# Using Superpowers

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

- Skill: `hjewkes/using-superpowers` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add hjewkes/using-superpowers`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/hjewkes/using-superpowers/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: hjewkes (https://skillmd.com/u/hjewkes)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/hjewkes/using-superpowers

---


<EXTREMELY-IMPORTANT>
If you think there is even a 1% chance a skill might apply to what you are doing, you ABSOLUTELY MUST invoke the skill.

IF A SKILL APPLIES TO YOUR TASK, YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE. YOU MUST USE IT.

This is not negotiable. This is not optional. You cannot rationalize your way out of this.
</EXTREMELY-IMPORTANT>

## How to Access Skills

**In Claude Code:** Use the `Skill` tool. When you invoke a skill, its content is loaded and presented to you — follow it directly. Never use the Read tool on skill files.

**In other environments:** Check your platform's documentation for how skills are loaded.

# Using Skills

## The Rule

**Invoke relevant or requested skills BEFORE any response or action.** Even a 1% chance a skill might apply means invoke it. If an invoked skill turns out to be wrong, you don't need to use it.

```dot
digraph skill_flow {
    "User message received" [shape=doublecircle];
    "About to EnterPlanMode?" [shape=doublecircle];
    "Already brainstormed?" [shape=diamond];
    "Invoke brainstorming skill" [shape=box];
    "Might any skill apply?" [shape=diamond];
    "Invoke Skill tool" [shape=box];
    "Announce skill usage" [shape=box];
    "Has checklist?" [shape=diamond];
    "Create TodoWrite per item" [shape=box];
    "Follow skill exactly" [shape=box];
    "Respond" [shape=doublecircle];

    "About to EnterPlanMode?" -> "Already brainstormed?";
    "Already brainstormed?" -> "Invoke brainstorming skill" [label="no"];
    "Already brainstormed?" -> "Might any skill apply?" [label="yes"];
    "Invoke brainstorming skill" -> "Might any skill apply?";

    "User message received" -> "Might any skill apply?";
    "Might any skill apply?" -> "Invoke Skill tool" [label="yes, even 1%"];
    "Might any skill apply?" -> "Respond" [label="definitely not"];
    "Invoke Skill tool" -> "Announce skill usage";
    "Announce skill usage" -> "Has checklist?";
    "Has checklist?" -> "Create TodoWrite per item" [label="yes"];
    "Has checklist?" -> "Follow skill exactly" [label="no"];
    "Create TodoWrite per item" -> "Follow skill exactly";
}
```

For red flags table, skill priority rules, and skill type guidance, see [references/red-flags-and-priority.md](references/red-flags-and-priority.md).