What is a pre-trade checklist?
A pre-trade checklist is a structured 6-step validation process you complete BEFORE entering any trade. It ensures your setup meets strict confluence requirements and prevents impulsive, emotional entries.
Discipline • 5 min • Feb 18, 2026
Pre-Trade Checklist – The 6 Gates That Professionals Use Before EVERY Entry
Most traders skip mental checks before entry. This single checklist prevents 70% of losing trades.
Key Takeaways
- Implement the 6-point pre-trade checklist before EVERY single entry
- Validate: session bias, setup confluence, position size, daily metrics, emotional state
- Eliminate impulse trades that violate your rules
- Increase win rate by filtering low-conviction setups
The 6-Gate Checklist
Before ANY trade entry, answer these 6 questions. If you cannot answer "yes" to all 6, you pass the trade.
1. Is this my planned session? (London, New York, Asia—not the wrong time)
2. Does my bias match the trade direction? (Uptrend setup + bullish bias = yes. Uptrend setup + bearish bias = no)
3. Do I see 2+ confluence points? (BOS + FVG, or BOS + liquidity, etc.)
4. Did I calculate position size correctly? (Formula says X lots, I am risking X lots)
5. What is my daily loss so far? (Under -3%? Yes = proceed. Over -3%? Stop trading)
6. What is my loss streak today? (3+ consecutive? Stop trading for 2 hours)
All yes = trade. Any no = pass. Print this checklist and place it next to your monitor.
Why This Checklist Increases Win Rate
Most traders enter trades that are 4 out of 6 on this checklist. Small edge. Low conviction. Predictable losses.
Professionals enter only trades that are 6 out of 6. Full confluence. High conviction. Higher win rate.
Example: You see a BOS on EUR/USD but it is during the Asian session (wrong session for your strategy). Your bias is bullish but the setup is bearish. That is 2 out of 6. You pass.
10 minutes later, a PROPER setup appears: London session, bullish entry, BOS + FVG + liquidity near support. That is 6 out of 6. You take it. Win rate difference: ~25% lower on the first setup vs. the second.
This checklist filters garbage and keeps you in high-conviction setups only. Small account, large edge = consistent growth.
FAQ
What are the 6 gates?
Gate 1: Bias check (is the bias correct for my setup?). Gate 2: Setup check (do I have 3+ confluences?). Gate 3: Emotional state (am I calm?). Gate 4: Risk/reward check (minimum 1:2?). Gate 5: Position size check (calculated correctly?). Gate 6: Stop loss check (logical and tight?).
How long does a pre-trade checklist take?
With practice, 60-90 seconds. Break it down: 15s bias, 30s setup validation, 15s emotional check, 20s risk/reward, 10s position sizing. Speed comes with repetition. It is worth the 90 seconds to avoid -1% losses.
What if I fail one of the 6 gates?
You DO NOT enter the trade. Even if it looks perfect, if one gate fails, skip it. This discipline is what separates profitable traders from breakeven traders. A missed setup is not a loss—it is a win.
Can I customize the 6-gate checklist?
Yes. The core process is the same for all traders, but the specific confluences and thresholds change based on your strategy. If you trade SMC + FVG, Gate 2 looks different than if you trade pure technical support/resistance.