diff --git a/cmd/bd/merge_slot.go b/cmd/bd/merge_slot.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..df99eda3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmd/bd/merge_slot.go
@@ -0,0 +1,538 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/config"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/rpc"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/types"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/ui"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/beads/internal/utils"
+)
+
+// mergeSlotCmd is the parent command for merge-slot operations
+var mergeSlotCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:     "merge-slot",
+	GroupID: "issues",
+	Short:   "Manage merge-slot gates for serialized conflict resolution",
+	Long: `Merge-slot gates serialize conflict resolution in the merge queue.
+
+A merge slot is an exclusive access primitive: only one agent can hold it at a time.
+This prevents "monkey knife fights" where multiple polecats race to resolve conflicts
+and create cascading conflicts.
+
+Each rig has one merge slot bead: <prefix>-merge-slot (type=slot).
+The slot uses:
+  - status=open: slot is available
+  - status=in_progress: slot is held
+  - holder field: who currently holds the slot
+  - waiters field: priority-ordered queue of waiters
+
+Examples:
+  bd merge-slot create              # Create merge slot for current rig
+  bd merge-slot check               # Check if slot is available
+  bd merge-slot acquire             # Try to acquire the slot
+  bd merge-slot release             # Release the slot
+  bd merge-slot wait                # Wait for slot to become available`,
+}
+
+// mergeSlotCreateCmd creates a merge slot bead for the current rig
+var mergeSlotCreateCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "create",
+	Short: "Create a merge slot bead for the current rig",
+	Long: `Create a merge slot bead for serialized conflict resolution.
+
+The slot ID is automatically generated based on the beads prefix (e.g., gt-merge-slot).
+The slot is created with status=open (available).`,
+	Args: cobra.NoArgs,
+	RunE: runMergeSlotCreate,
+}
+
+// mergeSlotCheckCmd checks the current merge slot status
+var mergeSlotCheckCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "check",
+	Short: "Check merge slot availability",
+	Long: `Check if the merge slot is available or held.
+
+Returns:
+  - available: slot can be acquired
+  - held by <holder>: slot is currently held
+  - not found: no merge slot exists for this rig`,
+	Args: cobra.NoArgs,
+	RunE: runMergeSlotCheck,
+}
+
+// mergeSlotAcquireCmd attempts to acquire the merge slot
+var mergeSlotAcquireCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "acquire",
+	Short: "Acquire the merge slot",
+	Long: `Attempt to acquire the merge slot for exclusive access.
+
+If the slot is available (status=open), it will be acquired:
+  - status set to in_progress
+  - holder set to the requester
+
+If the slot is held (status=in_progress), the command fails and the
+requester is optionally added to the waiters list (use --wait flag).
+
+Use --holder to specify who is acquiring (default: BD_ACTOR env var).`,
+	Args: cobra.NoArgs,
+	RunE: runMergeSlotAcquire,
+}
+
+// mergeSlotReleaseCmd releases the merge slot
+var mergeSlotReleaseCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "release",
+	Short: "Release the merge slot",
+	Long: `Release the merge slot after conflict resolution is complete.
+
+Sets status back to open and clears the holder field.
