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Sideways

Ari Bader-Natal (independent maintainer)

Streamable HTTP6+ documented tools0

About Sideways

A keyless remote MCP server that gives an AI assistant random lateral-thinking strategy cards in six categories to help a user break through a creative or problem-solving block.

What you can use it for

  • Break a creative block by reframing assumptions.
  • Reduce complexity, expand possible solutions, disrupt safe patterns, ground abstract thinking, or pause for reflection.
Connection and setup
Hosting
remote
Transport
Streamable HTTP
Endpoint
https://usesideways.com/mcp
Authentication
No authentication required for the public MCP endpoint; official ChatGPT instructions explicitly specify no authentication.

Requirements

  • An MCP-compatible AI client with remote Streamable HTTP support.
  • For Claude.ai custom connector, official instructions require Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise; organization-managed accounts may need an administrator to add it.
  • For Claude Desktop or other stdio-only clients using mcp-remote, Node.js/npx is needed.

Setup steps

  1. Codex: add the remote endpoint https://usesideways.com/mcp as an MCP server named sideways; official page provides this config: [mcp_servers.sideways] url = "https://usesideways.com/mcp".
  2. Cursor: add {"mcpServers":{"sideways":{"url":"https://usesideways.com/mcp"}}} to user ~/.cursor/mcp.json or project .cursor/mcp.json.
  3. Claude Code: run claude mcp add --transport http sideways https://usesideways.com/mcp. Claude Desktop can use command npx with args ["mcp-remote","https://usesideways.com/mcp"], then restart.
  4. ChatGPT web: Settings ? Apps & Connectors ? Advanced Settings ? enable Developer Mode ? Create connector; enter https://usesideways.com/mcp and choose no authentication. Not available in ChatGPT mobile apps per the official page.
  5. After connecting, ask the AI to use Sideways when you are stuck. Sideways instructs the assistant to present five strategy cards and let the user choose before helping apply the chosen strategy.
Tools 6+

Direct read-only tools/list against the public production endpoint returned 6 tools from server version 1.8.0; every tool is annotated readOnlyHint=true and has an empty input schema. Descriptions include intended use cases.

  • get-sideways-strategy-category-reframe

    Get a random Reframe strategy. Use when stuck in a single way of thinking, facing opposition, or need to see the problem from a completely different angle. Best for breaking out of mental ruts. Use this when: change your perspective, reverse assumptions, adopt alternative viewpoints. Returns a labeled strategy card to help shift your perspective and break through blocks.

    01
  • get-sideways-strategy-category-reduce

    Get a random Reduce strategy. Use when overwhelmed by complexity, dealing with too many options, or when clarity is needed. Best for cutting through noise and finding the core. Use this when: simplify, subtract, remove, clarify, focus on essentials. Returns a labeled strategy card to help shift your perspective and break through blocks.

    02
  • get-sideways-strategy-category-expand

    Get a random Expand strategy. Use when solutions feel too minimal, when avoiding decisions, or when there's room to explore more possibilities. Best for breaking self-imposed limitations. Use this when: add more, elaborate, embrace abundance, do both. Returns a labeled strategy card to help shift your perspective and break through blocks.

    03
  • get-sideways-strategy-category-disrupt

    Get a random Disrupt strategy. Use when stuck in safe patterns, avoiding risk, or when work feels too polished or predictable. Best for injecting energy and unpredictability. Use this when: break patterns, embrace chaos, make destructive moves, honor mistakes. Returns a labeled strategy card to help shift your perspective and break through blocks.

    04
  • get-sideways-strategy-category-embody

    Get a random Embody strategy. Use when too much in your head, experiencing physical tension, or disconnected from intuition. Best for grounding abstract work in physical reality. Use this when: physical, sensory, body-based approaches to creative problems. Returns a labeled strategy card to help shift your perspective and break through blocks.

    05
  • get-sideways-strategy-category-pause

    Get a random Pause strategy. Use when rushing, feeling frantic, or unable to see the forest for the trees. Best for gaining clarity through distance and reflection. Use this when: rest, reflect, step back, examine, take breaks. Returns a labeled strategy card to help shift your perspective and break through blocks.

    06

This server’s available tools can vary by account, permissions, or configuration. The list shown is not its full runtime catalog.

Limitations and notes
  • The endpoint exposes only the requested strategy category; official site says user code, conversation and context are not shared.
  • Each category tool returns a random strategy; user should choose a card before the assistant explores it.
  • The public tools/list response returned Streamable HTTP server version 1.8.0 and no authentication challenge; this is a connection/capability check, not a tool-call test.
  • No official license was identified in the sources reviewed.
Source discrepancies
  • Earlier queue note said no canonical first-party MCP source. Current official product documentation contains detailed first-party MCP setup and the official MCP registry entry; this resolves that earlier discovery gap.
  • MCPBundles directory data labels Sideways API Key but its official first-party docs say the public endpoint is no-auth; this record follows first-party docs and a successful unauthenticated tools/list request.
Original sources

Documentation checked 2026-10-28T14:06:33.000Z. Connection has not been runtime tested.