When Stuck

---
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.

## Stuck-Type → Technique

| How You're Stuck | Use This Skill |
|------------------|----------------|
| **Complexity spiraling** — Same thing 5+ ways, growing special cases | `simplification-cascades/SKILL.md` |
| **Need innovation** — Conventional solutions inadequate, can't find fitting approach | `collision-zone-thinking/SKILL.md` |
| **Recurring patterns** — Same issue different places, reinventing wheels | `meta-pattern-recognition/SKILL.md` |
| **Forced by assumptions** — "Must be done this way", can't question premise | `inversion-exercise/SKILL.md` |
| **Scale uncertainty** — Will it work in production? Edge cases unclear? | `scale-game/SKILL.md` |
| **Multiple independent problems** — Can parallelize investigation | Use Agent tool with parallel subagents |

## 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

## Quick Dispatch

```
Same thing implemented 5+ ways?       → simplification-cascades
Can't find fitting approach?          → collision-zone-thinking
Same issue in 3+ different places?    → meta-pattern-recognition
"This must be done this way"?         → inversion-exercise
Will this survive production scale?   → scale-game
```

## Remember

- Match symptom to technique
- One technique at a time
- Combine if first doesn't work
- Document what you tried