← Trendline Course · Module 14 of 15

The Trading Checklist

A repeatable, step-by-step process to run before every single trade.

Use this checklist every time you analyze a new potential trade.

Pre-Analysis

☐ I have selected my trading timeframe and will not deviate from it
☐ I have opened my charting platform and selected the instrument
☐ I have the Ray drawing tool selected (not the Trendline tool)

Top-Down Analysis

☐ Monthly: drew primary trendlines, identified overall trend direction
☐ Weekly: adjusted lines, added steeper trendlines (previous Point B → new Point A)
☐ Daily: adjusted and added steeper trendlines where applicable
☐ 4-Hour: added downward trendlines if visible, continued the fan
☐ Trading timeframe: final adjustments made; both bullish and bearish lines drawn; no line has price intersecting it

Trade Validity (confirm ALL before entering)

☐ A trendline has clearly been broken (full candle close beyond the line)
☐ The breakout candle is large relative to recent price action (energy)
☐ At least one subsequent candle confirms the direction
☐ I checked for equal highs/lows nearby that might indicate a fake out
☐ Higher-timeframe context supports the direction of my trade
☐ The trade has confluence — at least one extra reason beyond the break (key level, psychological number, fair value gap, structural break)

Trade Execution

☐ Entry price identified
☐ Stop loss placed (beyond the opposing trendline)
☐ Position size calculated (max 1–2% account risk)
☐ I know at what point I'll move my stop to break even
☐ I know which trendline break signals my exit
☐ I will NOT move my stop further away if the trade goes against me

Trade Management (during the trade)

☐ When the trade moves significantly in my favor, moved stop to break even
☐ As the trend continues, trailed the stop to protect profits
☐ Watching for a break of the opposing trendline as the exit signal
☐ Not switching timeframes or second-guessing the thesis

Next module: Glossary & Final Thoughts →

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