Think Like a Poker Pro
April 4, 2012 at 7:40 am
I love the movie Rounders, in which Matt Damon is a poker player looking for a big break (and then a way to get out of some serious trouble).
In the movie, his character Mike McDermott makes a comment early on that as a player, “your goal is to win one big bet an hour – that’s it.”
Notice he said “win one big bet” rather than “place one big bet.” There’s a key distinction here and it applies to trading.
Amateur Hour
Amateurs too often think they need to place some big bets in order to win big. They couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Amateurs are also generally too proud to fold. That’s admitting defeat, and rather than seeing the bigger picture of losing some battles in order to win the war, they take a stand when they shouldn’t – and they pay for it.
How the Pro’s Play
Professional traders, on the other hand, realize there’s plenty of quiet time to endure before those payout opportunities occur. They realize it’s a matter of hanging around, staying in the game, in order to be fit to capitalize on the best “hands” they are dealt.
Professionals understand that taking small hit after small hit is easily undone by just a win or two – so long as they’re losing smaller and winning bigger. Be willing to fold repeatedly if necessary – the goal is to be net profitable, but that won’t happen every single time you commit your capital.
Trading is a numbers game, and professionals only play (or play for meaningful stakes) when conditions are most favorable. Very simple, but very difficult for many amateurs to do.
So the question is… are you thinking (and acting) more like an amateur or a pro?
(Hint: your results are likely already reflecting it.)
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
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When The Bell Rings – Episode 1
April 2, 2012 at 7:30 am
I’ve been doing free trading videos here for a long time, but they’ve all been in screencast style as I narrate what’s on my charts and share insights with you. Those will continue, because certain things in trading must be illustrated in that manner in order to show you what I’m telling you.
But…
It’s time to put a little different spin on things and I felt that through some on camera face time, I’d be able to connect with you a little better and deliver some ideas and concepts that you absolutely MUST have as a trader.
So today, I bring you something I’ve been excited about lately but haven’t previously revealed with this new video series. I’m calling it When The Bell Rings, and here in Episode 1 I’ll explain why. Subsequent episodes will of course build on what’s delivered here, so by all means stay tuned and share your feedback if you’re finding these helpful.
Enjoy!
(Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share).
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
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Follow @TheStockBandit
Week 13 Trades Review (Video)
April 1, 2012 at 8:00 am
Week 13 saw the indexes base, which was healthy, but there were still some short-term profits to be had.
We caught some nice trades for the week inside the Bandit Hideout, so I wanted to offer a video recap of each of them. Once again, the numbers game of trading proved essential as a few stopped trades were offset by some nice winners. Diversifying trading directions, timeframes and strategies has some big advantages.
This show-and-tell look at the trades I took this week should give you a feel for not only how I managed my trades, but also the kinds of setups which have been working well of late. And for those curious about our trading style in the member area, this should give you a good indication of what a typical week looks like. Check out the trial if you’re interested in adding our ideas to your own.
(Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share).
Be sure to view in HD (720P) and full-screen mode for best quality in the video.
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
Get our free newsletter to keep up!
Follow @TheStockBandit
Video Review of the Indexes 3-31-2012
March 31, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Last week we saw the indexes break out to start the week, only to see some mild profit-taking mid-week to leave stocks short-term range bound.
Selectivity remains the key for new plays, which I’ve been noting within the member area. A number of stocks are building high-quality patterns, which should make for plenty of opportunities in the days ahead.
In preparation for the trading week ahead, let’s examine some important levels to keep an eye on for the indexes. That will have the greatest influence on how individual stocks are going to move, so it’s part of our weekend process.
(Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share).
Be sure to view in HD (720P) and full-screen mode for best quality in the video.
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
Get our free newsletter to keep up!
Follow @TheStockBandit
Why Your Option Trades Fail
March 30, 2012 at 8:41 am
Frequently traders will tell me instead of trading the common, that they’re eyeing the options instead. The idea is that they can ‘control the stock’ at a much lower price, which is correct, but it’s not as simple as they expect.
For example, with XYZ trading at $50, the $55 call might look cheap by comparison at $0.25, and many will go this route of buying a ‘cheap’ call instead of the shares. That isn’t much, but with only about a 10% chance of finishing in the money by expiration, the odds certainly aren’t favorable. Then consider the fact that to turn a profit, the stock has to move even higher ($55 + $0.25 paid for the call), and the likelihood of turning a profit diminishes even further.
Whether it’s options or common you’re trading, you never want to be in a position where you NEED the stock to make a sizeable move to just get your money back.
So the next time you’re considering buying an option instead of the stock, go deep in the money and consider paying what might look to be a more expensive price. The odds are more favorable, and you’re not putting yourself in such a needy position from the outset of the trade.
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
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Follow @TheStockBandit
LIVE Chat on Thursday, March 29, 2012
March 27, 2012 at 8:00 am
This Thursday morning for the eTradingExpo, I’ll be chatting live at 11:30am ET. I hope you can make it to my session!
Specifically, I’ll be discussing Adapting to Changing Market Conditions. I have a lot of good stuff planned, and we’ll talk about being equipped with different techniques and having an awareness of what to watch for to indicate the landscape is shifting. I’m excited about giving you some insights for better trading and having the opportunity to answer your questions live.
Make plans to attend virtually by pre-registering today (it’s free)!
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
Get our free newsletter to keep up!
Follow @TheStockBandit
Week 12 Trades Review (Video)
March 25, 2012 at 8:00 am
Despite a lack of direction in the market last week, my account grew.
We caught some nice trades for the week inside the Bandit Hideout, so I wanted to offer a video recap of each of them. Once again, the numbers game of trading proved essential as several stopped trades were offset by some nice winners. Diversifying trading directions, timeframes and strategies has some big advantages.
This show-and-tell look at the trades I took this week should give you a feel for not only how I managed my trades, but also the kinds of setups which have been working well of late. And for those curious about our trading style in the member area, this should give you a good indication of what a typical week looks like. Check out the trial if you’re interested in adding our ideas to your own.
(Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share).
Be sure to view in HD (720P) and full-screen mode for best quality in the video.
Trade Like a Bandit!
Jeff White
Producer of The Bandit Broadcast
Get our free newsletter to keep up!
Follow @TheStockBandit
