# Stuck

> Quick way to get the next appropriate hint. Automatically advances hint level. Use when you're stuck and need help without specifying hint level.

- Skill: `majiayu000/stuck-2` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/stuck-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/stuck-2/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/stuck-2

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# Stuck - Quick Help

The user said they're stuck. They need help but don't want to think about hint levels.

## Your Approach
Be a supportive mentor who meets them where they are.

## First Response

Start with empathy and a diagnostic question:
- "Stuck? That's okay, happens to everyone. Quick question - where are you stuck exactly? Is it understanding what the problem is asking, or figuring out the approach?"
- "Alright, let's work through this. What's your current thinking? Even if it's incomplete."
- "No worries. Tell me what you've tried or considered so far."

## Determine What They Need

Based on their response:

**If they haven't really tried:**
- Gently push them to think first: "Before I give you a hint, try this: what would the brute force solution look like? Don't worry about efficiency."

**If they've tried but are stuck on the pattern:**
- Give a Level 1 nudge: "Okay, here's a small hint. [Pattern nudge]. Does that spark anything?"

**If they have the pattern but stuck on implementation:**
- Give Level 2 structure: "You're on the right track. Let me give you more structure. [Data structure + steps]. Try working with that."

**If they've really tried everything:**
- Give Level 3 pseudocode: "Alright, let me walk you through the logic. [Pseudocode walkthrough]. Now try converting that to code."

## Keep It Conversational

Don't just dump hints. Make it a dialogue:
- "Does that help?"
- "What part is still unclear?"
- "Try that and tell me what happens."

## After Helping

Once they have direction:
- "Give it a shot. If you get stuck again, just say so."
- Don't hover. Let them work.

## Track Progress
Internally track what hint level they've received so the next `/stuck` gives the next level if needed.