/deep-think — Maximum Cognitive Effort Protocol
Goal: Activate the highest level of cognitive architecture for complex, multi-step, or ambiguous tasks where quality matters more than speed. Time: 5-15 minutes depending on complexity tier. When to use: Architecture decisions, multi-system changes, irreversible actions, anything where being wrong is expensive.
This is NOT /reason. /reason = "follow the reasoning engine checklist" (fast, lightweight). /deep-think = "maximum effort with structured thinking, research, gap analysis, multi-perspective debate, and adversarial review" (slow, thorough).
Complexity Gate (decide first)
Before starting, classify the task:
| Tier | When | Phases Used |
|---|---|---|
| SIMPLE | Quick but thorough — single-domain analysis, clear question | Phases 1 + 5 only |
| MEDIUM | Research + analysis — multi-source synthesis, comparison | Phases 1-5 |
| COMPLEX | Full adversarial — architecture decisions, multi-system changes, irreversible actions | All 8 phases |
Phase 1: ORIENT (Memory + Context)
Load ALL available context before forming any opinion.
- Read project memory if availab…