What does a high-quality skip look like on your tape?
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2026 10:09 am
Most journals record trades. Fewer record skips. But some skips are as valuable as good trades.
A high-quality skip:
- A setup appeared that looked tempting.
- One or more rules said no.
- You didn't take it.
- In hindsight, regardless of outcome, the decision was correct based on the rules.
Examples:
- Breakout signal, but spread was 3x normal. Skipped.
- Good setup, but NFP in 8 minutes. Skipped.
- Third loss of the day just happened, rules say stop. Skipped the next setup.
Why record them:
- Reinforces discipline.
- Shows how often rules protect you.
- Helps evaluate whether rules are too strict (if skipped trades consistently would have won).
A useful exercise: for one week, record every skip with the reason. Then check what those trades would have done.
What's a skip you're proud of?
A high-quality skip:
- A setup appeared that looked tempting.
- One or more rules said no.
- You didn't take it.
- In hindsight, regardless of outcome, the decision was correct based on the rules.
Examples:
- Breakout signal, but spread was 3x normal. Skipped.
- Good setup, but NFP in 8 minutes. Skipped.
- Third loss of the day just happened, rules say stop. Skipped the next setup.
Why record them:
- Reinforces discipline.
- Shows how often rules protect you.
- Helps evaluate whether rules are too strict (if skipped trades consistently would have won).
A useful exercise: for one week, record every skip with the reason. Then check what those trades would have done.
What's a skip you're proud of?