Read the Rules in Full — The Hidden Rules That Trip People Up

Most traders look at only 2 things before choosing a firm: the fee and the profit target · then they sign up · the remaining rules are where the problems hide.

This chapter is the list of "hidden rules" you must read in full before choosing a firm.

Hidden rule 1 — Drawdown type: static vs trailing - Static — the loss ceiling is measured from a fixed starting balance - Trailing — the ceiling moves with the highest profit · more dangerous, because when profit rises then falls you may fail faster than you think Two firms both at "Max DD 10%" but different types = very different risk.

Hidden rule 2 — Consistency rule The profit of a single day / a single trade must not exceed X% of total profit · if this rule exists, you cannot "fluke one big profit in a single day and be done" — you must spread profit across several days.

Hidden rule 3 — Minimum trading days How many days you must trade at minimum before passing / before you can withdraw · if you hit the target in 3 days but the rule says 5 days — you have to keep trading.

Hidden rule 4 — News / weekend rules Is trading / holding a position during high-impact news forbidden · is holding across the weekend forbidden · (linked to Chapter 2 — it must fit your style)

Hidden rule 5 — Payout rules - payout cycle — how often you can withdraw - minimum payout — the minimum amount you can withdraw - profit split — what % you get (80/90%) - first payout timing — when you get the first payout (the ebook on payouts digs deeper — but you must check this from the moment you choose a firm)

Hidden rule 6 — Lot size / risk limits Some firms cap the maximum lot size per trade or the maximum risk per position · if you trade a large size, you must check.

Hidden rule 7 — Rules on EA / copy trading / HFT Is an EA allowed · is copying between accounts allowed · are certain strategy types forbidden (e.g. arbitrage, tick scalping)

The correct way to read the rules — 3 steps

Step 1 — open the firm's "Rules" / "FAQ" page, read it in full, before you pay Not after you pay · if the rules page is vague or cannot be found = a warning sign.

Step 2 — write the 7 rules above into a checklist, then fill in that firm's answers If there is any point you cannot answer = you are not ready to choose that firm.

Step 3 — compare the checklists of 2-3 firms side by side Comparing side by side makes it clear which firm's rules suit you best.

> A firm does not "hide" rules to trick you — the rules are all on the Rules page · they are only "hidden" for the person who does not read · the person who finishes reading the rules before paying is the person who chooses the right firm

Next chapter — red flags, firms you must avoid