Hi AIMSters,
My name is Robert. I am from Texas and I have had experience with forex and AIMS over the years. My first introduction to forex markets was in 2004 but it wasn’t until 2009 that I took the opportunity to start trading. Like most who begin this journey, I was overwhelmed with the endless strategies that existed, cluttering my mind and charts with useless information.
Some time later a good friend introduced me and others of our small trading community to this “alligator” on his charts breaking out of some “grey boxes” with a taste for Japanese candlesticks. He displayed another indicator that was so great it was called “awesome.” My first reaction was that our friend was cooked; I was certain he had lost his mind.
But he convinced us that everything, including the markets, is organized; it’s not random but has a structure and those indicators reveal the patterns that repeat themselves again and again on our charts. Everything he explained was congruent with this new paradigm. And from that time on I was absolutely certain that this was the way forward in the world of trading.
So why did I walk away from such a lucrative opportunity for all of these years? I’ve had much time over recent months to find the answer to that question.
Looking back, I did not have the maturity (patience and discipline) necessary to be a successful trader at that time in my life. If I go beneath the surface, I see that I viewed trading as a lifeline rather than as an investment. This made it very stressful every single time I pulled the trigger to enter the market. Every trade felt like it meant life or death.
Some may say that I wasted precious years, disregarding invaluable knowledge. But I think life is a journey and this was part of my course. I will say that the principles Immy teaches have helped me to achieve great success in other endeavors in life, including those with friends and family, for which I will always be grateful.
Well, now that we've reviewed how I got here, let's put a plan in action!
Smashin's Journey
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
My trading plan is simple - to trade the “perfect picture” - Setup One.
For me, I know that it is difficult to keep up with multiple charts, time frames, and strategies that I end up getting overwhelmed and missing setups. I also know that when there is nothing going on for extended periods of time, I get distracted with boredom. So before implementing other strategies offered in the forum, I’d like to master just one - Setup One - during the two sessions as outlined below.
New York Session
06:45-10:30 CST
Eur / Usd
M1 / M5
Setup One
I may also monitor my H1 charts when I notice that an S1 on EU lower time frame is going to take some time to setup. In the past I’ve tried having multiple M1 / M5 charts open but it’s too much for me to process especially when multiple pairs are setting up within minutes (or seconds) of each other on these lower time frames. So when it comes to lower time frames I'm just going to stick with EU for now.
Asia Session
18:30-21:30
Relevant pairs, especially those with news (and low spreads)
H1
Setup One
If I see a big candle move on H1, I may drop down to a lower time frame on the hunt for that “perfect picture” of Setup One.
Risk
1%
R:R
1:1 / TZ1
Break Even / Lock-in Profits
I do not have enough trading experience to be specific in this area. Obviously, it would be foolish to not lock-in profits after strong moves in my favor. I have a feeling this area will be fine-tuned after the first batch.
I am also aware that there are methods which allow one to easily locate S1’s of lower time frames of the current higher time frame. I may introduce those methods on the next batch, but for now, I want to keep it simple.
Ok, let’s grab some pips!
For me, I know that it is difficult to keep up with multiple charts, time frames, and strategies that I end up getting overwhelmed and missing setups. I also know that when there is nothing going on for extended periods of time, I get distracted with boredom. So before implementing other strategies offered in the forum, I’d like to master just one - Setup One - during the two sessions as outlined below.
New York Session
06:45-10:30 CST
Eur / Usd
M1 / M5
Setup One
I may also monitor my H1 charts when I notice that an S1 on EU lower time frame is going to take some time to setup. In the past I’ve tried having multiple M1 / M5 charts open but it’s too much for me to process especially when multiple pairs are setting up within minutes (or seconds) of each other on these lower time frames. So when it comes to lower time frames I'm just going to stick with EU for now.
Asia Session
18:30-21:30
Relevant pairs, especially those with news (and low spreads)
H1
Setup One
If I see a big candle move on H1, I may drop down to a lower time frame on the hunt for that “perfect picture” of Setup One.
Risk
1%
R:R
1:1 / TZ1
Break Even / Lock-in Profits
I do not have enough trading experience to be specific in this area. Obviously, it would be foolish to not lock-in profits after strong moves in my favor. I have a feeling this area will be fine-tuned after the first batch.
I am also aware that there are methods which allow one to easily locate S1’s of lower time frames of the current higher time frame. I may introduce those methods on the next batch, but for now, I want to keep it simple.
Ok, let’s grab some pips!
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 04:33, edited 3 times in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
B1-T1
2020-05-13
Aud / Usd - M15
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
The PC created by the spike got me especially excited about this opportunity. I set my order below the box and was quick to set a break even point due to the volatility. Stress-free after the BE triggered.
My comments after exiting the trade:
It would have been nice to see it hit TZ1 but given the volatility, I think I played this one right. I am happy with the outcome.
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 1/1
2020-05-13
Aud / Usd - M15
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
The PC created by the spike got me especially excited about this opportunity. I set my order below the box and was quick to set a break even point due to the volatility. Stress-free after the BE triggered.
My comments after exiting the trade:
It would have been nice to see it hit TZ1 but given the volatility, I think I played this one right. I am happy with the outcome.
