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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.
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.
In trading, shortcuts lead to the longest path possible.
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?
Thanks for this @fminus... I've had these courses sitting in my inbox for a spell, gonna check them out. Don't want to hijack this thread, but your story sounds like one everyone here could glean something from. Much appreciated.
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.
Trading: The one I'm creating in the present....Index Futures mini/micro, ZF
Posts: 2,311 since Nov 2011
Thanks Given: 7,341
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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....
I am interested to hear where you heard that order flow is on it's way out. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of shills trying to sell their "proprietary" order flow tool as it's been the craze for the past several years, but order flow in itself is an integral part of the market. It is important to make the distinction between the what makes the market move and the snake oil salesmen.
I use candlestick charts, market profile, volume profile, vwap, pivots, bookmap, and dom. All cohesively as one single system. They help me see everything from the big picture down to the surgical entries. This is just what I use my in toolbox and you have to figure out what tools you want for yours.
In trading, shortcuts lead to the longest path possible.
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!
Can a trade be made without order flow? I guess if you make the market you can do whatever you want.
Can you trade without using the order flow information on the DOM? Sure. It is just a tool for you to gain information. There are plenty on this forum that do not use a DOM but just because you don't use it, doesn't mean the underlying mechanics of the market don't exist. The point of directing you to Jigsaw's courses was not for you to learn the tool, but to understand how the market works.
In trading, shortcuts lead to the longest path possible.