Following the Rules

[Ilia]

I have had this idea for quite some time and personally can't really pick a side whilst debating it. Most of us will trade by systems, be it BGX, Han's breakout, or other - and I think we can agree that we have a clear set of rules to follow. In general, when we follow our systems we make a profit, and then we get full of emotion and open 'other' trades, and to be frank lose. From looking at my charts, I have the same opinion; that when I trade the BGX I know that out of 4 trades if I get one winner, I will be in profit. So I enter crosses, sometimes filtered by no touches, baruch bars, with the set of mind that I am risking those 22 pips, for a strong move, to get me around 80-100 pips.

My question is, if we all agree that following the rules of our system will get us those profits. And un-doubtfully it does ... then why does automating a system fail? I am personally against automation; I think it can not be done. So far it hasn't - because all the successful traders are traders, they don't party 24/7 with a computer isolated in a room with a huge fan trading for them. Hence surely following the rules of our system, i.e. in a way automating it, won't guarantee us becoming successful traders.

So in conclusion, this is just a small idea that in my opinion confirms the principle that most systems, are the same, some enter earlier others later, but in the long run, they follow the trend and net the same amount. If all systems are equal, and I think everyone agrees that we have no holly grail, there is an aspect of trading, that makes us win, that is not emotion, or the system, but something different.