A written no-trade session list and the reasons behind each entry
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2026 2:55 pm
Most scalpers know which times they trade. Fewer write down when they don't, and why. A no-trade list makes skipping a decision made in advance rather than a feeling in the moment.
An example of what such a list might look like:
1. 21:45–22:15 UK: rollover. Spreads and fills unreliable.
2. Tokyo lunch, 11:30–12:30 Tokyo time (02:30–03:30 UK in winter). Ranges too small for the cost.
3. 10 minutes either side of Tier 1 releases for the pair being traded.
4. Friday after 17:00 UK. Liquidity thins and weekend positioning distorts moves.
5. The first trading day after a long holiday in the UK or US.
6. Any session after a night with under five hours of sleep.
Each line has a reason attached. That's important, because when the reason no longer applies the line can be removed with a clear head. When there's no reason, the list becomes superstition.
The list also helps in reviews. If losing trades cluster in times that should have been on it, the list is incomplete.
What's on your list that might surprise other people?
An example of what such a list might look like:
1. 21:45–22:15 UK: rollover. Spreads and fills unreliable.
2. Tokyo lunch, 11:30–12:30 Tokyo time (02:30–03:30 UK in winter). Ranges too small for the cost.
3. 10 minutes either side of Tier 1 releases for the pair being traded.
4. Friday after 17:00 UK. Liquidity thins and weekend positioning distorts moves.
5. The first trading day after a long holiday in the UK or US.
6. Any session after a night with under five hours of sleep.
Each line has a reason attached. That's important, because when the reason no longer applies the line can be removed with a clear head. When there's no reason, the list becomes superstition.
The list also helps in reviews. If losing trades cluster in times that should have been on it, the list is incomplete.
What's on your list that might surprise other people?