Tom's T20 Journal

[immy]

The topic named The Hunt 3.0 - The Banana Method lays the foundation for this method. the rules are given there. You should if not already done, refer to this topic as the guide. I know I have given you a shorter cut by eliminating the setup 1 batches for you but the disadvantage is that the banana 3.0 content is not organized. however, it is here ...LINK viewtopic.php?f=141&t=2295

Being in discord is the BANANA Method! 


 

[tombacon89]

BATCH 1 REVIEW

Firstly thanks to everyone who has helped me so far. Batch 1 was always going to be difficult.

Previous DS score: 12/20 = 60%
Revised DS score: 7/20 = 35%

T1 - 0 - played with exit

T2 - 0 - wrong pair, spread too big, empty 1 on m5.

T3 - 1

T4 - 0 - trend candle didn’t close outside of the range. Also, h1 with m5 entry not m5 m1 entry.

T5 - 0 - correct setup but traded H1 m5 entry. So, DS0 for that.

T6 - 0 - only because I was already in an m5 short… before I was instructed to only be in one trade at once. So, ds0 as per my current trading plan.

T7 - 0 - No proper impulse move. Could argue it is within a wider trading range.

T8 - 0 - what a badddddd trade. Classic example of cloudy judgement and FOMO. If you ever want to see how not to do it. Come back to B1 T8. Forcing things that are not there, patience patience patience. However, this was identified straight away and I took action to go learn more about my mistake.

This was a key turning point for the better. I put some thoughts to paper of what I believed the strategy involved, this was good for me in 2 ways. It gave me focus, and it highlighted weaknesses.

T9 - 1 - lovely setup. This is the one. Look back at this trade when you need a mind reset.

T10 - 0 - another dream trade, however, for me, this no longer fits my rules. I got in on the second trade prior to trade 1 closing. Albeit I was at break even on trade one….. it is a bugger to put DS0 for this… but, I have to be cruel to be kind.

T11 - 0 - don’t trade emtpy ones. (now removed from settings.)

T12 - 1 - the first trade was good; I had a minor level to the left which I traded towards. Calculated risk. The second signal which I thought was a setup, was not. Even if it was, I would have still been in trade 1 at BE; something to remember going forward.

T13 - 0 - entry too late in the move. Think, rule 3, climatic.

T14 - 1 - the concept was there, however, it was a bit scrappy as I was trading back into the range. momentum wasn't the strongest.

T15 - 1 - same session as t14, the concept was there; but I was trading within a range. momentum wasn't the strongest.

T16 - 0 - chasing minor support and resistance levels after an m5 trend candle, without paying much attention to where the m5 trend candle, or m5 market is located within it’s cycle.

T17 - 0 - again. Chasing trades that are not there. Within range, choppy, no context, no clean breakout on M5.

T18 - 1 - GREAT SETUP. Unfortunately it was a rent. But this was the best positive feeling I had all batch. I did not even care that it rented. I traded the plan and it felt good. I missed the second signal, this was a complex pullback. Need to do some work around those complex pullbacks.

T19 - 1 - this was a lovely trade, and one that went on to feature in immys daily recap video which made me feel good. I just need to be mindful of trading towards key levels in the next batch; Ie, can you get to BE before the level will be tested? Part of this will come down to individual personality.

T20 - 0 - rule 3. climatic… look how far m5 has moved… 3 bearish m5 candles… use m5 first, then drop to m1. One or two m5 candles is sufficient. Any more and your probably into the territory or breaching rule 3. One to remember.





THINGS I DID WELL:

- Sticking to the exit strategy. Let the trade do it’s thing once I am in. Resisting the temptation to play with the exit. Put the trust in the probabilities.

- I did not over trade my trading plan. Eg, once my 2 trades per session were done, I did not take any further trades. I was very aware of my risk management.

- Always took positives from the negatives

- Accepted feedback; and used DS0 trades or confusing sessions to push my desire to learn. (Just be careful not to get consumed in this initial learning phase to the point of burnout.)

