list_cards

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full disclosure burden and handles it well: it explicitly says the two counts are 'never reconciled', that the tool 'shows the disagreement rather than picking one', and that the limit only affects listed rows. It does not discuss auth, rate limits, or errors, but those are not critical for a read-style listing tool and no contradiction exists.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is compact and every sentence earns its place, especially the crucial no-reconciliation detail and the filter behavior. The first sentence is dense and parenthetical-heavy, making it slightly harder to parse than a cleaner front-loaded statement, which prevents a 5.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a two-parameter tool with no output schema, the description tells the agent what the output contains (two labelled counts, recent rows), how filters shape the listing, and what happens when counts diverge. It does not specify the exact response shape or error cases, but those are not necessary for the agent to invoke and interpret the tool correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, and the schema already documents axis case-insensitivity, limit bounds, the default, and the fact that counts are always reported in full. The description merely names the two filters, adding no new semantic meaning beyond the schema, so the baseline of 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description identifies a specific resource (the signed-card index and card store endpoint) and explains that the tool reports two labelled counts plus optional recent rows. It does not open with a verb and relies on the name for the listing action, and it does not explicitly differentiate from siblings like get_card or verify_card, so it is not a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives clear context: use this tool to see the index-declared count versus the store-reported count without reconciliation, and to list recent rows with optional filters. It even states what happens when the counts disagree, but it never names alternatives or says when not to use it, so it falls short of explicit routing guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.