There are a few concepts that I tend to repeat often. "Traps against market bias" is one of these concepts. Not just because they form a key part of my trading approach. But also because traps are difficult to trade for many traders. Psychologically, they can feel really uncomfortable. But in my opinion, when the context is right, these are setups that you should be taking. It's my hope that repetition will breed some familiarity and help you somewhat along the way to making them an integral part of your trading approach.
See here for a review: https://www.yourtradingcoach.com/trading-process-and-strategy/Gaining-Confidence-in-Taking-the-Trap-Entries/
But let's summarise…
The concept:
- A common reason for difficulty in taking trap entries is your faulty expectations.
- You're expecting breakout success. I'm anticipating breakout failure!
Why is this the case?
- Standard TA teaches us that a breakout of a key level or a significant swing high or low is a potential sign of a new trend.
- This leads to people expecting breaks to work.
- The reality is that it's only a potential sign of a new trend… at least up until price acceptance in the new area and signs of strength in this new direction.
- The reality is that breaks against bias often do fail.
- So, if you can gain an entry on a break against your bias, with acceptable reward:risk parameters, then this is a trade that you SHOULD be taking.
When a breakout occurs against a larger market bias, anticipate a failure.
Trending markets… find breaks of swing highs/lows against the trend.
Ranging markets… find breaks around the edges of range support and
resistance.
Any market… any timeframe!
So let's look at a market I haven't shown very often in the YTC newsletter. I'm currently experimenting with the emini S&P (chasing more liquidity… but that's another story)!
Let's look at Monday's very nice trending session and study a trap against market bias.
All markets… all timeframes.
When a breakout occurs against a larger market bias, anticipate a failure.
Trending markets… find breaks of swing highs/lows against the trend.
Ranging markets… find breaks around the edges of range support and resistance.
Study your charts. Question your prior beliefs and consider amending them to something more useful – when a breakout occurs against a larger market bias, anticipate a failure.
Happy trapping,
Lance Beggs
I had a question. The CPB shown, could that also be considered a 3 swing retracement or does it need a more defined S/L like the 1st peak of the CPB? Also did the candle breaking resistance before continuation form what could be seen as an up thrust trap?
Yes, a 3-swing retrace is one type of CPB. In this case the CPB definitely is a 3 swing retracement.
I wouldn’t call the final breaking candle an upthrust though. An upthrust requires a clearly defined and obvious ledge. I don’t think that’s the case here.
Cheers,
Lance
Have you kept up with ES? It has the most liquidity but I’ve found it a difficult mkt due to the moves always coming back to my entries, no matter where I get in it backs n fills a lot – seems very restricted most times.
Hi Goran, I try ES from time to time. I’m really keen to trade it because of the liquidity. But I always struggle to “feel” the flow of the market. The pace is slow and as you’ve noticed it’s just continual back and fill stuff with very little directional movement. My personality is just SO MUCH MORE suited to something that moves!
I have a question sir, for your words “Until price has shown acceptance in the new area” in the first picture, how do you define “acceptance”? how do you judge it? thank you in advance
Hi Pauliang,
It’s somewhat subjective. Essentially I’m looking to see evidence that buyers are holding price beyond the breakout level. Partly it’s a matter of time (eg. 2 or 3 candles) or distance moved from the level. But a significant part also comes from watching recent history within that market (because they all vary slightly in nature). Get a feel for the how quickly a failed breakout typically occurs in your market, and there is your answer. Anything longer, is probably acceptance.
Cheers,
Lance.