Mark Croock’s Trading Lessons: Key Takeaways
- See how this trader took my patterns and evolved his unique strategy…
- Find out how Mark leverages his negative bias to work for him…
- Learn from one of my best — and most dedicated — students…
One of the most remarkable trading strategies I’ve seen in 20+ years of trading…
The Student Becomes the Teacher
Back in 2011, Mark Croock applied to be in my Trading Challenge. That was two years after he started in my Pennystocking Silver service. Over the years, I’ve watched as he’s worked so hard to learn my rules and patterns. He always strives to do better.
I respect that. And by applying himself and studying HARD, Mark became a millionaire trader.
Now, he’s an excellent teacher in his own right. You can learn from Mark in the Challenge now. He hosts weekly webinars for students. And he’s evolved my patterns far beyond what I could ever have imagined. Read on to learn more about that…
Here are Mark’s top 5 trading lessons, straight from him.
An Evolved Trader’s Top 5 Trading Lessons
Hey, Mark Croock here.
In 2018, after years of hard work, I officially became a millionaire trader.
But I started just like so many others — as one of Tim Sykes’ students. I first learned how to trade through Tim’s Trading Challenge.
That’s where I discovered Tim’s “Pennystocking Framework” DVD, which details his 7-step framework. And I saw all the material Tim puts out for traders and students.
I was hooked — rewatching and organizing every webinar and video lesson Tim made. It was my goal to absorb as much as possible.
It’s how I’ve used Tim’s framework to build a career of my own, applying OTC penny stock patterns he taught me to short selling and MORE. See what I’ve accomplished and how you can learn with me here.
Today, I’m paying it forward by sharing the top five trading lessons I use every day.
1. Focus on Ideal Setups
This is big — only focus on the best plays.
If I had to choose one key to my strategy, it would be focusing on volatile momentum stocks.
Recently, it’s been as simple as targeting the single hottest momentum stock that week. In other words, I’ve been trading the news.
These stocks tend to provide the best volume, volatility, and price action for day traders.
Every time I break this rule, I regret it. Do this — and this alone — and you’ll already be ahead of the curve.
How do I identify these patterns? In my opinion, ideal setups contain the following:
- Above-average volume
- Exaggerated price action
- A major catalyst
Do yourself a favor — cut your watchlist down to the stocks that check these boxes — and focus on plays with your highest probability of success.
2. Pay Attention Near Big Round Numbers
Volatile stocks tend to find support and resistance levels near big round numbers. This isn’t a coincidence.
$50, $100, $500, $,1000 — these numbers (and any other multiple of 10) have a psychological significance in many traders’ minds.
When momentum stocks near these levels, limit sells are set at the same prices all over the market.
This creates natural price resistance. How many times have you seen a stock back off just cents before $20, $50, or $100? This is what I’m talking about.
This principle works the other way as well…
If a well-known stock is dumping, bulls will set limit buys at certain prices on the way down. They’re always there to “catch a falling knife,” so to speak.
Stocks regularly bounce off of these key price levels on the way down, the same way they fade them on the way up.
Bookmark the big round numbers. Watch them closely.
Be ready for a reversal — and you may just catch it at the perfect moment.
3. First Red Day/First Green Day
Some of my favorite patterns that I’ve learned from Sykes are the first red day and first green day patterns…
The idea behind both of these patterns is the same. When momentum stocks hit a big reversal — moving into their first red or green close in several days — incredible trading opportunities can arise.
I have a negative bias, so I tend to focus on the first red day. I target tops on overextended stocks. Then I wait for the inevitable dump.
This part is crucial — entering a short position too early can be a disaster.
Instead, I’d rather risk missing the beginning of the move at the end of the last green day. I wait to see the first red day.
The first red day is often the biggest single-day drop in a momentum chart. This can lead to juicy setups for short sellers like me.
On the first red day, I often eagerly day trade put contracts. When the right patterns come along, it’s important to strike while the iron is hot.
4. Be Aggressive on Perfect Patterns
I’ve missed a few huge trades this year by second-guessing myself. In hindsight, the chart patterns were perfect.
I’ve learned from my mistakes. If the pattern’s perfect for me — it’s time to be aggressive.
This is especially true for traders with small accounts. Take advantage of golden opportunities when they come to you.
I don’t mean you bet big on a speculative trade. Never risk more than you’re willing to lose.
I’m saying you should take the time to do your homework. Study hard and it will become easier to find conviction in your trading plan.
Then, if the pattern you’ve been patiently waiting for suddenly appears — don’t hesitate. Strike immediately.
5. Know Your History
Here’s another trading commandment I learned from Tim — know your history.
This is so important, yet so many traders miss the historical context of their trades.
No matter what stock you’re trading, you should learn everything you possibly can about its history. Pay close attention to the following historical metrics:
- Prior price action in the chart
- The company’s earnings history
- Major catalysts in the past
Know how the stock has reacted throughout history. Then you can form a strong plan for what may happen in the near future.
Conclusion
These are my trading commandments. I trade by them every day.
My wish is that these lessons will help you as much as they’ve helped me. You can learn more from me in the Trading Challenge. And discover how you can learn with me.
No matter what educational route you take, remember to work hard and study. You may be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts AND your #1 trading lesson. We love to hear from you!
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