---
title: "Opportunity backlog agent protocol"
description: "MCP-first instructions for working the opportunity backlog from MCP."
url: "/docs/agents/prompts/opportunity-backlog"
---

This page is the agent-readable protocol for Deck opportunity backlog. Humans can follow along. Coding agents should treat the protocol section as the source of truth and probe Deck MCP before sending anyone to signup.

# Deck opportunity backlog — agent protocol

Work MCP-first. Probe Deck MCP in this session before you send anyone to signup.

## 1. Probe MCP

Call a cheap Deck MCP tool (`get_user_context` or `get_overview`). This must be a real tool call.

### 401 Unauthorized

The human is not connected in this client. Tell them to Connect MCP here (Cursor, Claude, or ChatGPT). Do not open signup. Do not mint or ask for a `dk_` API key.

### No Deck tools available

Deck MCP is not installed. Fetch and follow the AI PM protocol at:

[https://docs.getdeck.io/docs/agents/prompts/ai-pm.md](https://docs.getdeck.io/docs/agents/prompts/ai-pm.md)

Do not invent another setup URL. Do not send them to signup from this prompt.

After they return, probe MCP again. If tools exist, continue below.

## 2. After MCP works

Use `explore_opportunity_backlog` to read the backlog. Use `mutate_opportunity_build` to change opportunities. Use `list_initiatives` when they want to see linked initiatives. Never create `dk_` keys.

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