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Nial Fuller

NIAL FULLER Nial Fuller
Professional Trader, Author & Coach

How To Anticipate Your Next Trade

successThere’s an old saying that goes something like “Success happens when opportunity meets preparation”. Hopefully, by the end of today’s lesson, you will understand just how applicable that saying is to trading success and why it’s so important to be an anticipatory trader instead of a reactive one.

If you take a close look at any successful trader or business person in any industry, you will find they did not achieve success by being reactionary and acting without a plan. Every success story, whether in business, trading, professional sports or anything else, always is based in planning, in anticipating what needs to happen now to attain success in the future.

As traders, we are facing a never-ending stream of constantly-changing variables when we look at the market. The only way to effectively trade and make money from those variables is to develop the ability to anticipate high-probability trades before they happen, otherwise you will always be reacting, usually emotionally to the market.

We need to plan, anticipate and then pull the trigger once market conditions meet our anticipated criteria…

Map the market in advance

The first step to anticipating trades rather than reacting emotionally to the market, is learning how to map the market in advance. By “map the market”, I am talking about understanding what the market is doing, where the key levels are, what the trend is, if any, etc. You want to make this into a trading routine that you do at the start of each week.

When you know what a market has been up to and you understand the trend and key levels, when a price action signal forms, you will instantly know if it makes sense in the context it is forming in. Once you get good at this, you will truly be focused in on key levels and value areas you anticipate a trade forming at. Then, when (if) a signal does form at that area, you are ready to go with no hesitation or fear.

So, to put this a little different way; you shouldn’t be waking up every day looking for something totally new in the market, you should already know in advance what the market is doing and where you’re waiting for a signal at. Also, by a ‘signal’, I mean a price action signal or even just a retrace to a key level and a blind entry at that level. If you are anticipating a retrace to a key level and your entry is simply at the level, that is also anticipating a trade and is just fine. Remember, don’t just react to what’s happening today; you should have already been anticipating it well in advance based off your map of the market.

In the example chart below, we can see that we have mapped out the obvious / key horizontal level and identified the dominant / overall trend of this market. Note, as the market swings, you will need to adjust your key levels to reflect those new swing points, this can typically be done on the weekend, before the new week begins…

mapthemarket

Identify ‘hot’ areas in the market…

The point of anticipating trades is that you have a plan of action for how you will react if XYZ happens…this is a much more professional way to conduct yourself in the market than simply “running and gunning” with no logic or method behind your trades. Remember, you should trade like a sniper not a machine gunner ;).

The importance of performing weekly and daily market analysis in a structured and methodical manner can be emphasized enough. Doing so will help you to get “in-tune” with the overall market structure and dynamics and learn to anticipate high-probability trading scenarios…this is how you trade like a sniper or trade like a crocodile, pick your metaphor.

When you sit down at your computer to analyze the market, you should already have a good idea of where you are looking for signals and what markets are “hot” right now…you should be anticipating signals in confluent areas and levels in the market based on previous analysis you’ve already done. For example, in the Gold chart used above, we had been watching the key support level at 1300.00 – 1310.00 for many weeks in our commentary because we knew that price had previously bounced very aggressively from that level. So, 1300.00 – 1310.00 was a ‘hot’ or confluent area to watch and to anticipate a trade at…

anticipatingtrades

Conclusion

As we wrap this lesson up, I want to make sure you understand the difference between anticipation and reaction in regards to trading the market.

Anticipation and planning for future events is an ability that is unique to humans, at least to the degree we can plan and anticipate. We have the ability to understand what has happened, what is happening and what might happen as a result of those two things. Other animals simply do not have this advanced cognitive ability.

Reactions are something every living thing has. Any animal or insect can react to their environment. Indeed, almost everything an animal or insect does is an instinct or a reaction they don’t have to think much about.

Now, stop and ask yourself, do you want to trade like a reactionary animal or insect? Or do you want to trade like an intelligent human being?? Well, I am sure that 100% of you answered that you want to trade like a human. However, I am not sure that even 90% of you are trading that way.

Most struggling traders are so busy reacting to the market that they hardly even have time to stop and think about what they’re doing, let alone to map the market, make a plan and anticipate their trades. It might sound a bit harsh, but I prefer honesty over sweet-talk, and I am going to be honest with you now. If you are only reacting to the market with no planning or anticipating, you are basically trading like an animal, certainly not a high-functioning human. Remember this point: Professional traders plan and anticipate their trades; they control themselves rather than allowing the market to control them.

The market will not ALWAYS do what you want it to or what you anticipate it might do. It won’t always move into the high-probability / confluent zones that you highlight on your charts…but sometimes it will, and when it does you need to be ready and confident, and that is the point of today’s lesson. To make sure you’re totally prepared to anticipate your trades rather than reacting to the market like a scared gazelle being stalked by a lion, check out my trading course and members’ area for more help.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW – I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK :)

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Nial Fuller

About Nial Fuller

is a Professional Trader, Investor & Author who is considered ‘The Authority’ on Price Action Trading. His blog is read by over 200,000+ followers and he has taught 25,000+ students since 2008. In 2016, Nial won the Million Dollar Trader Competition. Checkout Nial's Professional Trading Course here.
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  1. melaloy

    very use full and explained briefly.

