diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index df00297..f9f2677 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -133,6 +133,13 @@ make version-bump-major   # bump N.0.0
 
 ## Creating Pull Requests
 
+**Never push directly to `main`.** Always create a feature branch, push the branch, and open a PR. Branch protection requires CI to pass before merge.
+
+```bash
+git checkout -b <branch-name>
+git push -u origin <branch-name>
+```
+
 Always use `.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md`. Pass `--assignee @me` on `gh pr create` — `gh pr edit` lacks the required token scope.
 
 ```bash