- My pre-market analysis routine improved day by day.*

- Recording my trades, keeping my journal and been 100% honest with myself.



KEY SELF PROGRESSION / SELF LEARNING POINTS FROM THIS BATCH:

- Don’t force it.

- If you can’t see clearly where you are in the market cycle, don’t pull the trigger.

- ASK QUESTIONS, don’t sit on the sidelines.

- Only focus on one market per session.

- Pre-market routine is key. Get this right and the mindset going into the session will be a lot clearer.

- Knowledge and understanding can only come from practice, exposure and mistakes. Do not be afraid to Fk it up.




KEY TECHINICAL LEARNING POINTS FROM THIS BATCH:

One thing that stuck with me was immy and emma both took a valid trade where M5 broke out and closed outside of the range, M1 pulled back inside the range, however, their PO entry was outside of the range and this was absolutely fine to take.

Use FO, LO, NEO price open as a guide, it can be a good pivot. But don’t let it stop you from taking trades towards it. If the setup is there and valid, it is ok to take it.

When m5 starts pulling back, sit on your hands for m1.

Rule 3, climatic. When price has gone too far too quick these are not good places to be taking signals. M5 would have probably produced 2/3 big candles, the range level for retest of S/R would be pretty far away. The best entries have a re-test or pullback after the 1st M5 breakout candle. If the ship has sailed, you’ll sink trying to get on it at sea. Let it go.





THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE ON TECHNICALLY IN BATCH 2:

*Making sure I am marking levels in the same colours, type of box, type of line. This sounds minor and silly, but as I’m going through my batch; I have noticed a tendency to change how I mark my levels etc. I should really keep these uniform so my brain learns how to process this information slicker.

Trading close to levels or zones; I have had a couple of trades that I have filtered close to levels; and a couple I have knowingly taken close to levels. Mid way through the batch I got fixated/confused on FO, LO, NEO price levels and this caused me some confusion at the time. B1 T19 was close to the weekly low; I had rationale for taking it. It also appeared in Immys daily review, which gave me confidence to see. However, I am also aware of other traders who filtered the trade for that exact reason; the level was too close for them. Perhaps this comes down to my style of trading, which I am still developing. But it is one for me to be aware of.

Channels and wedges. Something I have not truly paid a great deal of attention to yet, as my brain can’t absorb everything at once. I have an awareness of them; but that is all it is at this time. I would like to improve my knowledge around ascending, descending, and any other types that may be out there; what they mean and what breakouts of these mean in certain markets. Discord, immys recap videos and Emmas journal will be a good place to learn this; and will increase my knowledge on market cycle.

I want to improve my knowledge around complex pullbacks / 2 legged pullbacks.



THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE OF EMOTIONALLY:

Once an impulse move has gone, or a signal has gone… just let it go… learn to own the FOMO and don’t let the FOMO own you. I am only a part time trader anyway, so the majority of the time I am simply missing out on all the beautiful lovely setups anyway, and it doesn't bother me then! So one more setup won’t hurt. just because your sat watching it, shouldn't make you feel any different. Let it go.

This must be combined with knowing ‘where are we right now’ in the market cycle. Especially around two legged pullbacks if the 1st valid signal is a rent. It is a matter of seconds before getting in again, need to understand the 2 legged pull backs more to build confidence around taking the next setup so quick.

Learning to know when ‘enough is enough’ mentally. This is a must. I do sometimes find it hard to concentrate for the full 2 hours, usually because I’m forcing something that isn’t there. I appreciate this is because I’m in the initial learning phase. Mark the levels and wait. I am going to add H1 to my template, so I can see the bigger picture; get those H1 levels marked so that I can see at a quick glance where the market is.

I must improve on this in batch 2. This is equally as important as technical understanding.

Really focusing on the correct entry. Focus on the DS1.

Keep focusing on my personal growth and enjoying myself.




