Checklist

Binary pre-trade list that turns general rules into consistent operational decisions.

On this page

Who this is for — Anyone who already knows the technique but loses quality when pressure, speed, or fatigue rise during the session.

A checklist converts the plan into closed questions (yes/no) before you click. It reduces impulsive errors, standardises trade selection, and makes process adherence measurable.

In plain terms — It is your operational traffic light: if a critical requirement is missing, you do not enter — even when the trade "looks good".

Bronze prerequisite — Before this lesson: trading-journal, discipline, plan-adherence, trade-lesson. See bronze-path.


How to build it well

A useful checklist is short, clear, and non-negotiable:

  • context consistent with a setup from the playbook;
  • trigger present and confirmed;
  • risk per trade within defined limits;
  • no-trade conditions verified;
  • order and exit plan already prepared.

If it is too long you will not use it; if it is too vague it will not protect you.

Example — Critical item: "Macro news within 15 minutes?" If yes, the trade is discarded even when the setup is present — avoiding execution in abnormal spread.


Integration with review and discipline

  1. Apply the checklist to every trade, without exceptions.
  2. Record when an item is ignored.
  3. Analyse violations in weekly-review.
  4. Update only items with measurable impact.

Card

  • What it is: list of mandatory checks before opening a position.
  • When to use it: in pre-market routine and at every entry decision.
  • Typical mistake: filling it in after the trade to "justify" an emotional choice.

Silver path — Module: Review. Part of silver-path.