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.
NewMaintained
Automatic
◆AI Engineer pack
Last verified 8/21/2026
What it changes
7 of 22 test cases passed with the skill.
Pass-rate lift
—
Tokens
+57%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
-19%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/21/2026v17 of 22 cases passed with skill · 7 comparable
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
Lift withheld: 7 comparable cases; this report requires 8.
See it in action
One of 3 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 3
Prompt
While analyzing a heap dump in a reasoning session, thought 2 assumed a memory leak was caused by unclosed sockets, but log analysis at step 4 proves sockets are closed properly. Construct the tool call for step 4 to correct thought 2.
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
The tool call includes isRevision set to true.
Missed
Passed
The revisesThought parameter is set to 2.
Missed
Passed
case-09 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/21/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
SKILL.md87 linessingle file
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