PRE BATCH 2 ACTIONS

Before the next Batch I will: simplify my trade recording template, commit to further understanding the strategy rules within this template.

Get the rule set displayed on my tablet in front of me for each session. Rather than using my journal template as my rule-set and flicking between charts and updating that it will be cleaner to simply have the rules in front of me, clear to see at all times.

Update my trading plan to include only being in one trade at a time.




ENDING COMMENTS

Although I got a 35% DS; I do not feel like my personal knowledge growth and effort towards this is equal to a 35%. It is way more in my opinion. I am pleased with the foundations I am laying so far.

I’m still learning and need exposure, time and practice to get where I want to be. Accepting this in the early stages is crucial. I feel I have got the right mindset to succeed with this.

I am happy with my progress so far. I appreciate I had a ds of 35%, however the trades I did take I finished the batch with 11 winners for 22r, 3 BE and 6 losses for -6r; with an account growth of 17.06% compounded on a demo account.

[tombacon89]

TOMS LOBOT NEOBOT TRADING PLAN.docx

 Ready for Batch 2

[tombacon89]

BATCH 2 SESSION 1GER 40
24.01.2021
LO

Pre Session Questions:

A)Is there any red news to be aware of?

NO

B) Have you identified and plotted the key HTF support and resistance levels? If NO - No TRADE until this is done.

YES Daily is nearing the range low. Key level.

Hourly has had a big drop yesterday, has pulled back with a 2 signal, but the 3rd pull back candle was big and bullish.

H1 then went into a wide range overnight. 

I note previous support/resistance key level on H1 just below the overnight range. Daily range low would be a lovely short target today.  

TRADE SUMMARY: 

a) Did you trade the plan?               YES - because I followed my rules and didn’t take any trades.       
                     
b) Did the charts look and feel clear to you during this session? The charts were not kind to us today, took patience and self control to get through this session; but it did not feel like stress or effort  Our rules kept us safe today. 
 
c) Questions arising from this session?

clarity on two points:

SUPPORT RESISTANCE BREAKS are NOT the same as TRADING RANGE BREAKS. We trade RANGE BREAK and RETESTS. Although, this is naturally around the same level at the open. 
 

FOR CLARITY S R BREAKS ARE DIFFERENT TO RANGE BREAKS.png

M5 doesn't have to be a TC, this has been mentioned before. But for clarity.  

D) How did you physically feel? Good, in control. Not rushed or pressured. I felt aware of the bigger picture and rules. 
 
The session open was climatic, rule 3.

I saw a break of a TR late in the session, I was aware it was into the overnight range. Market did not produce my setup. 

SESSION 1 NO TRADE.png

 

 
 

[Minsk]

BATCH 1 REVIEW

Firstly thanks to everyone who has helped me so far. Batch 1 was always going to be difficult.

Previous DS score: 12/20 = 60%
Revised DS score: 7/20 = 35%

T1 - 0 - played with exit

T2 - 0 - wrong pair, spread too big, empty 1 on m5.

T3 - 1

T4 - 0 - trend candle didn’t close outside of the range. Also, h1 with m5 entry not m5 m1 entry.

T5 - 0 - correct setup but traded H1 m5 entry. So, DS0 for that.

T6 - 0 - only because I was already in an m5 short… before I was instructed to only be in one trade at once. So, ds0 as per my current trading plan.

T7 - 0 - No proper impulse move. Could argue it is within a wider trading range.

T8 - 0 - what a badddddd trade. Classic example of cloudy judgement and FOMO. If you ever want to see how not to do it. Come back to B1 T8. Forcing things that are not there, patience patience patience. However, this was identified straight away and I took action to go learn more about my mistake.

This was a key turning point for the better. I put some thoughts to paper of what I believed the strategy involved, this was good for me in 2 ways. It gave me focus, and it highlighted weaknesses.

T9 - 1 - lovely setup. This is the one. Look back at this trade when you need a mind reset.

