Trading Protocols Guide
Protocols are checklists that help you maintain discipline and consistency in your trading. Use them to ensure you follow your trading plan every time.
What Are Protocols?
A protocol is a structured checklist you complete at specific times during your trading:
- Before the market opens
- Before entering a trade
- While holding a position
- After closing a trade
- At the end of the day
- Weekly review
Each protocol contains sections with checklist items. Completing the checklist helps you stay disciplined and catches mistakes before they happen.
Protocol Types
| Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Pre-Market | Before market opens - prepare for the trading day |
| Pre-Trade | Before entering any trade - validate the setup |
| In-Trade | While holding a position - manage the trade |
| Post-Trade | After closing a trade - review execution |
| End-of-Day | After market close - daily reflection |
| Weekly | Once per week - review overall performance |
Accessing Protocols
Go to Protocols in the sidebar to view and manage your protocols.
Creating a Protocol
- Go to Protocols
- Click Create Protocol
- Choose the protocol type
- Enter a name and optional description
- Add sections and items using the builder
- Click Save Protocol
Using Templates
When creating a protocol, you can start with a template that includes common checklist items. Templates are available for each protocol type. You can customize them after creation.
Protocol Structure
Protocols are organized into:
Sections
Groups of related checklist items. Examples:
- "Market Analysis" section for pre-market checks
- "Risk Management" section for pre-trade validation
- "Execution Review" section for post-trade analysis
Items
Individual checklist questions within each section. Each item has a type:
| Item Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Checkbox | Simple check/uncheck (did you do this?) |
| Yes / No / N/A | Three options for more nuanced answers |
| Rating (1-5) | Rate something on a scale |
| Text | Free-form text response |
| Dropdown | Select from predefined options |
| Number | Enter a numeric value |
Required Items
Mark items as "required" to ensure they must be completed. Use this for critical checks you should never skip.
Using Protocols in Trading
Post-Trade Protocol
When adding a trade (Step 5), you can complete your post-trade protocol:
- Your protocol appears with all sections and items
- Check off items as you review them
- Protocol responses are saved with the trade
If you have multiple post-trade protocols, you'll be asked to select which one to use.
Other Protocol Types
Pre-Market, End-of-Day, and Weekly protocols can be accessed from the Protocols page. Complete them as part of your trading routine, separate from individual trades.
Example Protocols
Pre-Trade Checklist
Setup Check:
- Setup is part of my trading plan?
- Trading with the trend?
- Quality setup, not chasing?
- Checked for upcoming news?
Risk Check:
- Entry level defined?
- Stop loss defined?
- Target(s) defined?
- Position size within limits?
Post-Trade Review
Quick Review:
- Followed my trading plan?
- Rate my execution (1-5)
- Screenshot saved?
- Emotions under control?
Protocol Limits
- FREE plan: 1 protocol
- PRO plan: Unlimited protocols
Best Practices
- Keep it focused - Don't make protocols too long; you're less likely to complete them
- Use required items sparingly - Only mark truly critical items as required
- Be honest - The value comes from honest answers, not just checking boxes
- Review periodically - Update protocols as your trading evolves
- Use different types - A pre-trade checklist catches different things than a post-trade review
- Build the habit - Consistency is key; complete protocols every time
Why Use Protocols?
- Reduce emotional decisions - A checklist adds objectivity
- Catch mistakes early - Pre-trade checks prevent bad entries
- Learn faster - Post-trade reviews highlight what to improve
- Build consistency - Following the same process leads to consistent results
- Track discipline - See patterns in where you break your rules