The first reflex of a beginner trader is to set their **risk-reward ratio**: risking €1 to aim for at least €2 allows a few winning trades to cover several losses.

The **stop-loss (SL)** locks in the maximum loss; place it just below the level where your scenario no longer makes sense (break of support, invalidation of pattern).

The **take-profit (TP)** does the opposite: it closes the position as soon as the target ratio is reached and avoids giving back a gain.

Technical analysis:

* Trends: moving averages 20-50-200 to know if you are surfing with or against the current.

* Momentum: RSI or MACD to spot overbought and oversold conditions.

* Volatility: ATR or Bollinger Bands to adjust the size of the SL.

* Patterns: double bottoms, triangles, flags to determine entry and exit points.

Reference programs (London Academy of Trading, New York Institute of Finance, CMT program) all follow the same progression: market basics, technical analysis, risk management, then psychology. If you are looking for a roadmap, copy this sequence:

1. Concepts of macro and derivatives.

2. Chart reading and indicators.

3. Capital management: never risk more than 1% of your capital per trade.

4. Practice on a demo account before going live.

Checklist before each order:

1. Overall trend?

2. Clear visual signal?

3. Precise entry price.

4. SL defined in points or percentage.

5. TP calculated to respect the ratio.

6. Appropriate position size.

7. Note the trade in a journal to improve.

Psychology: discipline and composure are paramount; a poorly followed plan remains risky, even with the best strategy. Keep a journal, note your emotions, breathe before acting.

To go further: read "Trading in the Zone" by Mark Douglas, follow the free webinars from CMT level 1, then test your ideas on a real-time chart.

This is not financial advice; always do your own research and only invest what you can afford to lose.