+If there are waiters, the highest-priority waiter should then acquire.`,
+	Args: cobra.NoArgs,
+	RunE: runMergeSlotRelease,
+}
+
+var (
+	mergeSlotHolder    string
+	mergeSlotAddWaiter bool
+)
+
+func init() {
+	mergeSlotAcquireCmd.Flags().StringVar(&mergeSlotHolder, "holder", "", "Who is acquiring the slot (default: BD_ACTOR)")
+	mergeSlotAcquireCmd.Flags().BoolVar(&mergeSlotAddWaiter, "wait", false, "Add to waiters list if slot is held")
+	mergeSlotReleaseCmd.Flags().StringVar(&mergeSlotHolder, "holder", "", "Who is releasing the slot (for verification)")
+
+	mergeSlotCmd.AddCommand(mergeSlotCreateCmd)
+	mergeSlotCmd.AddCommand(mergeSlotCheckCmd)
+	mergeSlotCmd.AddCommand(mergeSlotAcquireCmd)
+	mergeSlotCmd.AddCommand(mergeSlotReleaseCmd)
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(mergeSlotCmd)
+}
+
+// getMergeSlotID returns the merge slot bead ID for the current rig
+func getMergeSlotID() string {
+	// Use the prefix from beads config (default "bd")
+	prefix := "bd"
+
+	// First try config.yaml (issue-prefix)
+	if configPrefix := config.GetString("issue-prefix"); configPrefix != "" {
+		prefix = strings.TrimSuffix(configPrefix, "-")
+	} else if store != nil {
+		// Fall back to database config
+		if dbPrefix, err := store.GetConfig(rootCtx, "issue_prefix"); err == nil && dbPrefix != "" {
+			prefix = strings.TrimSuffix(dbPrefix, "-")
+		}
+	}
+	return prefix + "-merge-slot"
+}
+
+func runMergeSlotCreate(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	CheckReadonly("merge-slot create")
+
+	slotID := getMergeSlotID()
+	ctx := rootCtx
+
+	// Check if slot already exists
+	var existing *types.Issue
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		resp, err := daemonClient.Show(&rpc.ShowArgs{ID: slotID})
+		if err == nil && resp.Success {
+			if uerr := json.Unmarshal(resp.Data, &existing); uerr == nil {
+				fmt.Printf("Merge slot already exists: %s\n", slotID)
+				return nil
+			}
+		}
+	} else {
+		existing, _ = store.GetIssue(ctx, slotID)
+		if existing != nil {
+			fmt.Printf("Merge slot already exists: %s\n", slotID)
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Create the merge slot bead
+	title := "Merge Slot"
+	description := "Exclusive access slot for serialized conflict resolution in the merge queue."
+	slotType := types.TypeSlot
+
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		createArgs := &rpc.CreateArgs{
+			ID:          slotID,
+			Title:       title,
+			Description: description,
+			IssueType:   string(slotType),
+			Priority:    0, // P0 - system infrastructure
+		}
+		resp, err := daemonClient.Create(createArgs)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to create merge slot: %w", err)
+		}
+		if !resp.Success {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to create merge slot: %s", resp.Error)
+		}
+	} else {
+		issue := &types.Issue{
+			ID:          slotID,
+			Title:       title,
+			Description: description,
+			IssueType:   slotType,
+			Status:      types.StatusOpen,
+			Priority:    0,
+		}
+		if err := store.CreateIssue(ctx, issue, actor); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to create merge slot: %w", err)
+		}
+		markDirtyAndScheduleFlush()
+	}
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		result := map[string]interface{}{
+			"id":     slotID,
+			"status": "open",
+		}
+		encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+		return encoder.Encode(result)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("%s Created merge slot: %s\n", ui.RenderPass("✓"), slotID)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runMergeSlotCheck(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	slotID := getMergeSlotID()
+	ctx := rootCtx
+
+	// Get the slot bead
+	var slot *types.Issue
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		resp, err := daemonClient.Show(&rpc.ShowArgs{ID: slotID})
+		if err != nil {
+			if jsonOutput {
+				result := map[string]interface{}{
+					"id":        slotID,
+					"available": false,
+					"error":     "not found",
+				}
+				encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+				encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+				return encoder.Encode(result)
+			}
+			fmt.Printf("Merge slot not found: %s\n", slotID)
+			fmt.Printf("Run 'bd merge-slot create' to create one.\n")
+			return nil
+		}
+		var details types.IssueDetails
+		if uerr := json.Unmarshal(resp.Data, &details); uerr != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("parsing response: %w", uerr)
+		}
+		slot = &details.Issue
+	} else {
+		var err error
+		slot, err = store.GetIssue(ctx, slotID)
+		if err != nil || slot == nil {
+			if jsonOutput {
+				result := map[string]interface{}{