T10 - 0 - another dream trade, however, for me, this no longer fits my rules. I got in on the second trade prior to trade 1 closing. Albeit I was at break even on trade one….. it is a bugger to put DS0 for this… but, I have to be cruel to be kind.

T11 - 0 - don’t trade emtpy ones. (now removed from settings.)

T12 - 1 - the first trade was good; I had a minor level to the left which I traded towards. Calculated risk. The second signal which I thought was a setup, was not. Even if it was, I would have still been in trade 1 at BE; something to remember going forward.

T13 - 0 - entry too late in the move. Think, rule 3, climatic.

T14 - 1 - the concept was there, however, it was a bit scrappy as I was trading back into the range. momentum wasn't the strongest.

T15 - 1 - same session as t14, the concept was there; but I was trading within a range. momentum wasn't the strongest.

T16 - 0 - chasing minor support and resistance levels after an m5 trend candle, without paying much attention to where the m5 trend candle, or m5 market is located within it’s cycle.

T17 - 0 - again. Chasing trades that are not there. Within range, choppy, no context, no clean breakout on M5.

T18 - 1 - GREAT SETUP. Unfortunately it was a rent. But this was the best positive feeling I had all batch. I did not even care that it rented. I traded the plan and it felt good. I missed the second signal, this was a complex pullback. Need to do some work around those complex pullbacks.

T19 - 1 - this was a lovely trade, and one that went on to feature in immys daily recap video which made me feel good. I just need to be mindful of trading towards key levels in the next batch; Ie, can you get to BE before the level will be tested? Part of this will come down to individual personality.

T20 - 0 - rule 3. climatic… look how far m5 has moved… 3 bearish m5 candles… use m5 first, then drop to m1. One or two m5 candles is sufficient. Any more and your probably into the territory or breaching rule 3. One to remember.





THINGS I DID WELL:

- Sticking to the exit strategy. Let the trade do it’s thing once I am in. Resisting the temptation to play with the exit. Put the trust in the probabilities.

- I did not over trade my trading plan. Eg, once my 2 trades per session were done, I did not take any further trades. I was very aware of my risk management.

- Always took positives from the negatives

- Accepted feedback; and used DS0 trades or confusing sessions to push my desire to learn. (Just be careful not to get consumed in this initial learning phase to the point of burnout.)

- My pre-market analysis routine improved day by day.*

- Recording my trades, keeping my journal and been 100% honest with myself.



KEY SELF PROGRESSION / SELF LEARNING POINTS FROM THIS BATCH:

- Don’t force it.

- If you can’t see clearly where you are in the market cycle, don’t pull the trigger.

- ASK QUESTIONS, don’t sit on the sidelines.

- Only focus on one market per session.

- Pre-market routine is key. Get this right and the mindset going into the session will be a lot clearer.

- Knowledge and understanding can only come from practice, exposure and mistakes. Do not be afraid to Fk it up.




KEY TECHINICAL LEARNING POINTS FROM THIS BATCH:

One thing that stuck with me was immy and emma both took a valid trade where M5 broke out and closed outside of the range, M1 pulled back inside the range, however, their PO entry was outside of the range and this was absolutely fine to take.

Use FO, LO, NEO price open as a guide, it can be a good pivot. But don’t let it stop you from taking trades towards it. If the setup is there and valid, it is ok to take it.

When m5 starts pulling back, sit on your hands for m1.

Rule 3, climatic. When price has gone too far too quick these are not good places to be taking signals. M5 would have probably produced 2/3 big candles, the range level for retest of S/R would be pretty far away. The best entries have a re-test or pullback after the 1st M5 breakout candle. If the ship has sailed, you’ll sink trying to get on it at sea. Let it go.





THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE ON TECHNICALLY IN BATCH 2:

*Making sure I am marking levels in the same colours, type of box, type of line. This sounds minor and silly, but as I’m going through my batch; I have noticed a tendency to change how I mark my levels etc. I should really keep these uniform so my brain learns how to process this information slicker.

