Exactly, that is what the thread was about. What is actually important? Someone please chime in. There is always this cryptic comment like you just posted. "point me in the right direction" There is always a comment like that. So what is it, price action, geometry, market maker games, volume analysis, patterns, coin flip analysis, statistical analysis, risk management. There has to be 3-5 things max that matter most or that are valid from the pit to the screen to the algo.

The question you pose is a very tough question to answer because it's so broad. It is like asking, hyou.

If you were starting from ground zero, I would point you to the free courses available on JigsawTrading. They provide excellent foundational primer for why the markets do what they do. Most get turned off by looking at all the numbers on the DOM because it might not fit their pre-conceived notion of what trading is or it just looks too complicating. There is a reason why many prop firms make their new traders learn this stuff. This would be a great place to start and once you finish this, we might be able to have a reasonable discussion on why you think forks work.

Over the years, I have learned the market is one giant Paradox. It is everything opposite of what I once thought it was when I started. I struggled for many years because I couldn't let go of what I thought trading should be. Maybe it was ego or lack of humility. It was only when I hit rock bottom and decided I'll do whatever it takes to become profitable that I started to actually listen, investigate, and realize what the market really is. You can avoid the painful path, but it's up to you.

The question you pose is a very tough question to answer because it's so broad. It is like asking, how do I become a professional PGA golfer? There are topics and sub-topics that all need to be addressed to fully unpack this question. It is not people trying to keep some secret trading method from you.

Pardon my enthusiasm making it seem like a treasure hunt. I assure you no one on earth has investigated more trading ideas than me possibly...that is one reason the power of simple line is just killing me.

Here is someone who has figured the logical format out.

The question you pose is a very tough question to answer because it's so broad. It is like asking, how do I become a professional PGA golfer? There are topics and sub-topics that all need to be addressed to fully unpack this question. It is not people trying to keep some secret trading method from you.

Pardon this comment since I know nothing about OFA. I heard that OFA is on its way out. That buying volume can be hidden, broken up. Actually, have heard it a few times, the last time being Tim Morge saying he hides his volume.

I will check out Jigsaw as you said. I will see if something clicks. I am well aware prop firms have or had nothing but DOMS up.

Are you trading with a visual price chart at this time?

I think maybe I have you beat at investigating trading methods.....lol... how does paper charts sound by snail mail late 90's...Ken Roberts...........lol




I have Jigsaw, Rancho, Critical Data Associates, XABCD, neoHarmonics the list goes on and on....

Thought you might like this chart @edward40 .....

Ron

Cmon we all know Gartleys are a fallacy right? Ahh I see it...Mastering The Trade. John Carter has mastered the selling of indicators and classes I will tell you that much. He is pounding my inbox now, 5 emails today alone!

One question: Is it possible there are retail traders sitting in their home office, exploiting the same "niche" for 20 years day in and out? In other words, are you saying there is not one trader who can trade without order flow?
I could post some of my really old Ninjatrader logs, but it was on sim which never really counts, but still it was based on a "niche" that still exists today.