Checklists Without Clutter

Checklists fail when they try to capture every possible chart nuance. Aim for five to seven items that each force a binary decision: yes, proceed; no, stand down.

Include at least one risk item (size calculated, stop placed at structure) and one context item (news window clear, heat available). Leave ornamental indicators off the list.

In Pre-Trade Checklist Coaching we cut lists ruthlessly. Traders often discover half their steps were ritual rather than decision points.

Review the checklist monthly. Retire items that never change an outcome; add one only when a repeated mistake shows a missing gate.