+					"id":        slotID,
+					"available": false,
+					"error":     "not found",
+				}
+				encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+				encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+				return encoder.Encode(result)
+			}
+			fmt.Printf("Merge slot not found: %s\n", slotID)
+			fmt.Printf("Run 'bd merge-slot create' to create one.\n")
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	available := slot.Status == types.StatusOpen
+	holder := slot.Holder
+	waiters := slot.Waiters
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		result := map[string]interface{}{
+			"id":        slotID,
+			"available": available,
+			"status":    string(slot.Status),
+			"holder":    emptyToNil(holder),
+			"waiters":   waiters,
+		}
+		encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+		return encoder.Encode(result)
+	}
+
+	if available {
+		fmt.Printf("%s Merge slot available: %s\n", ui.RenderPass("✓"), slotID)
+	} else {
+		fmt.Printf("%s Merge slot held: %s\n", ui.RenderAccent("○"), slotID)
+		fmt.Printf("  Holder: %s\n", holder)
+		if len(waiters) > 0 {
+			fmt.Printf("  Waiters: %d\n", len(waiters))
+			for i, w := range waiters {
+				fmt.Printf("    %d. %s\n", i+1, w)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runMergeSlotAcquire(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	CheckReadonly("merge-slot acquire")
+
+	slotID := getMergeSlotID()
+	ctx := rootCtx
+
+	// Determine holder
+	holder := mergeSlotHolder
+	if holder == "" {
+		holder = actor
+	}
+	if holder == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("no holder specified; use --holder or set BD_ACTOR env var")
+	}
+
+	// Get the slot bead
+	var slot *types.Issue
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		// Try to resolve the slot ID first
+		resp, err := daemonClient.ResolveID(&rpc.ResolveIDArgs{ID: slotID})
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("merge slot not found: %s (run 'bd merge-slot create' first)", slotID)
+		}
+		var resolvedID string
+		if uerr := json.Unmarshal(resp.Data, &resolvedID); uerr != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("parsing response: %w", uerr)
+		}
+
+		showResp, showErr := daemonClient.Show(&rpc.ShowArgs{ID: resolvedID})
+		if showErr != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("merge slot not found: %s", slotID)
+		}
+		var details types.IssueDetails
+		if uerr := json.Unmarshal(showResp.Data, &details); uerr != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("parsing response: %w", uerr)
+		}
+		slot = &details.Issue
+	} else {
+		var err error
+		resolvedID, err := utils.ResolvePartialID(ctx, store, slotID)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("merge slot not found: %s (run 'bd merge-slot create' first)", slotID)
+		}
+		slot, err = store.GetIssue(ctx, resolvedID)
+		if err != nil || slot == nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("merge slot not found: %s", slotID)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Check slot availability
+	if slot.Status != types.StatusOpen {
+		// Slot is held
+		if mergeSlotAddWaiter {
+			// Add to waiters list
+			alreadyWaiting := false
+			for _, w := range slot.Waiters {
+				if w == holder {
+					alreadyWaiting = true
+					break
+				}
+			}
+
+			if !alreadyWaiting {
+				newWaiters := append(slot.Waiters, holder)
+				if daemonClient != nil {
+					updateArgs := &rpc.UpdateArgs{
+						ID:      slot.ID,
+						Waiters: newWaiters,
+					}
+					_, err := daemonClient.Update(updateArgs)
+					if err != nil {
+						return fmt.Errorf("failed to add waiter: %w", err)
+					}
+				} else {
+					updates := map[string]interface{}{
+						"waiters": newWaiters,
+					}
+					if err := store.UpdateIssue(ctx, slot.ID, updates, actor); err != nil {
+						return fmt.Errorf("failed to add waiter: %w", err)
+					}
+					markDirtyAndScheduleFlush()
+				}
+			}
+
+			if jsonOutput {
+				result := map[string]interface{}{
+					"id":       slot.ID,
+					"acquired": false,
+					"waiting":  true,
+					"holder":   slot.Holder,
+					"position": len(slot.Waiters) + 1,
+				}
+				encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+				encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+				return encoder.Encode(result)
+			}
+
+			fmt.Printf("%s Slot held by %s, added to waiters queue (position %d)\n",
+				ui.RenderAccent("○"), slot.Holder, len(slot.Waiters)+1)
+			os.Exit(1) // Exit with error to indicate slot not acquired
+		}
+
+		if jsonOutput {
+			result := map[string]interface{}{
+				"id":       slot.ID,
+				"acquired": false,
+				"holder":   slot.Holder,
+			}