Trading close to levels or zones; I have had a couple of trades that I have filtered close to levels; and a couple I have knowingly taken close to levels. Mid way through the batch I got fixated/confused on FO, LO, NEO price levels and this caused me some confusion at the time. B1 T19 was close to the weekly low; I had rationale for taking it. It also appeared in Immys daily review, which gave me confidence to see. However, I am also aware of other traders who filtered the trade for that exact reason; the level was too close for them. Perhaps this comes down to my style of trading, which I am still developing. But it is one for me to be aware of.

Channels and wedges. Something I have not truly paid a great deal of attention to yet, as my brain can’t absorb everything at once. I have an awareness of them; but that is all it is at this time. I would like to improve my knowledge around ascending, descending, and any other types that may be out there; what they mean and what breakouts of these mean in certain markets. Discord, immys recap videos and Emmas journal will be a good place to learn this; and will increase my knowledge on market cycle.

I want to improve my knowledge around complex pullbacks / 2 legged pullbacks.



THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE OF EMOTIONALLY:

Once an impulse move has gone, or a signal has gone… just let it go… learn to own the FOMO and don’t let the FOMO own you. I am only a part time trader anyway, so the majority of the time I am simply missing out on all the beautiful lovely setups anyway, and it doesn't bother me then! So one more setup won’t hurt. just because your sat watching it, shouldn't make you feel any different. Let it go.

This must be combined with knowing ‘where are we right now’ in the market cycle. Especially around two legged pullbacks if the 1st valid signal is a rent. It is a matter of seconds before getting in again, need to understand the 2 legged pull backs more to build confidence around taking the next setup so quick.

Learning to know when ‘enough is enough’ mentally. This is a must. I do sometimes find it hard to concentrate for the full 2 hours, usually because I’m forcing something that isn’t there. I appreciate this is because I’m in the initial learning phase. Mark the levels and wait. I am going to add H1 to my template, so I can see the bigger picture; get those H1 levels marked so that I can see at a quick glance where the market is.

I must improve on this in batch 2. This is equally as important as technical understanding.

Really focusing on the correct entry. Focus on the DS1.

Keep focusing on my personal growth and enjoying myself.




PRE BATCH 2 ACTIONS

Before the next Batch I will: simplify my trade recording template, commit to further understanding the strategy rules within this template.

Get the rule set displayed on my tablet in front of me for each session. Rather than using my journal template as my rule-set and flicking between charts and updating that it will be cleaner to simply have the rules in front of me, clear to see at all times.

Update my trading plan to include only being in one trade at a time.




ENDING COMMENTS

Although I got a 35% DS; I do not feel like my personal knowledge growth and effort towards this is equal to a 35%. It is way more in my opinion. I am pleased with the foundations I am laying so far.

I’m still learning and need exposure, time and practice to get where I want to be. Accepting this in the early stages is crucial. I feel I have got the right mindset to succeed with this.

I am happy with my progress so far. I appreciate I had a ds of 35%, however the trades I did take I finished the batch with 11 winners for 22r, 3 BE and 6 losses for -6r; with an account growth of 17.06% compounded on a demo account.

 

Thank you for sharing so much of your thoughts and thought process Tom. This helps me very much too. 
you and Emma and inspiration for me.
Happy trading in batch 2!
Minsk
 

[tombacon89]

GER 40
28.01.2021
LO

Pre Session Questions:

A)Is there any red news to be aware of?

No

B) Have you identified and plotted the key HTF support and resistance levels? If NO - No TRADE until this is done.

 Daily chart is in a massive range that has tested support with some big wicks over the past several weeks; but at the moment price has lots of room to those levels. H1 is sitting around a s/r zone from 14th dec - 22nd dec which was respected on the 24th jan, and has been respected since 24th jan.

H1 is in a small wedge about to break out of the wedge, and also in a horizontal range. Because of the wedge the highs and lows are coming closer together, I see lots of levels to the left based on the h1 swings coming closer. I am seeing lots of s/r zones to the left today on H1, and some levels on m5 I will have an awareness of. But understand the concept of LO is MOMENTUM.   

