Who this is for — Traders who click because «chart looks good». Trade idea formalizes the trade in 5 verifiable blocks.
The trade idea is the document (journal, chart note) merging setup, execution and management into one plan. No live order without completed trade idea and checklist ok.
In plain terms — Trade boarding pass: if mandatory fields are empty, you do not board.
Five pillars
| # | Block | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Direction + context | Long/short and HTF rationale |
| 2 | Trigger | Yes/no event authorizing entry |
| 3 | Invalidation / stop | |
| 4 | Target | Liquidity/structure + resulting R:R |
| 5 | Scenarios | Post-entry if-then |
Workflow
Typical mistake — Trade idea filled **after** entry — rationalization, not plan.
Example — «Long H4 trend, M15 engulfing trigger at VAL, stop −1R below swing, target prior high, IF +1R partial 50%».
Summary sheet
- Format: 5 blocks, binary where possible.
- Rule: no idea = no trade.
- Review: compare idea vs actual execution.
Silver path — Setup module (closure). Index: Silver path.