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 1/1
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 03:12, edited 2 times in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
B1-T2
2020-05-18
Eur / Usd - M1
S1 / Long
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
I was a little late to the game on this one and still trying to master Snorm's ATM. I was also confused on the Fib Expansion which you'll see why on the next trade.
My comments after exiting the trade:
I felt that I had the FE drawn incorrectly and that I was actually trading the 5th wave of the correct number of bars on an even lower time frame. I also did not like the rejection of on that candle but in hindsight three weeks later, it makes sense that there would be sell orders sitting up there and that later that level would become support. I'm happy that I exited when I did because this chart was not making sense to me at that time.
DS: 0
DS Running Total: 1/2
2020-05-18
Eur / Usd - M1
S1 / Long
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
I was a little late to the game on this one and still trying to master Snorm's ATM. I was also confused on the Fib Expansion which you'll see why on the next trade.
My comments after exiting the trade:
I felt that I had the FE drawn incorrectly and that I was actually trading the 5th wave of the correct number of bars on an even lower time frame. I also did not like the rejection of on that candle but in hindsight three weeks later, it makes sense that there would be sell orders sitting up there and that later that level would become support. I'm happy that I exited when I did because this chart was not making sense to me at that time.
DS: 0
DS Running Total: 1/2
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 03:12, edited 3 times in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
B1-T3
2020-05-18
Eur / Usd - M1
S0 / Long
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
I've reviewed this trade so many times over the last few weeks but it wasn't until right now that I noticed this was originally an S1 at the time the PO was set, but it later turned into S0 with the Purple going right through the box. The benefits of keeping up with one's journal
I should have deleted this order.
My comments after exiting the trade:
I did like that it stepped down (PC) one more time before the trade was triggered. Also, my initial PO was correct but I could have moved my PO down one AIMS box outside of the Gator as the candles populated for a better entry. Since I still wasn't clear on my drawing of TZ1 at the time of the trade, I moved my SL just above BE.
DS: 0
DS Running Total: 1/3
2020-05-18
Eur / Usd - M1
S0 / Long
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
I've reviewed this trade so many times over the last few weeks but it wasn't until right now that I noticed this was originally an S1 at the time the PO was set, but it later turned into S0 with the Purple going right through the box. The benefits of keeping up with one's journal
I should have deleted this order.My comments after exiting the trade:
I did like that it stepped down (PC) one more time before the trade was triggered. Also, my initial PO was correct but I could have moved my PO down one AIMS box outside of the Gator as the candles populated for a better entry. Since I still wasn't clear on my drawing of TZ1 at the time of the trade, I moved my SL just above BE.
DS: 0
DS Running Total: 1/3
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 03:13, edited 2 times in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
Fractal Geometry
This is one of my favorite pieces of art...
Obviously, it was not clear to me what the charts were trying to tell me during the previous two trades. But right after I closed my last trade, I finally understood it. I even said out loud, "Price is about to move up!" because I finally realized the geometry.
Have a look at this beauty:
This is one of my favorite pieces of art...
Obviously, it was not clear to me what the charts were trying to tell me during the previous two trades. But right after I closed my last trade, I finally understood it. I even said out loud, "Price is about to move up!" because I finally realized the geometry.
Have a look at this beauty:
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 04:34, edited 1 time in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
B1-T4
2020-05-22
Cad / Jpy - M1
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
I felt that the trade met all of the rule of an S1 including the AO still being rather close to the ZL. Pending order place with my aim for TZ1.
My comments after exiting the trade:
Miss my Target by inches but still a beautiful trade. Not much to be gained on this traded but good practice trading the "picture."
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 2/4
2020-05-22
Cad / Jpy - M1
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
I felt that the trade met all of the rule of an S1 including the AO still being rather close to the ZL. Pending order place with my aim for TZ1.
My comments after exiting the trade:
Miss my Target by inches but still a beautiful trade. Not much to be gained on this traded but good practice trading the "picture."
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 2/4
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 03:13, edited 1 time in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
B1-T5
2020-05-22
Cad / Jpy - M15
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
"Picture perfect" as far as I'm concerned.
My comments after exiting the trade:
It was getting rather late for me so I dropped down to M1 to find an exit after it missed my Target by inches. The divergence was good enough for me.
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 3/5
2020-05-22
Cad / Jpy - M15
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
"Picture perfect" as far as I'm concerned.
My comments after exiting the trade:
It was getting rather late for me so I dropped down to M1 to find an exit after it missed my Target by inches. The divergence was good enough for me.
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 3/5
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 03:13, edited 1 time in total.
-
Smashin
- AIMSter
- Posts: 51
- Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 20:30
- 14
Re: Smashin's Journey
B1-T6
2020-05-26
Usd / Cad - M1
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
Push-Pull-Push Again...
This chart had momentum. Set the order below that lovely Support Level with a Target just a few pips shy of TZ1.
My comments after exiting the trade:
No complaints. Very happy with how I executed this setup.
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 4/6
2020-05-26
Usd / Cad - M1
S1 / Short
My comments and feelings at the time of the trade:
Push-Pull-Push Again...
This chart had momentum. Set the order below that lovely Support Level with a Target just a few pips shy of TZ1.
My comments after exiting the trade:
No complaints. Very happy with how I executed this setup.
DS: 1
DS Running Total: 4/6
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Smashin on 08 Jun 2020, 03:13, edited 1 time in total.