TRADE / SESSION SUMMARY: 

We had a breakout short of the FO session low at LO. Price went into a descending bearish channel. Identified very early on. Price then became too climatic, simple look at M5 tells me this, so rule 3 cancelled any thoughts of a trade.

Price broke short of the hourly range. It found support on the PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED H1 ZONE from the 24th Jan, as mentioned above… Importance of knowing these HTF levels!

Price then started to pull back on M5, so I waited for a new trading range to form on m1. which it did. It broke long, so counter trend of the day but M5 was not a TC. M1 did not setup correctly. No signal. No trade. No problem! the concept was there, I was aware of it. I anticipated it and I knew what I needed to see happen to take it, or NOT take it. This is all that matters.

 Price tried to break short of the new M1 range but failed. Again, supported on the H1 level from the 24th. 

a) Did you trade the plan?                       

YES because I DID NOT take a trade and the rules protected me today.                                    
 
b) Did the charts look and feel clear to you during this session?
 YES   

c) Questions arising from this session?

No questions, I just felt there was lots of htf levels and m5 levels to contend with today. But, when htf is ranging or in a wedge this is always going to happen. But, I see the importance of plotting them; and the importance of a good PRE SESSION ANALYSIS to set you up for the session.  

D) How did you physically feel? In control and chilled. No trades taken. It is what it is! Don’t worry about it. I had zero FOMO and was focused so this is a winning session. 
 

SESSION 2 NO TRADE.png

 
DS For this Trade:  n/a
DS Running Total: /20
 

[tombacon89]

US30
28.01.2021
NEO

Pre Session Questions:

A)Is there any red news to be aware of?

No - red new passed at 13:30.

B) Have you identified and plotted the key HTF support and resistance levels? If NO - No TRADE until this is done.

YES DAILY over the last month has tried several times to break support. Red horizontal lines identify those test areas on daily chart. H1 is in a huge range after a down trend. H1 hourly candle pre session has found support on a previous daily red level; and a bullish TC printed with some wick at the top. But it is technically a TC.

There was red news during this candle. 

Within the H1 candle, M5 has had an impulse move up and is now in a range. I will wait for the range break at NEO.  

TRADE RULES

ONE) IS THERE A GOOD IMPULSE MOVE 2-3 TREND CANDLES WITH LITTLE TO NO WICKS? M5 TC CLOSES OUTSIDE OF THE RANGE.  

Yes. M5 did not close out of the range. But m1 pulled back just inside the range.    

TWO) IS THERE A GOOD CLEAN PULL BACK? Yes  

THREE) IS THE IMPULSE MOVE TOO CLIMATIC? No 

FOUR) IS THE PULL BACK TOO IMPULSIVE? No

IVE) IS THIS THE FIRST OR SECOND BREAKOUT FROM THE RANGE?

First, PO was set just outside the range. Can be done.  

SIX) IS THERE A KEY S/R LEVEL NEAR THE ENTRY LEVEL? 

This is counter trend, there are levels to the left. They are not significant highs or lows, but I am aware of those.   

TRADE / SESSION SUMMARY: 

Patience was tested again today. Have to let it develop which I did with grace. I was happy on the range low break after the big drop to WAIT. I really stalked that area for a break low and retest. It did not produce. I kept my focus. I did well. I kept following market cycle, plotting new range levels, it kept me tuned in.  


a) Did you trade the plan?                        Yes                                IF NO - Why?
 
b) Did the charts look and feel clear to you during this session?

Yes 
c) Questions arising from this session?

No, but I would have liked to see a nicer setup in that the pullback wasn’t within the range. But, those trades can be taken. It is my first trade like that. 

D) How did you physically feel? 

A ‘touch’ of heart increase when the trade was triggered, perhaps nervous the move out of the box was a fake out. Obviously I wanted this to be a winner. I have been patient in this weeks sessions; so I was pleased that a setup happened. I would have felt better trade into open space, but I was happy I applied the concept and rules.

