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skills/problem-solving/when-stuck/SKILL.md

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+---
+name: When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch
+description: Dispatch to the right problem-solving technique based on how you're stuck
+when_to_use: when stuck and unsure which problem-solving technique to apply for your specific type of stuck-ness
+version: 1.1.0
+---
+
+# When Stuck - Problem-Solving Dispatch
+
+## Overview
+
+Different stuck-types need different techniques. This skill helps you quickly identify which problem-solving skill to use.
+
+**Core principle:** Match stuck-symptom to technique.
+
+## Quick Dispatch
+
+```dot
+digraph stuck_dispatch {
+    rankdir=TB;
+    node [shape=box, style=rounded];
+
+    stuck [label="You're Stuck", shape=ellipse, style=filled, fillcolor=lightblue];
+
+    complexity [label="Same thing implemented 5+ ways?\nGrowing special cases?\nExcessive if/else?"];
+    innovation [label="Can't find fitting approach?\nConventional solutions inadequate?\nNeed breakthrough?"];
+    patterns [label="Same issue in different places?\nFeels familiar across domains?\nReinventing wheels?"];
+    assumptions [label="Solution feels forced?\n'This must be done this way'?\nStuck on assumptions?"];
+    scale [label="Will this work at production?\nEdge cases unclear?\nUnsure of limits?"];
+    bugs [label="Code behaving wrong?\nTest failing?\nUnexpected output?"];
+
+    stuck -> complexity;
+    stuck -> innovation;
+    stuck -> patterns;
+    stuck -> assumptions;
+    stuck -> scale;
+    stuck -> bugs;
+
+    complexity -> simp [label="yes"];
+    innovation -> collision [label="yes"];
+    patterns -> meta [label="yes"];
+    assumptions -> invert [label="yes"];
+    scale -> scale_skill [label="yes"];
+    bugs -> debug [label="yes"];
+
+    simp [label="skills/problem-solving/\nsimplification-cascades", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
+    collision [label="skills/problem-solving/\ncollision-zone-thinking", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
+    meta [label="skills/problem-solving/\nmeta-pattern-recognition", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
+    invert [label="skills/problem-solving/\ninversion-exercise", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
+    scale_skill [label="skills/problem-solving/\nscale-game", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightgreen];
+    debug [label="skills/debugging/\nsystematic-debugging", shape=box, style="rounded,filled", fillcolor=lightyellow];
+}
+```
+
+## Stuck-Type → Technique
+
+| How You're Stuck | Use This Skill |
+|------------------|----------------|
+| **Complexity spiraling** - Same thing 5+ ways, growing special cases | skills/problem-solving/simplification-cascades |
+| **Need innovation** - Conventional solutions inadequate, can't find fitting approach | skills/problem-solving/collision-zone-thinking |
+| **Recurring patterns** - Same issue different places, reinventing wheels | skills/problem-solving/meta-pattern-recognition |
+| **Forced by assumptions** - "Must be done this way", can't question premise | skills/problem-solving/inversion-exercise |
+| **Scale uncertainty** - Will it work in production? Edge cases unclear? | skills/problem-solving/scale-game |
+| **Code broken** - Wrong behavior, test failing, unexpected output | skills/debugging/systematic-debugging |
+| **Multiple independent problems** - Can parallelize investigation | skills/collaboration/dispatching-parallel-agents |
+| **Root cause unknown** - Symptom clear, cause hidden | skills/debugging/root-cause-tracing |
+
+## Process
+
+1. **Identify stuck-type** - What symptom matches above?
+2. **Load that skill** - Read the specific technique
+3. **Apply technique** - Follow its process
+4. **If still stuck** - Try different technique or combine
+
+## Combining Techniques
+
+Some problems need multiple techniques:
+
+- **Simplification + Meta-pattern**: Find pattern, then simplify all instances
+- **Collision + Inversion**: Force metaphor, then invert its assumptions
+- **Scale + Simplification**: Extremes reveal what to eliminate
+
+## Remember
+
+- Match symptom to technique
+- One technique at a time
+- Combine if first doesn't work
+- Document what you tried