How I spot high-probability setups in 5 steps

- Check premium or discount zones

Figure out if price is in a premium (above equilibrium) or discount (below equilibrium) relative to your higher time frame range, this gives immediate context on where smart money might be looking for reversals or continuations.

- Analyze overnight price action

Look at what Asia and London sessions did: did we run the prior day’s high or low before NY open? This often sets up liquidity sweeps or fakeouts that can offer powerful entries.

- Look for red folders & key events

Are there any major economic releases or earnings reports today? News days can massively skew PA, create traps, or drive big moves, so I always adjust my expectations.

- Higher time frame drop-down analysis

I start from the daily and 4H, mark key levels, then drop to the 1H or 15M to find entry patterns in line with those zones. This ensures my trade aligns with the broader narrative.

- Build a clear game plan in my journal

Before I execute anything, I write my plan: key levels, bias, entry triggers, partial targets, and invalidation. This keeps me accountable and prevents impulse decisions mid-session.

Plan first.

Execute second.

Review always.