 

BATCH 2 TRADE 1.png

 
DS For this Trade:  1DS Running Total: 1/1   
 

[tombacon89]

DE40
31.01.2021
LO

Pre Session Questions:

A)Is there any red news to be aware of?

No

B) Have you identified and plotted the key HTF support and resistance levels? If NO - No TRADE until this is done.

YES

DAILY over the last month has tried several times to break support. Red horizontal lines identify those test areas on daily chart. Still in this range.

H1 is in a bullish channel, nearing the hourly wide range high.

Within the H1 candle, M5 price action during FO put m5 in a range.

M1 is in a wedge.


TRADE RULES

ONE)

IS THERE A GOOD IMPULSE MOVE 2-3 TREND CANDLES WITH LITTLE TO NO WICKS? M5 TC CLOSES OUTSIDE OF THE RANGE.

Trade 1 yes, trade 2 M5 was outside of the range but was a bearish candle. Impulse was not as good as trade 1.



TWO)

IS THERE A GOOD CLEAN PULL BACK?

Trade 1 yes, Trade 2 yes.


THREE)

IS THE IMPULSE MOVE TOO CLIMATIC? No

Trade 1 no, Trade 2, borderline based on the movement prior whilst it was in range. Price actually started it’s move at the bottom of the session range. We did, however see price push higher than the overnight range and find resistance become support.


FOUR)

IS THE PULL BACK TOO IMPULSIVE? No



FIVE)

IS THIS THE FIRST OR SECOND BREAKOUT FROM THE RANGE?

Trade 1, 1st
Trade 2, 2nd

SIX)

IS THERE A KEY S/R LEVEL NEAR THE ENTRY LEVEL?

Trade 1, yes. Calculated risk. Not comfortable but calculated.



TRADE / SESSION SUMMARY:

I had some good patience today. The opening session, I held my own. I felt good. I was aware of key levels. I was picturing what I wanted my entry to do or not do before price committed. I feel like this is me started to grasp the concept now. Later on in the session, I still felt in tune BEFORE each trade. I took the two trades and have explained them in this post. 

a) Did you trade the plan?                      YES       



b) Did the charts look and feel clear to you during this session?

Yes


c) Questions arising from this session?

I am sure there will be when I review this in due course. But for now, no.


D)How did you physically feel?

Concerned about trade 1. The overnight high bothered me, I knew it was a calculated risk before entering the trade. I had the level marked. I could see the 3 signal would have got me to BE before the level was tested again. The 4 signal was a big bigger, meaning further to get to be and 2r. It was not a comfortable ride. When I was nearly stopped out twice I did not feel great. When I got to BE it was relief. I didn’t care once I was at BE what happened. I could have easily filtered this trade due to the level been too close; I would have bought myself some calm then.

Here shows the mental battle of knowing the back test data does not account for these levels, but my brain knows they are there and cannot unsee them.

I took trade 2 because I had taken trade one. If I had filtered trade 1 I would have not taken trade 2 because that is IN MY TRADING PLAN. Trade 2 was not as good a setup as trade 1. M5 had a bearish candle, looking at it slow time. One could argue m5 was climatic given the distance travelled already this morning. It was in a good position with resistance becoming support. I took the trade and can justify taking it; even though it was not as nice trade 1. I actually felt really calm during trade 2. Is this because I had just had a 2r win? 

BATCH 2 TRADES 2 AND 3.png

 

DS For this Trade: 2
DS Running Total: 3/3
 
 
 

[tombacon89]

US30
31.01.2021
NEO

Pre Session Questions:

A)Is there any red news to be aware of?

No 

B) Have you identified and plotted the key HTF support and resistance levels? If NO - No TRADE until this is done.

YES 

DAILY - in a wide trading range after a big trend up from most of 2021. 

