Oblique Strategies

Over One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemmas by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt

Designed to help artists, musicians, writers, and creatives break through mental roadblocks and approach their work from fresh, unexpected angles. Created in 1975 by Brian Eno and artist Peter Schmidt, this unique tool encourages lateral thinking by offering unconventional prompts and creative dilemmas.

Each card contains a concise statement—ranging from direct suggestions like "Use an old idea" to more abstract provocations such as "Consider different fading systems". The goal is to challenge habitual thinking patterns and invite new possibilities into the creative process. They have been used by artists such as David Bowie, Coldplay, and Damon Albarn to inspire innovation in their creative work.

The current 2001 Fifth Edition of Oblique Strategies maintains the elegant, minimalist aesthetic of previous editions, housed in a sleek black box with gold foil stamping. Each card remains as relevant today as when first conceived, making the deck an enduring tool for anyone looking to unlock creativity and embrace the unexpected.

Whether you’re facing creative block or simply looking for a fresh perspective, Oblique Strategies serves as an indispensable companion for navigating the artistic unknown.