agent-skills · PromptZap Team

The Anchor Pattern

Start complex prompts with exact output format definition. Locks AI onto structure before processing, cutting hallucinations by focusing attention first.

Framework

standard

Model targets

claude, chatgpt, gemini

Prompt text

Respond only with a numbered list. No preamble. No explanation after the list.

[Your actual request goes here]

Format requirements:
- Each item must be numbered
- Maximum 3 sentences per item
- No introductory text before item 1
- No concluding remarks after the final item
- If you cannot complete an item with certainty, write "[Insufficient data]" for that item

The anchor (output format) must be the first thing you process. Lock onto this structure, then execute the request within these bounds.