---
name: minimalist-sprint-selection
description: Use when an ordered backlog must be reduced to a bounded prototype or sprint with one goal, explicit exclusions, capacity, and a demonstrable increment.
---

# Minimalist Sprint Selection

Choose the smallest set of refined stories that can prove one valuable outcome
inside the timebox. The backlog remains the product view; the sprint is a
temporary commitment to a subset.

## Produce

Resolve sprint-plan.md and the artifact contract from
<plugin-root>/templates/ and <plugin-root>/references/.

Create or update iterations/###-sprint.md with:

- iteration ID and start/end dates;
- timebox, defaulting to two weeks;
- decision-maker and capacity assumption;
- one Sprint Goal written as a demonstrable outcome;
- selected story IDs;
- value, risk, dependency, and learning rationale;
- explicit exclusions;
- Definition of Done;
- demonstration target;
- review decision date;
- policy for new requests.

Update selected stories to selected. Keep every other story in backlog.md with
its current status and history.

## Selection method

Rank candidates by:

1. contribution to the Sprint Goal;
2. risk or uncertainty reduced;
3. user value delivered;
4. dependency leverage;
5. learning gained within the timebox.

Choose a coherent slice, not the maximum number of stories. If the selected
stories do not fit the timebox, remove the lowest-contribution story or reduce
its scope through an explicit story decision.

## Scope protection

During the sprint, classify new requests as:

- clarification that does not change acceptance criteria;
- defect against selected behavior;
- new backlog story;
- explicit scope swap approved by the decision-maker.

A scope swap names what leaves the sprint and preserves the original selection in
the iteration record. Never append work because it appears small.

## Gate

Selection is ready for planning when one goal, one timebox, selected IDs,
acceptance criteria, capacity, exclusions, risks, Definition of Done, review
target, and review decision date are recorded. If the goal requires the entire
backlog, return to refinement and reduce it.

## Handoff

Pass the sprint record and selected story files to minimalist-sprint-planning.
No unselected story may appear in the implementation task list.