As we have written in the past, our preferred time-frame is the 3 minute chart. We like using the 3 minute time-frame because we feel that it’s easier to spot volume spikes and base and break patterns than in longer time-frames. However, what is sometimes quite difficult, even after you have traded for years, is to see beyond the next tick, and having such a fast time-frame can sometimes make one too focussed on the immediate future. This is the reason we like having the 10day / 30 minute chart and a 3 month daily chart synched with the main 3 minute chart. Therefore, every time we switch the 3 minute chart to another stock, all charts change over. Nothing beats the 3 min chart for entry, but having the daily chart beside you reminds you of the bigger picture.
Sometimes, for specific reasons, you believe a stock will go in a certain direction. However, you can find no decent entry point (i.e. there is no base or any familiar pattern). What do you do? Have vision. Find a spot, enter fewer shares (due to wider stop), set a reasonable stop, and just leave the trade alone. More often than not, these are the most successful, most satisfying trades of them all. First, it’s a very good feeling having a plan and seeing it through. And second, it keeps you from overtrading.
One of the most important stages of the evolution of the trader is from the gung-ho newbie who just shoots and blasts away constantly during the day, and the more contemplative experienced trader who sits on the trade and lets the trade unfold towards the target.
