advisor-checkpoint

Consults a stronger model at key decision points during tasks executed by cheaper models.

3|Updated Jun 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/patrickserrano/lacquer --skill advisor-checkpoint-patrickserrano
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: advisor-checkpoint
Source: https://github.com/patrickserrano/lacquer/tree/main/core/skills/advisor-checkpoint
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/patrickserrano/lacquer --skill advisor-checkpoint-patrickserrano

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Running every step of a task on an expensive frontier model wastes cost, but running everything on a cheap model risks flawed architecture decisions, missed constraints, and premature "done" verdicts. This Skill defines when and how to insert a stronger-model review at the few load-bearing moments of a task while a faster model handles the mechanical work. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Checkpoint Timing Guidance: Identifies the three moments worth a consult — before committing to a non-obvious approach, when stuck, and before declaring a non-trivial task done — and when to skip it. - Interactive Agent Dispatch: Instructs dispatching an Agent call with a stronger model tier (opus or fable), a concrete plan or diff, and a specific question rather than a generic review request. - Workflow Script Pattern: Provides a propose → advise → refine JavaScript pattern using per-call model overrides on agent() so bulk stages run cheap and only decision points use the strong model. - Use Case: A workflow drafts an implementation plan on a fast model, passes the draft to an opus-tier agent to flag flaws or missed constraints, then resumes implementation on the fast model informed by the review. ## Quick Start Ask the AI to review the current approach or diff with a stronger model before proceeding with implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions about advisor-checkpoint

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I get a second opinion from a stronger model mid-task?▼

Dispatch an Agent call with the model parameter set to a stronger tier such as opus, passing the current plan or diff plus a specific question like "does this approach have a flaw." Treat the response as advice to weigh, not a verdict to obey.

When should I consult a stronger model during a task?▼

Consult at three moments: before committing to a non-obvious approach, when stuck on a recurring error or non-converging approach, and before declaring a non-trivial task done. Skip it on short reactive steps where the next action is dictated by what you just read.

How do I mix cheap and expensive models in a Workflow script?▼

Run bulk stages on the default cheaper model, then add an agent() call with a per-call model override like { model: 'opus' } to review the concrete output. Pass the draft or findings explicitly since workflow agents do not share a live transcript.

What should I do when advisor advice conflicts with my evidence?▼

Surface the conflict in one more consult rather than silently switching sides, asking which constraint wins. If you act on advice and it fails empirically, adapt to the empirical result instead of re-litigating it against the advice.

When is a stronger-model consult not worth the latency?▼

Skip it during orientation work like reading files and finding the problem's shape, and on short reactive steps. The value is highest on the first consult before an approach crystallizes, not on every turn.