Force-Eval Hook Pattern: 84% Skill Activation (vs 20% Baseline)

Scott Spence published a technique that dramatically improves Claude Code skill activation. Create a hook that fires on every prompt with a three-step mandate: EVALUATE (for each skill, state YES/NO with reason), ACTIVATE (use Skill() tool NOW), IMPLEMENT (only after activation). Tested across 200+ prompts: 80-84% activation vs 20% baseline. Cost: ~$0.007 per invocation on Haiku 4.5. The insight: skills fail because Claude treats them as optional. The hook creates a commitment mechanism. (Scott Spence)