    Reply
  2. Eric

    This is real, and I love it.

    Reply
  3. Благодарность

    very informative article Mr. Nial! I think the trade magazine, thanks for your articles will help to go with the place with the market

    Reply
  4. Ahsan Ali

    very right sir

    Reply
  5. Merriam

    Hi, Sir

    you really know your story in trading, I love every moment where I engage with everything that is on the website, I have learnt a lot even though I am not yet a member surely I am going to take the course

    Thank you

    Reply
  6. sbu

    Good niel

    Reply
  7. olaniyi

    Thanks great education about the market mapping.

    Reply
  8. lilele moeketsi

    I do understand lesson behind anticipation and reaction in the market so im to change attitude. Thanks sir Nial

    Reply
  9. Humphrey

    Thank you, Nial.

    This is very insightful. I am new to your page, and I believe I surely will improve my trading following you.

    Keep up with the great work…..

    Reply
  10. Roman

    Thx

    Reply
  11. Roman

    Dear Nial

    Thx so much for your efforts. I’m at very beginning of this subject and sure that i have to learn to anticipate.

    Thx again and keep reading you
    Take care
    Roman Kolos

    Reply
  12. alex

    wow that so true ad helps so much,thank you

    Reply
  13. Thulani

    Very informative indeed, I can`t wait to take your Course.

    Reply
  14. Thabang

    Im glad to have followed you from the beninning, now I know what I’m looking for when analysis the market. Your “TLS” method combined with “Set and Forget” method really improved the way I trade. I still have a lot to learn from you my mentor and thanks for your kindness. Salute

    Reply
  15. Ivane Zurabishvili

    Hi Nial, all your articles i read with great pleasure, many thanks.

    Reply
  16. Euphemia Nwachukwu

    Thanks Nial for this great information , I now see the importance of maping out level in anticipation, and not reacting to what the market is doing.and equally I now know that patient must be applied. Please keep up the goodwork.

    Remain Blessed.

    Reply
  17. M Felly

    Wow!

    Thank you so much Nial. I always wonder what I have done to deserve bumping into such a guru as you.

    Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  18. Sthembiso

    I prefer to be an anticipatory trader not a reactive one.

    Reply
  19. Atul Kapatkar

    Planning makes man perfect.
    Brilliant.

    Reply
  20. Larry nielsen

    Well said

    Reply
  21. Nigel Harvey

    Your articles motivate me to persevere.

    Reply
  22. Helen

    Thanks you!

    Reply
  23. Agripa

    thanks coach for your articles they motivates,i am a new member ,they is no great course like yours , been struggling with trading but since i am studying the course i see a big difference in my trades through price action setups,GOD bless you more.

    Reply
  24. Idris Ahmad

    Nial,thanks this should be my first remark to you,because your articles are always on time.practicalising your article made me got a lot,especially the precious metals,as the trend move downward.At first I couldn’t believe my eyes on what I got,yea indeed,trading like a sniper by taken the crocodile approach is more profitable than anything else,after observing the key support and resistance level,respectively as you have said.In fact ,Nial you are an undisputable guru in the Forex world,thank you very much,looking forward for your precious articles.

    Reply
  25. 'Dare Ajayi

    Nial. Yours is GREAT! It’s FOREX TRADING LIFE CHANGING. I like it.

    Reply
  26. Keith D.

    Thanks Niall for a great post. Having now stuck with my (your) strategy, cut the markets I look at to the same ten and no others & restricted my trades to a max of 3 in any week, if they shout out (none if they don’t) I’ve reversed losses to profit at last. Small beginnings but a positive move in the right direction after 3 years of undisciplined struggle in the forex markets. Really appreciate your continued support to all of us out here!

    Reply
    • M Felly

      Impressive Keith. I see myself now as you in those last three years. But there’s hope now that I’m part of this amazing platform. Keep it up, discipline is key

      Reply
    • Roy Peters

      Great story Keith. We all wish to be like you one day!

      Reply
  27. Emmanuel

    Hmmmm sometimes your articles just confirm my observations. Good, keep i up

    Reply
  28. Tshepo

    You’ve raised some important facts , I’ve learned a lot from this article .Thanks Nial

    Reply
  29. Mauricio Raspa

    Learn point&figure and get control over your charts . It has in built moneymanagement as well. The method that dont let The emotions take over. If you follow it of course.

    Reply
  30. Yousri

    One of the most important lessons for new and struggling traders to learn

    Reply
  31. yasrib

    Thanks Nial. I think anticipation and discipline is 90% of success in trading.

    Reply
  32. Ray Imomon

    Thank you. This article will help a lot. It another eye opener to forex trading.

