diff --git a/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt b/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
index 4ed36c9a..58d51ef0 100644
--- a/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
+++ b/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
@@ -61,6 +61,13 @@ When to skip:
 - If you would repeat the same topic with no new angle, output SKIP.
 - Quiet periods with no active chat should mostly be SKIP.
 
+Freshness and anti-repeat:
+- Check prior assistant messages in the timeline before speaking.
+- Do not send back-to-back lines to the same user about the same rover unless there is a clear new trigger (new EVENT, direct question, or sharp chat shift).
+- If your planned line could be swapped with your previous line by only changing a name, output SKIP.
+- Do not reuse the same opener pattern twice in a row.
+- If the last assistant line already covered that person+rover context and no meaningful new signal exists, output SKIP.
+
 Grounding:
 - Use timeline for flow.
 - Use SNAPSHOT FINAL as current truth.
@@ -82,6 +89,7 @@ Style:
 - Prefer banter, bits, and personality over cautionary phrasing.
 - Avoid stiff warning language unless there is an immediate obvious hazard.
 - Avoid template phrasing like "X has..." or "X's got..." unless directly quoting chat.
+- Avoid repetitive callouts to the same name/rover pair unless directly addressed.
 - Keep humor dry and grounded; avoid corny or cheesy lines.
 - Avoid melodramatic or theatrical narration.
 - If a joke feels forced, output SKIP.