diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6f406b2..9471e26 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -251,6 +251,42 @@ fn expectations_are_checked_before_the_next_step() {
 }
 ```
 
+## Clearing rules between steps
+
+`checkpoint()` checks a mock's rules so far and then removes them, so the next
+step of a test can set its own. Use it when an earlier rule would otherwise keep
+answering, such as a rule with the default unlimited count.
+
+```rust
+use shimforge::{Session, mock};
+
+fn read_status(service: &str) -> String {
+    // Queries a health endpoint in production.
+    format!("{service}: live")
+}
+
+fn is_ready(service: &str) -> bool {
+    read_status(service).ends_with("ready")
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn each_step_starts_with_its_own_rules() {
+    let mut session = Session::new();
+    let status = mock!(session, read_status, fn(&str) -> String);
+
+    // Step 1: the service is still starting, however often it is asked.
+    status.expect().returns("billing: starting".to_owned());
+    assert!(!is_ready("billing"));
+    assert!(!is_ready("billing"));
+    // Checks step 1 and removes its rule, which would otherwise keep answering.
+    status.checkpoint();
+
+    // Step 2: the service is ready.
+    status.expect().once().returns("billing: ready".to_owned());
+    assert!(is_ready("billing"));
+}
+```
+
 ## Return values and call order
 
 `returns` clones a value, `return_once` moves it, and `returning` runs a closure
diff --git a/tests/readme.rs b/tests/readme.rs
index db1a61c..7f735a3 100644
--- a/tests/readme.rs
+++ b/tests/readme.rs
@@ -146,6 +146,36 @@ mod checking_expectations_during_a_test {
     }
 }
 
+mod clearing_rules_between_steps {
+    use shimforge::{Session, mock};
+
+    fn read_status(service: &str) -> String {
+        // Queries a health endpoint in production.
+        format!("{service}: live")
+    }
+
+    fn is_ready(service: &str) -> bool {
+        read_status(service).ends_with("ready")
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn each_step_starts_with_its_own_rules() {
+        let mut session = Session::new();
+        let status = mock!(session, read_status, fn(&str) -> String);
+
+        // Step 1: the service is still starting, however often it is asked.
+        status.expect().returns("billing: starting".to_owned());
+        assert!(!is_ready("billing"));
+        assert!(!is_ready("billing"));
+        // Checks step 1 and removes its rule, which would otherwise keep answering.
+        status.checkpoint();
+
+        // Step 2: the service is ready.
+        status.expect().once().returns("billing: ready".to_owned());
+        assert!(is_ready("billing"));
+    }
+}
+
 mod return_values_and_call_order {
     use shimforge::{Sequence, Session, mock};