Execution Logs: What the Tape Said (BTCUSDT)

Study the process, not the PnL. Below is an anonymized log for one BTCUSDT long idea. Times are illustrative across sessions, but the structure is real.

1 · Hypothesis (Context first)

• Trend frame (4H): Uptrend with a pullback into rising EMA200; untested high sitting above liquidity pocket.
• Level: 4H demand with clear resting stops roughly 0.8% overhead.
• Volatility: 24H ATR supported a 2R move within a 72-hour window.

2 · Trigger (Binary checklist)

• Confirmation: 1H momentum slope flips positive; rejection wick at level; spread stays stable.
• Invalidation: Candle close below the pre-drawn 4H swing low.
• Sizing: ATR-anchored risk per plan, no discretionary overrides.

3 · Execution (Condensed log)

Timestamp	Action	Note
T+00:00	Limit resting at level	Stop, targets, and alerts staged server-side.
T+00:05	Fill	No averaging. Risk fixed.
T+00:18	Impulse bar	Take partial at TP1 (1R); stop to breakeven.
T+03:40	Consolidation	No add; avoid optimizing a good position into chop.
T+06:05	Breakaway	Trail under structure as tape accelerates.
T+20:10	Exit	Structure break triggers final exit; log rationale.

4 · Debrief (Where the learning lives)

• What worked: Pre-planned invalidation; no tinkering once live; clean partial at TP1.
• What we passed on: Temptation to add into consolidation—skipped and logged as “impulse avoided.”
• Rule to keep: If confirmation arrives late, pass. The first clean risk is usually the best risk.

Post-trade prompt: If we experienced this setup 100 more times, what single rule protects edge every run?

All market references are educational and delayed for learning purposes only.