# 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.
Canonical: https://www.mcpfolio.com/servers/sideways
Last updated: 2026-10-28
## Catalog record

- Publisher: Ari Bader-Natal (independent maintainer)
- Categories: Uncategorized

## Website

https://usesideways.com/

## Repository

https://github.com/aribn/usesideways

## Transports

Streamable HTTP

## Authentication

No authentication required for the public MCP endpoint; official ChatGPT instructions explicitly specify no authentication.

## Tools

- **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.
- **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.
- **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.
- **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.
- **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.
- **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.

## Sources

- [direct_public_runtime_tools_list](https://usesideways.com/mcp)
- [official_product_site](https://usesideways.com/)
- [maintainer_repository](https://github.com/aribn/usesideways)

## Setup

Use the interactive setup panel on [the detail page](https://www.mcpfolio.com/servers/sideways) to view instructions for each supported client.