diff --git a/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/anthropic.go b/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/anthropic.go
index 3908258..cff568c 100644
--- a/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/anthropic.go
+++ b/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/anthropic.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ func buildRequest(params model.RequestParameters, messages []model.Message) Requ
 	startIdx := 0
 	if len(messages) > 0 && messages[0].Role == model.MessageRoleSystem {
 		requestBody.System = messages[0].Content
-		requestBody.Messages = requestBody.Messages[:len(messages)-1]
+		requestBody.Messages = requestBody.Messages[1:]
 		startIdx = 1
 	}
 
diff --git a/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/tools.go b/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/tools.go
index 7c52b1e..2d91504 100644
--- a/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/tools.go
+++ b/pkg/lmcli/provider/anthropic/tools.go
@@ -9,9 +9,10 @@ import (
 	"git.mlow.ca/mlow/lmcli/pkg/lmcli/model"
 )
 
-const TOOL_PREAMBLE = `In this environment you have access to a set of tools which may assist you in fulfilling user requests.
+const TOOL_PREAMBLE = `You have access to the following tools when replying.
 
 You may call them like this:
+
 <function_calls>
 <invoke>
 <tool_name>$TOOL_NAME</tool_name>
@@ -24,6 +25,14 @@ You may call them like this:
 
 Here are the tools available:`
 
+const TOOL_PREAMBLE_FOOTER = `Recognize the utility of these tools in a broad range of different applications, and the power they give you to solve a wide range of different problems. However, ensure that the tools are used judiciously and only when clearly relevant to the user's request. Specifically:
+
+1. Only use a tool if the user has explicitly requested or provided information that warrants its use. Do not make assumptions about files or data existing without the user mentioning them.
+
+2. If there is ambiguity about whether using a tool is appropriate, ask a clarifying question to the user before proceeding. Confirm your understanding of their request and intent.
+
+3. Prioritize providing direct responses and explanations based on your own knowledge and understanding. Use tools to supplement and enhance your responses when clearly applicable, but not as a default action.`
+
 type XMLTools struct {
 	XMLName          struct{}             `xml:"tools"`
 	ToolDescriptions []XMLToolDescription `xml:"tool_description"`
@@ -151,7 +160,7 @@ func buildToolsSystemPrompt(tools []model.Tool) string {
 	if err != nil {
 		panic("Could not serialize []model.Tool to XMLTools")
 	}
-	return TOOL_PREAMBLE + "\n" + xmlToolsString + "\n"
+	return TOOL_PREAMBLE + "\n\n" + xmlToolsString + "\n\n" + TOOL_PREAMBLE_FOOTER
 }
 
 func (x XMLTools) XMLString() (string, error) {