This guide teaches you a simple method for structured thinking using paper cards and a flat surface.
In 10 minutes you'll have everything you need to start exploring any question, decision, or idea — one thought at a time.
Chain of thought is a way of exploring ideas by writing one thought at a time, then using a thinking tool to prompt the next. You build a branching tree of connected ideas on your table.
What you need
Cards (6.8 × 4 cm)
A pen
A flat surface
Reference cards (cut from last pages)
Three types of cards
Thought and tool cards are the same size — just rotated. Reference cards are larger:
Horizontal = Thought
Your ideas. One per card.
Vertical = Tool
The connector.
Reference Card
Your cheat-sheet deck.
How to play
Write your starting thought on a card. Place it horizontally.
Pick a thinking tool. Write the tool name on a new card and place it vertically below your thought, overlapping the bottom edge.
Pause and reflect on the combination of your thought and the tool's question.
Write your answer on a new card. Place it horizontally over the bottom of the tool card, so the tool name peeks out above.
Repeat. Fan 2–4 tool cards out from one thought to branch. The table is your constraint — and that's a feature.
Example: Exploring a Decision
Here's how a chain grows on your table, step by step.
1. Start with what's on your mind.
One thought, placed horizontally. Don't overthink it.
2. Pick a tool. Place it vertically below, overlapping.
The tool card tucks under the thought. Pause — ask yourself: "What am I actually trying to achieve?"
3. Write your answer. Place it over the tool card's bottom.
The tool name peeks out between the two thoughts — showing what connects them.
4. Branch out — fan multiple tools from one thought.
5. Keep going — stack cards to follow one path deeper.
A single path going deeper: feeling → consequence → smallest action. The best chains end with something you can do today.
Your Thinking Tools
These cover the full arc of thinking: from understanding a problem to taking your first step. You don't need to use them in order — pick whatever feels right.
Clarify
What is the goal?"What am I actually trying to achieve?"
Understand
Why?"What are the reasons behind this?"
How do you know?"What evidence do you have? How can you be sure?"
Challenge
Really?"Is that actually the case? Test it."
Evaluate
Pros"What are the benefits?"
Cons"What are the disadvantages?"
Worst case?"What is the worst realistic outcome?"
Imagine
What if?"Create a scenario. What would happen if…?"
Feel
How does it feel?"How does this make you feel?"
Consequences
So what?"What are the consequences of this?"
Then what?"What happens next?"
People
Who cares?"Who is affected? Who is involved?"
Who do you trust?"Who knows this, has done this, can help?"
Sharpen
Be specific!"What exactly do you mean? Give an example."
Options
Alternatives?"What other options are there?"
Act
How?"How will you make it happen?"
Minimum viable action"What is the smallest step you can take right now?"