diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index e50c196..6e759f2 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ pi remove npm:pi-todo-herdr
 
 ## Usage
 
-For large, multi-stage work, the extension instructs Pi to call `set_tasks` before exploration as the only tool in the first batch. Smaller work remains untracked. Pi then updates task states at each real transition instead of reconstructing progress at the end.
+For work with three or more distinct steps, the extension instructs Pi to explore enough to understand the scope, then call `set_tasks` before implementation. Smaller work remains untracked. Pi then updates task states at each real transition instead of reconstructing progress at the end.
 
 After automatic or manual context compaction, the extension sends one short hidden reminder only when unfinished tasks exist. Pi calls `list_task` to recover the authoritative current IDs and statuses; the full tree is not injected on every model call.
 
diff --git a/src/prompt.ts b/src/prompt.ts
index 63b1daf..5d6393b 100644
--- a/src/prompt.ts
+++ b/src/prompt.ts
@@ -6,8 +6,8 @@ export const COMPACTION_REMINDER =
   "Active tasks exist. Call list_task now; treat its result as authoritative.";
 
 export const TASK_PROMPT_GUIDELINES = [
-  "For large, multi-stage work, call set_tasks before exploration as the only first-batch tool. Use append with force false by default; use replace with force true only for explicitly abandoned unfinished work. Start one task in-progress; skip smaller work.",
-  "Use update_task when tracked work starts, blocks, or finishes; reconcile the tree before the final response.",
+  "For work with 3+ distinct steps, explore enough to understand the scope, then call set_tasks before implementation; otherwise skip tracking. Start one task in-progress.",
+  "Use update_task when tasks start, block, or finish; keep statuses accurate before the final response.",
 ];
 
 export function formatCompactTaskTree(tasks: Task[]): string {
diff --git a/tests/prompt.test.ts b/tests/prompt.test.ts
index f455908..0d47e91 100644
--- a/tests/prompt.test.ts
+++ b/tests/prompt.test.ts
@@ -10,15 +10,17 @@ import {
 } from "../src/prompt.ts";
 import { TaskState } from "../src/state.ts";
 
-test("keeps task guidance short while requiring planning before large work", () => {
+test("keeps task guidance short with planning after exploration", () => {
   assert.equal(TASK_PROMPT_GUIDELINES.length, 2);
   const prompt = TASK_PROMPT_GUIDELINES.join("\n");
-  assert.match(prompt, /large, multi-stage work/);
-  assert.match(prompt, /set_tasks before exploration as the only first-batch tool/);
-  assert.match(prompt, /append with force false by default/);
-  assert.match(prompt, /Start one task in-progress; skip smaller work/);
-  assert.match(prompt, /Use update_task when tracked work starts, blocks, or finishes/);
-  assert.ok(prompt.split(/\s+/).length < 60);
+  assert.match(prompt, /work with 3\+ distinct steps/);
+  assert.match(prompt, /explore enough to understand the scope/);
+  assert.match(prompt, /then call set_tasks before implementation/);
+  assert.match(prompt, /otherwise skip tracking/);
+  assert.match(prompt, /Start one task in-progress/);
+  assert.match(prompt, /update_task when tasks start, block, or finish/);
+  assert.match(prompt, /keep statuses accurate before the final response/);
+  assert.ok(prompt.split(/\s+/).length < 40);
 });
 
 test("uses a compact one-shot recovery reminder without embedding task data", () => {