Why a checklist
Most bad trades are not missing an indicator; they are missing context. This routine takes about five minutes and asks the same six questions every time, in the same order, so that one strong-looking chart does not hide a weak market, a crowded move or a thin book.
Keep the same asset and the same timeframe selected throughout. The timeframe bar applies to every card on the page, so check it before you start.
1. Check the market mood
Open Market Ranking. Note the Market Trend, the volatility level and Fear & Greed in the summary strip. A stressed or extreme market is context for every read that follows, whatever the asset looks like.
2. Read the structure on two timeframes
Open the asset in MSI on the timeframe you trade and on one timeframe above. In Core State you want a readable regime such as Healthy Trend, Balanced Range or Accumulation Base, with solid confidence. Chaotic Market or Awaiting Confirmation ends the checklist here.
3. Confirm the higher timeframe agrees
Open SCTA. The Timeframe Alignment Matrix should read With HTF and Aligned on your timeframe. Against HTF, Fake Alignment or Overextended Move means the move on your chart is not backed by the bigger picture.
4. Check the participation behind the move
Open MPI. Smart Accumulation or Smart Follow means informed participation leads the move. Retail FOMO or Distribution Risk means the crowd is already active in the move.
5. Look at the order book
Open Fake & Trap Detection. Read the six state cards first, then look for fake walls or trap zones just beyond your entry. A fake wall right under your entry is support that may not be there when price arrives.
6. Define the invalidation before the entry
Open the Metrics Breakdown page and read the Bullish and Bearish Scenario, the Risk Condition and the Invalidation Zone. Decide in advance where the idea would be wrong. How much you risk on it is your own decision.
Reading the result
All six steps agree: the idea has support from structure, timeframes, participants and liquidity.
One step disagrees: the read is mixed, so note which step and check it again at the next update on that timeframe.
Two or more disagree: the readings do not line up. The guide "When the market is hard to read" lists the readings that end a checklist early.