---
title: "How to Run Sprint Planning"
description: How to initialize sprint tracking for implementation
---

Use the `sprint-planning` workflow to initialize the sprint tracking file and organize work for implementation.

## When to Use This

- Once at the start of Phase 4 (Implementation)
- After implementation-readiness gate passes
- When starting a new sprint cycle

:::note[Prerequisites]
- BMad Method installed
- SM (Scrum Master) agent available
- Epic files created from `create-epics-and-stories`
- Implementation-readiness passed (for BMad Method/Enterprise)
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load the SM Agent

Start a fresh chat and load the SM (Scrum Master) agent.

### 2. Run the Workflow

```
*sprint-planning
```

### 3. Provide Context

Point the agent to your epic files created during Phase 3.

### 4. Review Sprint Organization

The agent organizes stories into the sprint tracking file.

## What You Get

A `sprint-status.yaml` file containing:

- All epics with their stories
- Story status tracking (TODO, IN PROGRESS, READY FOR REVIEW, DONE)
- Dependencies between stories
- Priority ordering

## Story Lifecycle States

| State | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| **TODO** | Story identified but not started |
| **IN PROGRESS** | Story being implemented |
| **READY FOR REVIEW** | Implementation complete, awaiting code review |
| **DONE** | Accepted and complete |

## Typical Sprint Flow

**Sprint 0 (Planning Phase):**
- Complete Phases 1-3
- PRD/GDD + Architecture complete
- Epics+Stories created via create-epics-and-stories

**Sprint 1+ (Implementation Phase):**

Start of Phase 4:
1. SM runs `sprint-planning` (once)

Per Story (repeat until epic complete):
1. SM runs `create-story`
2. DEV runs `dev-story`
3. DEV runs `code-review`
4. Update sprint-status.yaml

After Epic Complete:
- SM runs `retrospective`
- Move to next epic

## Tips

- **Run sprint-planning only once** — At Phase 4 start
- **Use sprint-status during Phase 4** — Check current state anytime
- **Keep sprint-status.yaml as single source of truth** — All status updates go here
- **Update story status after each stage** — Keep it current

## Next Steps

After sprint planning:

1. **Create Story** — Prepare the first story for implementation
2. **Implement Story** — Run dev-story with the DEV agent
3. **Code Review** — Quality assurance after implementation