The Cooler Protocol is a three-phase system for handling variance in PLO cash. Cooler Prep is what you do before you sit down - Variance Pre-Mortem, A-Game Floor, Stake Frame. Cooler Response is what you do mid-session when variance hits - the 3-Hand Rule, the Stop-Loss Trigger, the Reset Breath. Cooler Recovery is what you do after - the 24-Hour Rule, the Two-Column Review, the Downswing Map. Nine tools, three phases, one system.