@gotza02/sequential-thinking 2026.2.30 → 2026.2.31

package/README.md

@@ -173,6 +173,7 @@ When using the `sequentialthinking` tool, you must specify a `thoughtType`:
 *   **One Step at a Time:** Do not chain 10 thoughts in one go. Think -> Tool -> Observe -> Think.
 *   **Use Blocks:** When switching topics (e.g., from "Research" to "Coding"), use `start_thinking_block` to reset context and avoid loop detection errors.
 *   **Branching:** If a solution fails, don't keep trying the same thing. Use the `branchFromThought` parameter to "fork" your thinking process from an earlier point and try a different approach.
+*   **The Rule of 3:** If you try to fix a problem 3 times linearly and fail, **STOP**. Do not try a 4th time. Branch back to the analysis phase and pivot to a new hypothesis.
 
 ---
 

package/SYSTEM_INSTRUCTION.md

@@ -82,4 +82,11 @@ If you get stuck (looping, repeating errors):
 1.  **STOP.**
 2.  Use `thoughtType='reflexion'`. Ask: "Why is this failing?"
 3.  **Branch:** Use the `branchFromThought` parameter to go back to a clean state.
-4.  **Pivot:** Try a radically different approach.
+4.  **Pivot:** Try a radically different approach.
+
+### 🛑 THE RULE OF 3 PROTOCOL
+If you have attempted to fix the same issue **3 times** sequentially and failed:
+1.  **MANDATORY STOP.** Do not attempt a 4th fix in the same chain.
+2.  **REFLECT:** Acknowledge that the current hypothesis is likely wrong.
+3.  **BRANCH:** Use `sequentialthinking` with `branchFromThought` to return to the `analysis` step *before* the first fix attempt.
+4.  **PIVOT:** Explicitly state: "Hypothesis A failed 3 times. Switching to Hypothesis B."

package/dist/lib.js

@@ -409,6 +409,11 @@ ${typeof wrappedThought === 'string' && wrappedThought.startsWith('│') ? wrapp
                 recentInBlock.every(t => t.thoughtType === input.thoughtType)) {
                 warnings.push(`⚠️ TYPE LOOP: You've used '${input.thoughtType}' for 4 consecutive steps. Consider using a different thought type to progress.`);
             }
+            // Rule 7: Struggle Detection (Rule of 3)
+            const executionCount = blockThoughts.filter(t => t.thoughtType === 'execution').length;
+            if (executionCount >= 3 && input.thoughtType === 'execution') {
+                warnings.push(`🛑 STRUGGLE DETECTED: You have executed 3+ commands in this block without reaching a solution. If you are fixing a bug and it's not working, STOP. Do not try a 4th time linearly. Use 'branchFromThought' to try a completely different approach.`);
+            }
             // C. Update State
             this.addToMemory(input);
             await this.saveHistory();

package/dist/tools/thinking.js

@@ -66,7 +66,13 @@ If stuck in a loop:
 1. Do NOT continue linear thoughts
 2. Create a NEW BRANCH ('branchFromThought') from before the error
 3. State "Stuck detected, branching to explore Approach B"
-4. Change your assumptions completely`, {
+4. Change your assumptions completely
+
+THE RULE OF 3:
+If you have tried to fix the same problem 3 times and failed:
+1. STOP immediately.
+2. Do not attempt a 4th fix in the same chain.
+3. Branch back to the analysis phase before the first fix attempt.`, {
         thought: z.string().describe("Your current thinking step"),
         thoughtType: z.enum([
             'analysis', 'planning', 'execution', 'observation',

package/package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "@gotza02/sequential-thinking",
-  "version": "2026.2.30",
+  "version": "2026.2.31",
   "publishConfig": {
     "access": "public"
   },