In chapter 21 of A-Game Poker, Elliot Roe introduces the A-Game Audit—a rapid self-assessment tool designed to help players determine whether they are currently performing at a profitable, focused, and emotionally stable level. It provides an objective checkpoint to decide whether to continue playing, take a break, or end the session, as well as guidance for improving the rest of the session if continuation is necessary.

Purpose of the A-Game Audit

The audit is a 10-question mental checklist that:

Helps you identify your current performance level with clarity rather than emotion.
Highlights problems in focus, energy, mindset, or emotional state.
Provides the data needed to make rational decisions about continuing or stopping.
Offers a framework for returning to A-Game if you must keep playing (e.g., in tournaments).

Roe provides multiple printable versions—full-page and business card size—so players can easily reference the checklist during sessions.

When to Use the A-Game Audit

Roe recommends two primary use cases:

1. Scheduled, routine check-ins

Pair audits with regular break intervals.
Frequency depends on session length and personal needs:
- About once per hour for many players.
- For very long sessions:
  - Start with every two hours
  - Increase to every 30 minutes toward the end
Use alarms, watches, tournament clock intervals, dealer changes, or other consistent cues.

2. Triggered check-ins

Whenever you notice a sudden emotional shift (anger, frustration, excitement, anxiety).
When you sense your play slipping or becoming impulsive.
As a preventive tool to avoid entering tilt or decision fatigue.

The A-Game Audit in 30 Seconds

The audit is meant to be quick. Its power comes from rapidly bringing awareness to factors that influence decision quality.

Below is a structured summary of the 10 audit questions and their purpose:

1. Are You Playing on Autopilot?

Autopilot indicates major risk: reduced awareness, routine decision making, and energy depletion.
A “yes” signals:
- Immediate need to refocus,
- Take a break, or
- End the session entirely.
Sometimes noticing autopilot is enough to break it; often it isn’t.

2. What’s Your Focus Level (1–10)?

Gives a numerical snapshot of clarity and attention.
Levels below ~8 require caution.
Self-awareness alone can sometimes improve the score (e.g., realizing you were at a 5 may pull you up to a 7 or 8).

3. What Letter Grade Level Are You Currently Playing At?

Identify whether you’re in:
- A-Game
- B-Game
- C-Game (or worse)
If below A-Game, the rest of the audit helps you decide whether to continue and what adjustments are needed.

4. What Is Your Energy Level (1–10)?

Critical for sustaining logic, discipline, and patience.
Even if you’re currently playing well, low energy predicts imminent performance decline.
Helps you intervene before fatigue damages your results.

5. How Are You Talking to Yourself?

Checks the tone of your internal dialogue.
Negative or harsh self-talk indicates compromised mindset.
Awareness often allows immediate correction; if not, stopping may be wise.

6. What Are You Feeling?

Identifies emotional state (anger, tilt, excitement, fear, confidence, joy).
Emotional intensity—positive or negative—can distort judgment.
Recognizing the feeling helps determine if you can continue safely.

7. How Do You Want to Feel?

Bridges the gap between current state and optimal state.
Prompts actionable steps to align emotions with your performance goals.
Supports intentional mindset shifts rather than reactive ones.

8. Rate Your Current Profitability in This Game

The central strategic question:
Is this seat profitable right now?
Consider:
- Opponent quality
- Game dynamics
- Your energy and focus
- Emotional stability
A good game may still be unprofitable if you’re performing poorly—and vice versa.

9. Will You Continue Playing?

The audit provides data but doesn’t choose for you.
For cash games: You have the freedom to leave when needed.
For tournaments: You can’t simply quit, but you can:
- Stop late registering
- Adjust strategy
- Use the audit to correct course

Purpose:

Ensure the decision is rational, not emotional.

10. What Must You Do to Continue Playing at the Same Level or Higher Before the Next Audit?

If you’re performing well:
- Identify what will maintain that state.
If you’re below A-Game but continue anyway:
- Determine specific adjustments (break, breathing, mental reset, hydration, etc.).
This step turns awareness into action.

This final question differentiates true A-Game players from average ones—those who can actively shift back toward peak performance mid-session.

Integrating the Audit Into Your Poker Routine

Roe recommends:

Keeping printed versions accessible at all times.
Building habitual check-ins until the audit becomes second nature.
Using it proactively, not only during crises.
Viewing it as a performance-management tool, not a punishment or criticism.

A-Game Exercise: Audit the Audit

Roe gives a structured exercise to help players internalize the process:

Do NOT implement this exercise while simultaneously adopting the A.G.A.M.E. Pre-Session Protocol.
(Trying to adopt multiple new habits at once leads to overwhelm.)
Once you’ve used the pre-session protocol for three sessions, begin using the A-Game Audit.
For the next three sessions, complete detailed write-ups about:
- How it affected your performance
- Any changes in focus, energy, mindset, decision quality
- How awareness influenced your decisions