# Using Systematic > Use when starting any conversation - establishes how to find and use skills, requiring skill tool invocation before ANY response including clarifying questions - Skill: `tomevault-io/using-systematic` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/using-systematic` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/using-systematic/raw - Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS) - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/using-systematic --- 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. ## How to Access Skills Use the `systematic_skill` tool for Systematic bundled skills. Use the native `skill` tool for non-Systematic skills. When you invoke a skill, its content is loaded and presented to you—follow it directly. # 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. If an invoked skill turns out to be wrong for the situation, you don't need to use it. ```dot digraph skill_flow { "User message received" [shape=doublecircle]; "About to enter Plan mode?" [shape=doublecircle]; "Already brainstormed?" [shape=diamond]; "Invoke brainstorming skill" [shape=box]; "Might any skill apply?" [shape=diamond]; "Invoke `systematic_skill` tool" [shape=box]; "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" [shape=box]; "Has checklist?" [shape=diamond]; "Create todo per item" [shape=box]; "Follow skill exactly" [shape=box]; "Respond (including clarifications)" [shape=doublecircle]; "About to enter Plan mode?" -> "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 `systematic_skill` tool" [label="yes, even 1%"]; "Might any skill apply?" -> "Respond (including clarifications)" [label="definitely not"]; "Invoke `systematic_skill` tool" -> "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'"; "Announce: 'Using [skill] to [purpose]'" -> "Has checklist?"; "Has checklist?" -> "Create todo per item" [label="yes"]; "Has checklist?" -> "Follow skill exactly" [label="no"]; "Create todo per item" -> "Follow skill exactly"; } ``` ## Red Flags These thoughts mean STOP—you're rationalizing: | 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. | | "I can check git/files quickly" | Files lack conversation context. Check for skills. | | "Let me gather information first" | Skills tell you HOW to gather information. | | "This doesn't need a formal skill" | If a skill exists, use it. | | "I remember this skill" | Skills evolve. Read current version. | | "This doesn't count as a task" | Action = task. Check for skills. | | "The skill is overkill" | Simple things become complex. Use it. | | "I'll just do this one thing first" | Check BEFORE doing anything. | | "This feels productive" | Undisciplined action wastes time. Skills prevent this. | | "I know what that means" | Knowing the concept != using the skill. Invoke it. | ## Skill Priority When multiple skills could apply, use this order: 1. **Process skills first** (brainstorming, debugging) - these determine HOW to approach the task 2. **Implementation skills second** (frontend-design, mcp-builder) - these guide execution "Let's build X" -> brainstorming first, then implementation skills. "Fix this bug" -> debugging first, then domain-specific skills. ## Skill Types **Rigid** (TDD, debugging): Follow exactly. Don't adapt away discipline. **Flexible** (patterns): Adapt principles to context. The skill itself tells you which. ## User Instructions Instructions say WHAT, not HOW. "Add X" or "Fix Y" doesn't mean skip workflows. ## Skill Resolution Systematic bundled skills are listed in the `systematic_skill` tool description. Use the native `skill` tool for skills outside the Systematic plugin. --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/marcusrbrown) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.