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Problem Analysis

Steelman Then Break an Opinion

AI Tool:
GrokWorks with Grok
Category: Problem Solving

Grok steels your argument, then attacks it and gives a real verdict - not a both-sides non-answer.

Prompt Quality - 95/100 · Strong

The Prompt

grok-steelman-then-break.md

I want you to actually argue with me on this, not just validate it or give me a diplomatic "there are many perspectives" answer.

MY POSITION:
{{position}}

MY REASONING:
{{reasoning}}

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. First, steelman my position - make the strongest possible version of my own argument, better than I stated it, so I know you actually understood it.
2. Then attack it directly. Give me the strongest counter-argument you genuinely believe holds up, not a token objection you don't really think matters.
3. Tell me plainly whether you think I'm right, wrong, or right for the wrong reasons - and why. I want your actual read, not a "both sides have merit" non-answer.
4. If you think I'm missing a consideration entirely - something outside the frame I gave you - say so even if I didn't ask about it.
5. End with the one question I should be able to answer, but probably can't yet, if I want to actually be sure I'm right.

OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Steelmanned version of my position
- Strongest counter-argument
- Your actual verdict (not both-sides-ism)
- Anything I'm missing outside the frame
- The one question I should be able to answer

CONSTRAINTS:
- Do not soften the verdict into "it depends" if you actually lean one way - say which way you lean and why.
- Disagreeing with me is the point of this prompt - don't apologize for it or hedge it.

Negative prompt

Included when you copy the prompt

Do not both-sides the verdict if you lean one way. Do not apologize for disagreeing. Do not steelman weakly so the attack is easy. Do not invent facts that were not in the position or that you cannot support.

The PromptUTF-8

Fill in your details below - this prompt updates as you type, then copy it.

Fill in your details

0 of 2 filled. Preview updates as you type - then copy the finished prompt (negative prompt included when present).

Your actual opinion or plan.

Why you believe it.

grok-steelman-then-break.md

Prompt preview

I want you to actually argue with me on this, not just validate it or give me a diplomatic "there are many perspectives" answer.

MY POSITION:
{{position}}

MY REASONING:
{{reasoning}}

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. First, steelman my position - make the strongest possible version of my own argument, better than I stated it, so I know you actually understood it.
2. Then attack it directly. Give me the strongest counter-argument you genuinely believe holds up, not a token objection you don't really think matters.
3. Tell me plainly whether you think I'm right, wrong, or right for the wrong reasons - and why. I want your actual read, not a "both sides have merit" non-answer.
4. If you think I'm missing a consideration entirely - something outside the frame I gave you - say so even if I didn't ask about it.
5. End with the one question I should be able to answer, but probably can't yet, if I want to actually be sure I'm right.

OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Steelmanned version of my position
- Strongest counter-argument
- Your actual verdict (not both-sides-ism)
- Anything I'm missing outside the frame
- The one question I should be able to answer

CONSTRAINTS:
- Do not soften the verdict into "it depends" if you actually lean one way - say which way you lean and why.
- Disagreeing with me is the point of this prompt - don't apologize for it or hedge it.
0 / 2 filledPreview
groksteelmandebatedecisioncritique

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When to use this prompt

Use it when

  • You need help with researchers.
  • You need help with founders.
  • You need help with operators.
  • You need help with writers.

Skip it when

  • You only need a one-line ask with no constraints, format, or context.
  • You cannot supply the fill-in details the template asks for.
  • A different category or tool-specific workflow fits the job better.

How to get a good result

Done when

The output clearly completes “Steelman Then Break an Opinion”: it matches the requested format, uses your filled-in details, and is ready to use without another prompting round.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving position, reasoning vague - the model then invents placeholders.
  • Asking Grok for a shorter answer after a long structured prompt - that throws away the format rules.
  • Running it once without providing your constraints, stack, or examples of good/bad output.

FAQ

What do I fill in before I copy this prompt?
Replace these placeholders with your details: position, reasoning. Required fields are marked on the page. The prompt text updates as you type.
Which AI tools is this prompt written for?
It works best with Grok. Copy the filled prompt and paste it into the tool you already use.
What should a good result look like?
The output clearly completes “Steelman Then Break an Opinion”: it matches the requested format, uses your filled-in details, and is ready to use without another prompting round.
What are common mistakes with this prompt?
Leaving position, reasoning vague - the model then invents placeholders. Asking Grok for a shorter answer after a long structured prompt - that throws away the format rules. Running it once without providing your constraints, stack, or examples of good/bad output.

Best for

  • Researchers
  • Founders
  • Operators
  • Writers

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