Claude Code

Let Opus Advise While Sonnet Does the Routine Work

How to put a cheaper main model in the driver's seat and call Opus only at the hard moments: the one command, which pairings work, what it costs, and where it does not run

Alex ChenAlex Chen@nocodealex · 45,000+ follow on Instagram
2min read
1prompts to copy
6numbered steps
4sections

Most turns in a Claude Code session are routine: reading files, running tests. The advisor lets a cheaper main model do those and ask a stronger model for advice at the moments that decide the outcome.

Step 1: pick a main model and an advisor

  1. Switch your main model to Sonnet with /model.
  2. Run /advisor opus. Claude Code confirms with 'Advisor set to' and saves it as your default.
  3. Or set it for one session only: claude --advisor opus. To save it in settings, add "advisorModel": "opus".

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