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03 / PREPARATION

One setup. Measurable repetition.

Test a precise trading idea before paying for a challenge.

Educational framework. Examples are planning assumptions, not proven trading edges or a guarantee of passing. Fees can be lost; official account rules always apply.
01

Make the idea observable

Define market, session, context, trigger, invalidation and exit so another reader could reconstruct the trade. Looks strong is not a testable rule. Do not rewrite a signal after seeing the outcome.

02

Separate research from validation

Use one sample for development and an untouched sample for validation. Include fees, slippage and missed fills. Record win rate, average win/loss and longest losing streak; a small sample does not establish an edge.

03

Rehearse the actual account rules

Rehearse daily stops, trailing, news exclusions and minimum days. Measure how often the approach would have violated rules. Only after execution and behaviour become repeatable should you decide whether a paid evaluation makes sense.

WORKED EXAMPLE / NOT A FORECAST

Example record: 60 observations for development, then 30 untouched observations and a demo rehearsal. These counts are a workflow illustration, not proof of statistical reliability. Net expectancy = win rate × average win − loss rate × average loss − costs.

Before you trade

  • Entry and exit are explicit.
  • Retain losing trades and skipped signals in the journal.
  • Do not optimise using the validation sample.

Common mistakes

  • Select only the best-looking charts.
  • Exclude transaction costs.
  • Replace the method after three losses.

RESEARCH & RULE CHECKS

Our examples are editorial planning frameworks. CME explains the relationship between stop distance and position size. FTMO illustrates why daily, overall and consistency rules must be read separately for the specific account.

CME / Position sizing ↗FTMO / Trading objectives ↗

Continue building your process.

01 / RISK

Your loss buffer is your capital.

Build position size and a daily stop around the buffer you can actually lose.

Open playbook ↗02 / DISCIPLINE

End the session on your terms.

Create a defined routine for entry, losing streaks and stopping for the day.

Open playbook ↗06 / BEYOND EVALUATION

Passing is a transition.

Plan consistency, account changes and withdrawals with a separate rule sheet.

Open playbook ↗