+			encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+			encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+			return encoder.Encode(result)
+		}
+
+		fmt.Printf("%s Slot held by: %s\n", ui.RenderFail("✗"), slot.Holder)
+		fmt.Printf("Use --wait to add yourself to the waiters queue.\n")
+		os.Exit(1) // Exit with error to indicate slot not acquired
+	}
+
+	// Slot is available - acquire it
+	inProgressStatus := string(types.StatusInProgress)
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		updateArgs := &rpc.UpdateArgs{
+			ID:     slot.ID,
+			Status: &inProgressStatus,
+			Holder: &holder,
+		}
+		_, err := daemonClient.Update(updateArgs)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to acquire slot: %w", err)
+		}
+	} else {
+		updates := map[string]interface{}{
+			"status": types.StatusInProgress,
+			"holder": holder,
+		}
+		if err := store.UpdateIssue(ctx, slot.ID, updates, actor); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to acquire slot: %w", err)
+		}
+		markDirtyAndScheduleFlush()
+	}
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		result := map[string]interface{}{
+			"id":       slot.ID,
+			"acquired": true,
+			"holder":   holder,
+		}
+		encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+		return encoder.Encode(result)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("%s Acquired merge slot: %s\n", ui.RenderPass("✓"), slot.ID)
+	fmt.Printf("  Holder: %s\n", holder)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runMergeSlotRelease(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	CheckReadonly("merge-slot release")
+
+	slotID := getMergeSlotID()
+	ctx := rootCtx
+
+	// Get the slot bead
+	var slot *types.Issue
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		resp, err := daemonClient.Show(&rpc.ShowArgs{ID: slotID})
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("merge slot not found: %s", slotID)
+		}
+		var details types.IssueDetails
+		if uerr := json.Unmarshal(resp.Data, &details); uerr != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("parsing response: %w", uerr)
+		}
+		slot = &details.Issue
+	} else {
+		var err error
+		slot, err = store.GetIssue(ctx, slotID)
+		if err != nil || slot == nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("merge slot not found: %s", slotID)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Verify holder if specified
+	if mergeSlotHolder != "" && slot.Holder != mergeSlotHolder {
+		return fmt.Errorf("slot held by %s, not %s", slot.Holder, mergeSlotHolder)
+	}
+
+	// Check if slot is actually held
+	if slot.Status == types.StatusOpen {
+		if jsonOutput {
+			result := map[string]interface{}{
+				"id":       slot.ID,
+				"released": false,
+				"error":    "slot not held",
+			}
+			encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+			encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+			return encoder.Encode(result)
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("Slot is not held: %s\n", slot.ID)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	previousHolder := slot.Holder
+	waiters := slot.Waiters
+
+	// Release the slot
+	openStatus := string(types.StatusOpen)
+	emptyHolder := ""
+	if daemonClient != nil {
+		updateArgs := &rpc.UpdateArgs{
+			ID:     slot.ID,
+			Status: &openStatus,
+			Holder: &emptyHolder,
+		}
+		_, err := daemonClient.Update(updateArgs)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to release slot: %w", err)
+		}
+	} else {
+		updates := map[string]interface{}{
+			"status": types.StatusOpen,
+			"holder": "",
+		}
+		if err := store.UpdateIssue(ctx, slot.ID, updates, actor); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to release slot: %w", err)
+		}
+		markDirtyAndScheduleFlush()
+	}
+
+	if jsonOutput {
+		result := map[string]interface{}{
+			"id":              slot.ID,
+			"released":        true,
+			"previous_holder": previousHolder,
+			"waiters":         len(waiters),
+		}
+		encoder := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		encoder.SetIndent("", "  ")
+		return encoder.Encode(result)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("%s Released merge slot: %s\n", ui.RenderPass("✓"), slot.ID)
+	fmt.Printf("  Previous holder: %s\n", previousHolder)
+	if len(waiters) > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("  Waiters pending: %d\n", len(waiters))
+		fmt.Printf("  Next in queue: %s\n", waiters[0])
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/rpc/protocol.go b/internal/rpc/protocol.go
index c5b5d650..347f15ef 100644
--- a/internal/rpc/protocol.go
+++ b/internal/rpc/protocol.go
@@ -164,6 +164,8 @@ type UpdateArgs struct {
 	// Gate fields
 	AwaitID *string  `json:"await_id,omitempty"` // Condition identifier for gates (run ID, PR number, etc.)
