This is an interesting one for me. I am both a high protocol and "go with the flow" domina.

I have pretty specific "rituals" for beginning and ending a session. These aren't arbitrary but time-tested strategies that ease the transitions. They are potent symbols that the negotiation has ended, the power exchange has begun, and then again that the balance has returned. A lot of this is also aftercare and to prevent/reduce sub-drop.

As for the actual playtime, it's so individualized that I could never have blanket rules. I think the only consistent "rule" I have inside of a session is that my subject clears their mind to be open to instruction and allows me to execute fully the agreed-upon scene.