Core Concepts

Pro-Trend Mapping Exercise

A backtesting method where you map every single entry opportunity inside one 4H pro-trend leg on the 1m timeframe

The pro-trend mapping exercise is a structured backtesting method designed to build a data-driven entry model. The process: (1) Open a 4H chart and identify a clear pro-trend leg where the direction is obvious — lows breaking and supply holding for bearish, highs breaking and demand holding for bullish. (2) Cut the opposite direction entirely — if bearish, "buy" does not exist. (3) Drop to the 1m timeframe and mark every single valid entry opportunity inside that leg. Not just the best entries — every entry. Chain entries, flip entries, FLR entries, break entries. (4) Record each entry in a dataset: entry type, R:R, result (win/loss), notes. Repeat this on 5 pro-trend legs to collect 50-75 entries. This dataset reveals patterns: which entry types perform best, what time of day produces the cleanest setups, how many opportunities exist per leg (typically 10-15). The most important realization is abundance — there are far more opportunities than most traders think, which eliminates FOMO and enables selectivity.

How to Recognize

  • Pick one 4H pro-trend leg → drop to 1m → mark every single entry (not just the obvious ones)
  • Cut the opposite direction entirely: if 4H is bearish, only map sells
  • Record each entry: type (chain/flip/FLR/break), R:R, result, notes
  • Do 5 legs minimum to collect 50+ entries — that is your baseline dataset

How to Avoid

  • Only marking entries that look good in hindsight (mark ALL entries, winners and losers)
  • Skipping the data recording step (looking at charts without recording is not backtesting)
  • Trading both directions during the exercise (pro-trend only, no exceptions)
  • Drawing conclusions from fewer than 50 entries (insufficient sample size)