Most retail traders lose money not because they lack skill, but because they trade like gamblers — constantly reacting to the market instead of anticipating it. On the other side of the chart, big players — such as banks, institutions, hedge funds, and professional traders — approach the market with a completely different mindset.
They wait. They observe. They strike only when the structure is clear and the timing is perfect.
In this article, you’ll learn how to start thinking and trading like the big players — by mastering structure, focusing on higher timeframes, and waiting for the right moment to enter.
The Mindset Shift: From Retail to Institutional Thinking
Retail traders often rely on small timeframes, indicators, and emotional impulses. They enter too early, exit too late, and chase after every move. Big players, on the other hand, wait for clear structure and liquidity zones before placing high-probability trades.
Trading like the big players requires a mental shift from doing more to doing less, but better.
“Amateurs trade every day. Professionals trade when the market tells them to.”
Why Big Players Use the Daily and Weekly Charts
The Daily and Weekly timeframes reveal the true direction and structure of the market. Unlike the noisy 5M or 15M charts, higher timeframes filter out fakeouts and show clear levels of support, resistance, and trend.
They only trade with the structure, not against it.
For example:
In an uptrend, they wait for a pullback to a demand zone before buying.
In a downtrend, they wait for a rally into a supply zone before selling.
Retail traders get caught in the middle. Big players wait for the edges.
Timing the Entry Like a Pro
Once the structure is clear, timing becomes everything.
Big players don’t blindly enter just because price hits a level — they wait for confirmation:
Rejection candles (pin bars, engulfing)
Liquidity sweep followed by reversal
Break of lower timeframe structure within higher timeframe zone
This is the key difference: They combine structure with timing — and only enter when both align.
“The best trades are the ones you almost missed because you waited for confirmation.”
Characteristics of Big Players
Here are the core characteristics that define how big players operate:
Trait
Description
Patience
Wait for perfect structure before entering
Higher Timeframe Focus
Trade off Weekly/Daily for clarity
Liquidity Awareness
Enter where orders can be filled efficiently
Fewer Trades
Quality over quantity
Structure-Based
Follow trend and structural shifts
Emotionless Execution
Stick to the plan without fear/greed
Strong Risk Management
Always calculate risk, use proper size
Fundamental Context
Align with macroeconomic trends
Anti-Retail Behavior
Often fade retail breakout entries
Real-Life Example (Simplified)
Imagine EUR/USD is in a clear downtrend on the Weekly chart. Price pulls back into a major supply zone (previous support now resistance). You wait for Daily structure to break down again — and only then enter a short.
This kind of setup:
Aligns with the big trend
Has strong structure behind it
Uses higher timeframe confirmation
Allows you to place your stop above a key swing
Offers a high reward compared to the risk
This is how big players trade.
Final Thoughts: Trade Less, Win More
If you want to stop losing like a retail trader and start winning like a professional, you must:
Wait for structure
Trade on the right timeframe
Enter at the right time
There’s no need to rush. The market always gives opportunities to those who wait.
“Structure is the map. Timing is the trigger. Patience is the weapon.”
Start thinking like a big player — and your trading will never be the same.
ADMIN 02/07/25
Published by admin
Mula menceburi dunia forex trading secara tidak langsung sejak penghujung 2008 hingga kini, penulis juga sudah mencuba pelbagai teknik dan strategi berkaitan forex trading. Selain dari mempelajari ilmu-ilmu berkaitan forex, penulis juga gemar menulis dan berkongsi ilmu dan pengalaman berharga dalam blog ini selain mengajarkan teknik yang digunakan kepada trader-trader lama dan baru untuk meluaskan(mengembangkan) lagi ilmu dan mencipta 'legasi' dalam industri ini.
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