diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 6c4fab3..05e413b 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -10,6 +10,13 @@
 - Small, focused functions
 - Follow existing patterns in src/
 
+## File Reading Policy
+- Ask before reading files unless immediately necessary for current task
+- Exception: Can read without asking if:
+  - Single small file (<100 lines) clearly needed
+  - File explicitly mentioned by user
+- When reading multiple files or large files (>200 lines), always verify first
+
 ## Code Style
 - Minimal comments - code should be self-documenting
 - No decorative comment blocks (===, ---, etc.)