1. Prepare Your Loaf for Scoring: Once your sourdough loaf has completed its final proof and is ready to bake, gently transfer it from its proofing basket (banneton) onto a piece of parchment paper or directly into your preheated Dutch oven. Ensure the seam side is down, and the smooth, taut surface is facing up.

2. Lightly Dust the Surface: Using a fine-mesh sieve, lightly dust the top surface of your loaf with a thin, even layer of rice flour or all-purpose flour. This step helps your score marks stand out and prevents your lame from sticking to the dough.

3. Hold Your Lame Correctly: A bread lame (pronounced “lahm”) is a special razor blade holder used for scoring. Hold it firmly at a shallow angle, typically around 30-45 degrees to the surface of the dough. A shallower angle helps create a pronounced “ear,” while a steeper angle creates a more open cut.

4. Execute a Simple Cross Score: For a classic and easy design, make a single, confident cut across the top of the loaf from one side to the other. Then, make a second cut perpendicular to the first, forming a cross or “X” shape. Ensure these cuts are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep.

5. Try a Simple Box Score: Another easy design involves making four straight cuts to form a square or box on the top of your loaf. Start with two parallel cuts, then add two more parallel cuts perpendicular to the first two, creating a neat grid. These cuts should also be about 1/2 inch deep.

6. Consider a Single Straight Cut: The simplest of all designs is a single, confident slash down the center of your loaf. This is excellent for beginners and still allows for a beautiful ear and controlled expansion. Aim for a depth of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch.

7. Bake Immediately After Scoring: Once you’ve made your desired score marks, place your loaf into the preheated oven as quickly as possible. The scoring helps the dough expand in a controlled manner during the initial “oven spring,” and delaying baking can cause the cuts to lose their definition.

8. Observe the Oven Spring: As your bread bakes, watch how the scored areas open up. The flour dusting will highlight the cuts, creating a beautiful contrast and revealing your simple, yet effective, design.