# Sequential Thinking

Use when complex problems require systematic step-by-step reasoning with ability to...

- Repository: https://github.com/mrgoonie/claudekit-skills (2229 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-04-03
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add mrgoonie/claudekit-skills --skill sequential-thinking -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add mrgoonie/claudekit-skills --skill sequential-thinking -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add mrgoonie/claudekit-skills --skill sequential-thinking -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add mrgoonie/claudekit-skills --skill sequential-thinking -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add mrgoonie/claudekit-skills`

## Description

Use when complex problems require systematic step-by-step reasoning with ability to revise thoughts, branch into alternative approaches, or dynamically adjust scope. Ideal for multi-stage analysis, design planning, problem decomposition, or tasks with initially unclear scope.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Sequential Thinking

Enables structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching capabilities.

## Core Capabilities

- **Iterative reasoning**: Break complex problems into sequential thought steps
- **Dynamic scope**: Adjust total thought count as understanding evolves
- **Revision tracking**: Reconsider and modify previous conclusions
- **Branch exploration**: Explore alternative reasoning paths from any point
- **Maintained context**: Keep track of reasoning chain throughout analysis

## When to Use

Use `mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking` when:
- Problem requires multiple interconnected reasoning steps
- Initial scope or approach is uncertain
- Need to filter through complexity to find core issues
- May need to backtrack or revise earlier conclusions
- Want to explore alternative solution paths

**Don't use for**: Simple queries, direct facts, or single-step tasks.

## Basic Usage

The MCP tool `mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking` accepts these parameters:

### Required Parameters

- `thought` (string): Current reasoning step
- `nextThoughtNeeded` (boolean): Whether more reasoning is needed
- `thoughtNumber` (integer): Current step number (starts at 1)
- `totalThoughts` (integer): Estimated total steps needed

### Optional Parameters

- `isRevision` (boolean): Indicates this revises previous thinking
- `revisesThought` (integer): Which thought number is being reconsidered
- `branchFromThought` (integer): Thought number to branch from
- `branchId` (string): Identifier for this reasoning branch

## Workflow Pattern

```
1. Start with initial thought (thoughtNumber: 1)
2. For each step:
   - Express current reasoning in `thought`
   - Estimate remaining work via `totalThoughts` (adjust dynamically)
   - Set `nextThoughtNeeded: true` to continue
3. When reaching conclusion, set `nextThoughtNeeded: false`
```

## Simple Example

The rest: https://github.com/mrgoonie/claudekit-skills/blob/HEAD/.claude/skills/sequential-thinking/SKILL.md