BMAD-METHOD/resources/skills

BMAD Guide Skill

This directory contains the BMAD Guide Skill for Claude Code - a comprehensive reference that helps Claude stay on track with BMAD methodology.

What's Included

• bmad-guide.md - The skill file that provides process navigation and workflow selection guidance

Automatic Installation

When you run npx bmad-method install and select Claude Code as your IDE, this skill is automatically installed to ~/.claude/skills/bmad-guide.md.

This means Claude will have access to the /bmad-guide skill in any project, helping it:

• Navigate BMAD phases correctly
• Choose the right workflow for each task
• Avoid common mistakes (jumping to coding, skipping phases, etc.)
• Follow proper story lifecycle
• Self-correct when going off track

What the Skill Does

The bmad-guide skill acts as Claude's "GPS" for BMAD methodology:

📍 Phase Navigation

Quick reference for identifying current phase and what workflows are available

🎯 Project Level Detection

Helps determine project complexity (Level 0-4) to route to correct planning track

🔍 Workflow Decision Tree

Visual guide for choosing which workflow to use for any given task

⚠️ Common Mistakes Prevention

Clear DO/DON'T lists to avoid derailment from BMAD process

📚 Quick Reference

"I need to..." → workflow mapping table for fast lookup

💡 Troubleshooting

Solutions for common issues like "I'm not sure which phase I'm in"

🚨 Emergency Recovery

Course correction steps when Claude has gone off track

How It Works

Automatic Invocation

When combined with the proper CLAUDE.md configuration (see below), Claude will automatically invoke this skill:

• Before starting any task in BMAD projects
• When uncertain about which workflow to use
• Before implementing features manually
• When switching phases
• When detecting red flags (coding without workflows, etc.)

Manual Invocation

You can also invoke it manually anytime:

/bmad-guide

CLAUDE.md Configuration (Optional but Recommended)

For maximum effectiveness, add this to your ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md:

# BMAD Method (MANDATORY)

## Automatic Skill Invocation - THIS IS CRITICAL
**IMMEDIATELY invoke `/bmad-guide` skill in these situations:**

1. **Starting ANY task in a BMAD project** - Check phase and workflow first
2. **Before implementing ANY feature** - Verify which workflow to use
3. **When uncertain about approach** - Consult guide before proceeding
4. **Before creating/modifying code manually** - Should you be using a workflow?
5. **When switching phases** - Verify phase progression rules
6. **When user mentions workflows, epics, stories, or phases** - Get guidance

## BMAD Process Rules (NEVER VIOLATE)

1. **ALWAYS use workflows** - Never implement features without BMAD workflows
2. **NEVER skip phases** - Each phase builds on previous (Phase 1 optional)
3. **ALWAYS check project level (0-4)** - Determines which workflows to use
4. **NEVER jump straight to coding** - Use proper workflow (dev-story, super-dev-story)
5. **ALWAYS follow story lifecycle** - create → dev → review → done
6. **ALWAYS complete current phase** - Before moving to next phase

## Before ANY Work in BMAD Project

\```
1. Invoke /bmad-guide skill
2. Identify current phase (Analysis/Planning/Solutioning/Implementation)
3. Determine project level (0-4)
4. Verify correct workflow for task
5. Check prerequisites are complete
6. Proceed with workflow (not manual implementation)
\```

## Red Flags That Mean You're Off Track

If you catch yourself:
- Writing code without using dev-story/super-dev-story
- Creating PRD/architecture manually instead of using workflows
- Skipping phases or prerequisites
- Not sure which workflow to use
- About to implement without a story

**→ STOP. Invoke `/bmad-guide` immediately and course correct.**

Installation Location

The skill is installed to:

• User level: ~/.claude/skills/bmad-guide.md (available across all projects)

This is intentional so the skill is available in all BMAD projects without needing per-project installation.

Updating the Skill

When you run npx bmad-method install again (to update BMAD), the skill will be updated automatically if a newer version exists.

Manual Installation

If you want to install the skill without running the full BMAD installer:

# Create skills directory
mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills

# Copy skill file
cp resources/skills/bmad-guide.md ~/.claude/skills/

Success Metrics

You'll know the skill is working when Claude:

• ✅ Checks phase before starting work
• ✅ Uses workflows instead of manual implementation
• ✅ Follows proper story lifecycle
• ✅ Self-corrects when going off track
• ✅ References the skill when uncertain
• ✅ Asks for clarification about phase/workflow
• ✅ Completes prerequisites before advancing phases

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This skill is a core part of the BMAD Method and helps ensure Claude follows the methodology correctly.