Basecamp MCP Server

Get Kanban Card

basecamp_get_kanban_card

Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve detailed information about a specific kanban card from a Basecamp project using its card ID.

Instructions

Get all details of a specific kanban card.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "card_id": "<card_id>"
    },
    "name": "basecamp_get_kanban_card"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`card_id`	Yes	Basecamp resource identifier

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed5 schema fields changedv1.2.1Jun 19, 2026

removedInput schema / properties / bucket_id

Removed value: -{
-  "description": "Basecamp resource identifier",
-  "type": "number"
-}

removedInput schema / properties / card_id / $ref
```
Removed value: -"#/properties/bucket_id"
```
addedInput schema / properties / card_id / description
```
Added value: +"Basecamp resource identifier"
```
addedInput schema / properties / card_id / type
```
Added value: +"number"
```

changedInput schema / required

Previous value: -[
-  "bucket_id",
-  "card_id"
-]New value: +[
+  "card_id"
+]

Addedv1.0.0Jan 4, 2026

TDQS

A3.5/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false, and idempotentHint=true, so the description adds little behavioral context. It does not contradict annotations but also does not expand on effects like network dependencies or expected response structure.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is a single clear sentence, appropriately concise for a simple get operation. It avoids unnecessary detail while conveying the core purpose.

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

Completeness2/5

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

With no output schema, the description should hint at return fields. 'All details' is vague; an agent cannot infer what properties the card has (e.g., title, column, due date). The description is incomplete for such a tool.

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

Parameters3/5

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

The single parameter 'card_id' is fully described in the input schema (100% coverage). The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides, meeting the baseline for a well-covered schema.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description clearly states the verb ('Get') and the resource ('kanban card'), and distinguishes this tool from siblings like 'basecamp_list_kanban_cards' which retrieves a list rather than a single card's full details.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description implies usage when a specific card's details are needed, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like listing or searching tools.

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

Deploy Server