Why A Checklist Works (Even For Strong Players)
A checklist helps because it:
- prevents autopilot
- reduces tilt mistakes
- improves table selection
- keeps sessions consistent
- protects you from “emotion poker”
Online speed punishes sloppy starts.
This is your guardrail.
If you want the full foundation first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips.
The 3-Minute Pre-Session Checklist
1) Mental State Check (Be Honest)
Ask:
- Am I calm enough to make good decisions?
- Am I playing to win money—or to “get it back”?
- If I lose two buy-ins quickly, will I stay disciplined?
If the answer is “no,” do one of these:
- delay the session 30 minutes
- play fewer tables
- play lower stakes
- skip today
Skipping is a skill.
2) Bankroll Rule Check (Your Session Guardrails)
Set rules before you play:
- Buy-in stop-loss: ____ buy-ins
- Time stop: ____ minutes/hours
- Table limit: ____ tables max
- Re-entry rule (tournaments): ____ bullets max
Your rules protect you when your emotions don’t.
If you need bankroll structure, revisit How To Manage Your Online Poker Bankroll.
3) Game And Table Selection (Don’t Sit In Bad Games)
Ask:
- Is this table/pool actually soft?
- Are there obvious weaker players?
- Is the format right for my focus today?
- Am I choosing this game because it’s good—or because it’s fast?
If tables look tough or weird, leave early.
That decision alone saves bankroll.
If you want a selection framework, revisit Table Selection Strategies To Boost Win Rate.
4) One Focus Goal (Pick One Leak)
Choose one thing to focus on today.
Examples:
- “No lazy preflop calls out of position.”
- “C-bet less without a turn plan.”
- “No big river hero calls without evidence.”
- “Value bet thin vs calling stations.”
One focus goal keeps your brain organized.
If you want the method, revisit How To Build A Profitable Poker Study Routine.
5) Quick Warm-Up (60 Seconds)
Do a fast “brain-on” warm-up:
- review your one focus goal
- take 3 deep breaths
- open one hand history and remind yourself what a “good fold” looks like
This sounds simple, but it reduces impulsive clicking.
6) Tilt Trigger Plan (Pre-Commit Before Tilt)
Write your trigger:
If I feel ________, I will ________.
Examples:
- “If I feel angry after a bad beat, I take a 10-minute break.”
- “If I start clicking fast, I close one table.”
- “If I want to re-enter impulsively, I stand up and walk away.”
Pre-commitment beats willpower.
The “During Session” Mini-Checklist (So You Stay On Track)
Use this during play:
- Am I still following my table limit?
- Am I still within my stop-loss/time stop?
- Am I making decisions calmly?
- Am I playing hands because they’re profitable—or because I’m bored?
- Have I tagged at least 3 hands to review later?
If your answers get sloppy, end the session.
The Post-Session 5-Minute Closeout (Where Improvement Happens)
Don’t just rage quit.
Close the session cleanly:
- Tag 3–5 hands
- Write one note: “What was my biggest mistake pattern today?”
- Write one win: “What did I do well?”
- Decide your next focus goal (or keep the same one)
That’s it.
Small reviews beat big plans.
Copy/Paste Pre-Session Checklist (Use This Every Time)
Copy this into your notes app:
Mental State
- I am calm: ✅ / ❌
- I am not chasing losses: ✅ / ❌
- If I’m not calm, I will play lower / fewer tables / skip: ✅
Session Rules
- Stop-loss: ____ buy-ins (or ____ $)
- Time stop: ____ minutes
- Tables max: ____
- Tournaments bullets max: ____
Game Selection
- I am choosing a soft game/pool: ✅ / ❌
- If the game feels tough, I will change tables or quit: ✅
Focus Goal (One Only)
- Today I focus on: ______________________
Tilt Plan
- If I feel __________________, I will __________________.
Post-Session
- Tag 3–5 hands ✅
- Write 1 mistake pattern ✅
- Write 1 thing done well ✅
Quick Takeaways
- Most mistakes begin before the first hand—your checklist prevents autopilot
- Set bankroll guardrails (stop-loss, time stop, table limit) before playing
- Choose games intentionally; leave tough tables early
- Pick one focus goal to avoid mental overload
- Pre-commit a tilt trigger plan so emotions don’t control decisions
- Do a 5-minute closeout to lock in improvement
Mini FAQ
Should I Use A Checklist Every Session?
Yes. The whole point is consistency. It takes 2–3 minutes and saves buy-ins.
What’s The Most Important Item On The Checklist?
Your stop-loss and tilt plan. Most bankroll damage comes from emotional extensions.
Can This Work For Tournaments Too?
Absolutely. Add a bullets limit and a registration plan so you don’t “revenge late reg.”
Where To Go Next
You’ve now completed the Week 3 online poker series.
If you want to reinforce everything you learned, the best next move is to revisit the pillar and then pick the area where you make the most expensive mistakes (river calls, preflop discipline, tilt control, or study routine).
Start again with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips (Pillar).