 	Waiters []string `json:"waiters,omitempty"`  // Mail addresses to notify when gate clears
+	// Slot fields
+	Holder *string `json:"holder,omitempty"` // Who currently holds the slot (for type=slot beads)
 }
 
 // CloseArgs represents arguments for the close operation
diff --git a/internal/rpc/server_issues_epics.go b/internal/rpc/server_issues_epics.go
index e787f0d0..761dbee5 100644
--- a/internal/rpc/server_issues_epics.go
+++ b/internal/rpc/server_issues_epics.go
@@ -142,6 +142,10 @@ func updatesFromArgs(a UpdateArgs) map[string]interface{} {
 	if len(a.Waiters) > 0 {
 		u["waiters"] = a.Waiters
 	}
+	// Slot fields
+	if a.Holder != nil {
+		u["holder"] = *a.Holder
+	}
 	return u
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/types/types.go b/internal/types/types.go
index 7e405e4b..9e28a124 100644
--- a/internal/types/types.go
+++ b/internal/types/types.go
@@ -91,6 +91,9 @@ type Issue struct {
 	Timeout   time.Duration `json:"timeout,omitempty"`    // Max wait time before escalation
 	Waiters   []string      `json:"waiters,omitempty"`    // Mail addresses to notify when gate clears
 
+	// ===== Slot Fields (exclusive access primitives) =====
+	Holder string `json:"holder,omitempty"` // Who currently holds the slot (empty = available)
+
 	// ===== Source Tracing Fields (formula cooking origin) =====
 	SourceFormula  string `json:"source_formula,omitempty"`  // Formula name where step was defined
 	SourceLocation string `json:"source_location,omitempty"` // Path: "steps[0]", "advice[0].after"
@@ -163,6 +166,9 @@ func (i *Issue) ComputeContentHash() string {
 		w.str(waiter)
 	}
 
+	// Slot fields for exclusive access
+	w.str(i.Holder)
+
 	// Agent identity fields
 	w.str(i.HookBead)
 	w.str(i.RoleBead)
@@ -413,12 +419,13 @@ const (
 	TypeRole         IssueType = "role"          // Agent role definition
 	TypeConvoy       IssueType = "convoy"        // Cross-project tracking with reactive completion
 	TypeEvent        IssueType = "event"         // Operational state change record
+	TypeSlot         IssueType = "slot"          // Exclusive access slot (merge-slot gate)
 )
 
 // IsValid checks if the issue type value is valid
 func (t IssueType) IsValid() bool {
 	switch t {
-	case TypeBug, TypeFeature, TypeTask, TypeEpic, TypeChore, TypeMessage, TypeMergeRequest, TypeMolecule, TypeGate, TypeAgent, TypeRole, TypeConvoy, TypeEvent:
+	case TypeBug, TypeFeature, TypeTask, TypeEpic, TypeChore, TypeMessage, TypeMergeRequest, TypeMolecule, TypeGate, TypeAgent, TypeRole, TypeConvoy, TypeEvent, TypeSlot:
 		return true
 	}
 	return false