    Reply
  33. Gary Bell

    Your persistent focus on the mental side of the trading equation is commendable – it is THE (95%) key to successful trading. There are many strategies that work, but ALL will ultimately fail and wipe out your account if patience, anticipation, and discipline are not the cornerstone.
    Love reading your articles. All the best.

    Reply
    • M Felly

      Very true

      Reply
  34. Nick Warwick

    Niall, when you point these things out, it’s like you’re stating the obvious — except one doesn’t tend to get them oneself until you point it out! A nice stabilising lesson.

    Reply
  35. Romeo Par

    Hi Nial, I meant to ask you, what do you do while waiting for high probability set up, I am new in trading business and I do what I learned from you, hunting like a crocodile but those PIN BARS rarely appears, I must admit those signals are very effective but sometimes I get very impatient and get in a trade using other candles formation which are not as reliable as PIN BARS

    Reply
  36. Olatunde Adigun

    Quite right. I have followed and practiced what you impart for so long I know it is the only way to be profitable in trading.

    Reply
  37. olatunde

    This is really the truth of the business. On GBPAUD, I had marked a strong support but did not place a pending order. Had I done that, I would have made at least 150 pips with absolute ease out of over 200 pips price rallying up. And there are many more like this.

    Thank you so much for this timely reminder.

    Reply
  38. Karen M Lydon

    Thanks Nial, great lesson.
    There’s a line from the movie The Untouchables where they’re waiting for the mob to come over the hill and ambush the Feds. Sean Connery cautions them,
    You can’t want it to happen, you can’t wait for it to happen, You just have to be ready when it does happen .” That’s what I get in this lesson

    Reply
  39. Bill Sur

    superb article

    Reply
  40. Rogerio Amado

    Good point, Nial.

    One question. When we anticipate the trade, and the conditions are favorable, do we wait for a confirmation signal, at least the next candle to trigger the trade?

    If yes, what time frame do you recommend we use for the analysis and the trigger? e.g. Do the weekly analysis using Daily Charts, the daily analysis using H4 Charts, and the trade itself observing H1 or shorter Charts?

    Thanks for the post,
    Rogerio

    Reply
  41. Ola

    It has always been a logical handling of complex issues regarding forex trading which I have known long time as your core value and aim.
    More greece to your elbow Nial!

    Reply
  42. WL Taba

    Love this post, it’s a great motivator.

    Reply
  43. Walter

    Thanks Nial. Very helpful

    Reply
  44. John Meester

    Nial, Thank you for your great course.

    -John

    Reply
  45. James George

    Your comments are always appreciated and helpful.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  46. Adam

    Thank you for yet another fantastic article on trader psychology and planning. I hope people will listen and follow. It’s great advice that I wish I had known when I was starting out, especially the idea to redraw levels and trend lines at the end of the week. This will definitely help with anticipating where the market can move. Notice that all charts used by Nial are Daily charts.

    Reply
  47. Nick

    Thanks Nial, Great article on anticipating trades – just what I needed. Cheers Nick

    Reply
  48. GIANFILIPPO DI CLEMENTE

    Thanks You, this article is very important!!!!!

    Reply
  49. john

    Nial,
    Thank you for the article.
    Very enlightening. looking forward to the next one.
    Regards.
    John

    Reply
  50. KRISTOFA OKENTA

    This sums up the whole article.
    “If you take a close look at any successful trader or business person in any industry, you will find they did not achieve success by being reactionary and acting without a plan. Every success story, whether in business, trading, always is based in planning, in anticipating what needs to happen now to attain success in the future.”
    Thanks Nial

    Reply
  51. Max

    Would it be in order to place pending orders at those expected reaction points?

    Reply
  52. Salim Jabagi

    A very interesting and useful lesson. Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  53. Nhlanhla

    Wow this lesson has been an eye opener for me, much clearer (Plan and Anticipate). Thank you very much Mr Fuller, keep up the good work.

    Reply
  54. sez elabor

    Very interesting piece Nial as usual. Thanks

    Reply
  55. freight

    great article Sir. you are helping us very much. keep on teaching us and motivating us, one day we will be good traders

    Reply
  56. Mangut K. Mafwalal

    Good and nice article. You are a good mentor.

    Reply
  57. Thabo

    Hi Nial

    I agree with you about the importance of understanding your price movement before placing a trade. Trend analysis very important more especially understanding your “tentative / confirmation point” during your analysis because u you will be able to identify / anticipate market retracing level and release your trigger.

    I committed lot of mistakes due my failure to conduct trend analysis before placing my trades.

    You are indeed a blessing Nial

    Reply
  58. eric

    Hmmm…. this is really building me into something else. Thank you Nial

    Reply
  59. Dan

    Jesse said,” the money is made in the waiting”
    You also stress this, until one learns to wait they will never achieve success in trading.
    But this is just one of the things needed
    Your articles are truly well written.
    Thanks for putting and keeping us on track Nial

    Reply
  60. Karen

    thank you Nial, this was very informative, I really appreciate your straight talk…

    Reply