H1 is in wide range and earlier today has rejected resistance for the third time so that is a key level to be aware of for longs. We have seen price 2 hours ago form a bullish pin bar, a deep test and new found support from a level tested several times last week. 

M5 has had a good move down, is in a deep pullback but it is not clean, it is choppy and a little noisy. 

10 mins pre NEO M1 is in a tight range, short would provide levels minor levels to the left with a major low been the daily low. Levels are identified and set. 

TRADE RULES

ONE) IS THERE A GOOD IMPULSE MOVE 2-3 TREND CANDLES WITH LITTLE TO NO WICKS? M5 TC CLOSES OUTSIDE OF THE RANGE. Yes 

TWO) IS THERE A GOOD CLEAN PULL BACK? Yes 

THREE) IS THE IMPULSE MOVE TOO CLIMATIC? No  

FOUR) IS THE PULL BACK TOO IMPULSIVE? No   

FIVE) IS THIS THE FIRST OR SECOND BREAKOUT FROM THE RANGE? First 

SIX) IS THERE A KEY S/R LEVEL NEAR THE ENTRY LEVEL? No   

TRADE / SESSION SUMMARY: 
a) Did you trade the plan?     YES - and some polish has been added to my boots. Good learning session.        

b) Did the charts look and feel clear to you during this session? Yes - initially. I was presented with some good learning points today; i was not confused, I did what I thought was correct. I have clarity now on things I did not know before. 

c) Questions arising from this session? 

Two Legged Pullback Clarity 

These can be taken in 2 ways. 
1, taking a signal entry
2, taking the confirmation candle which would not have a signal 
It is personal choice. 

PENDING ORDERS See screen shot.

But, to clarify: You can keep your PO if the order is not triggered by the next candle. So, take a PO on 2, 3 cancels it because it breaches the 2 low. 3 signal PO is set. The next candle is a seed/IB, does NOT trigger or cancel. This is ok, you can keep the PO in place until it is triggered or cancelled by ATM. 

PO CLARITY.png

 D) How did you physically feel?

Good. DS1. That is the goal. I am also happy some good learning points came from this. Yes I missed a 2r trade, pullback 2. So what, I learned from it.  

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

BATCH 2 TRADE 4.png

 
 
DS For this Trade:  DS Running Total: 4/4
 
 

[tombacon89]

GER40
01.01.2021
LO

Pre Session Questions:

A)Is there any red news to be aware of?

No - 3:30 RED NEWS - may affect NEO

B) Have you identified and plotted the key HTF support and resistance levels? If NO - No TRADE until this is done.

YES DAILY - in a wide trading range after a big trend up from most of 2021. Yesterday was a bullish daily candle at the top of a pullback into S/R. But not a TC. 

H1 is in wide range still but has trended up yesterday. FO today has rejected resistance for another time so that is a key level to be aware of for longs. 

M5 has had a strong FO move up, is in a pullback, setup oneish territory. M1 is in a right range within the wider range. Plenty of room to short down to the FO low at LO here. See what happens… and it has broke whilst writing this. 7 mins pre session. Nevermind. We MUST wait for the bell to ring.

Levels are identified and set.  

TRADE / SESSION SUMMARY: 

The screenshot says it all. No problems

a) Did you trade the plan?    YES, my plan with my settings. 

b) Did the charts look and feel clear to you during this session?  Yes 

c) Questions arising from this session? No

D) How did you physically feel? 

Good, even though others took profits from the moves. That’s their trading plan. I am stage one. I do not trade empty 1’s, I only trade with a signal (unless it’s a confirmation candle after a 2 legged pullback, that is the only time I can trade without a signal.) Resisted FOMO. Winner.

Little frustrating on the second trade. I had no signal. Emma had a 2. I did not. I soooo wanted to trade this. It was the setup...... It was a BE but, it was a ds1 for anyone with a signal!

DS For this Trade:  DS Running Total: 4/4 

1ST FEB LOBOT SESSION NO TRADE.png

  

1ST FEB NO SIGNAL .png