Follow these Black Friday Eve tips to get the most out of the biggest shopping day of the year:

1. Be a proud couch potato – Don’t feel ashamed when you plop yourself in front of the TV for most of turkey day. You’re doing research. Keep a notepad near you and jot down the product and store that catches your eye. You are starting to compile your battle plan. Thanksgiving Day television is not just for football fans.

2. Don’t forget the newspaper - Did you know the Thanksgiving Day paper may weigh more than your turkey? Scour that pile of Black Friday advertisements carefully while you sip that after-dinner liqueur. Get a feel for what retailers are offering in 2009. Place your favorite ads aside.

3. Summarize your findings – Compile all your TV and newspaper research onto one sheet of paper. Include the product name and the establishment where you will attempt to confiscate. List the most important Black Friday treasure first, your second-favorite next, and so on and so forth. Once you have your list (and you have a pretty good idea of what the prices are) do a quick addition to make sure you have the cash or the room on your credit card.

4. Map it out – Your battle plan is not complete until you flip your sheet of paper over and develop a plan of attack. If you are tag-teaming Black Friday this year with friends and family, delegate certain people in charge of geographic areas. Divide and conquer! Map out an efficient route to keep you and your posse from darting back and forth across town, wasting time and gas.

5. One word: “caffeine” – Black Friday begins long before the sun rises (especially the further north you live). Coffee is a must for the seasoned Black Friday buccaneer. Prepare your coffeemaker the night before, complete with the ground coffee and water ready to go. If your coffeemaker has a timer, use it. If not, make sure the first thing you do when you wake up is turn it on. Have a thermos ready to fill on your way out the door. Keeping alert and fresh all morning is vital. 

6. Breakfast on the run – Prepare breakfast the night before and place it in the fridge. Do not plan on cooking or heating anything. Breakfast on the fly means grab-n-go. Black Friday favorites include breakfast sandwiches that can be eaten cold, yogurt and fruit.

7. Back-up alarm – There’s way too much risk in resting all your Black Friday hopes in one alarm clock. Set two alarm clocks to go off a few minutes apart. The second alarm will keep you from missing Black Friday altogether if you end up disarming the first one and falling back asleep. If you don’t have two alarm clocks, use your cell phone. All cell phones come with alarm features.

8. Lay it all out – Make sure your keys, map, product list, cell phone, walkie-talkies, extra gas cans and defibrillator are all packed in one spot by the door. Consider putting some of these essential items in the car so there’s no chance you’ll leave home without them. Cell phones are essential for each member of your team. You must be able to communicate and change plans midstream if the situation calls for it. Don’t forget to pack snacks, energy drinks and lunch (turkey sandwiches, of course).

9. Turn in early - If you’ve planned correctly and prepared properly, all that’s left is a good night’s sleep. Sufficient energy is required to maximize your Black Friday experience. Don’t drink alcohol in excess the night before, and refrain from eating within a few hours of bed time. Give you body a chance to recharge. You’re going to need every bit of strength.

10. Execute! - You’ve planned your work. Now, work your plan. Once the alarm clock wakes you, there’s no guesswork left. Pace yourself. Work quickly and precisely. Implement your battle plan just the way you drew it up the night before.