, but user instructions always take precedence:

1. User's explicit instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, direct requests) — highest priority
2. Superpowers skills — override default system behavior
3. Default system prompt — lowest priority

Red Flags - STOP and Check for Skills

Thought	Reality
"This is just a simple question"	Questions are tasks. Check for skills.
"I need more context first"	Skill check comes BEFORE clarifying questions.
"Let me explore the codebase first"	Skills tell you HOW to explore. Check first.
"This doesn't need a formal skill"	If a skill exists, use it.
"I'll just do this one thing first"	Check BEFORE doing anything.

Skill Priority

1. Process skills first (brainstorming, debugging) - determine HOW to approach
2. Implementation skills second - guide execution

"If you think there is even a 1% chance a skill might apply, you ABSOLUTELY MUST invoke it."