Trader's Playbook

Research, analysis, and guides for funded traders. 102 articles.

The Part-Time Prop Trader: How to Trade Funded Accounts with a Full-Time Job

Being a part time prop trader with a full-time job is possible but requires a different approach. Here's the realistic framework we use.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

Beginner's Guide to Prop Firm Trading 2026: Everything You Need Before Your First Challenge

Our beginner prop firm trading guide 2026 covers everything before your first challenge: firms, rules, costs, common traps, and the prep most skip.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

Why Risk 1% Per Trade Is Terrible Advice for Prop Firm Traders

The 1 percent risk rule prop firm advice sounds safe but destroys funded accounts. Here's why the math breaks and what to use instead.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

Building a Trading Plan That Survives Contact with the Market

Building a trading plan most traders abandon within a week. Here's how to create one that survives contact with live markets and prop firm rules.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

From Sim to Funded: The Psychological Shift Nobody Prepares You For

The sim to funded psychology gap catches most traders off guard. Here's what actually changes when real capital hits your account.

May 1, 20268 min read

Traders Playbook

NinjaTrader vs Tradovate vs DXtrade: Post-Merger Platform Verdict 2026

NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and DXtrade compared for futures and prop firm traders. Execution, charting, pricing, and which platform fits your style in 2026.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

Prop Firm Tax Implications: What Funded Traders Actually Owe (US and Canada)

Prop firm tax obligations for US and Canadian funded traders. Income classification, deductions, record-keeping, and the mistakes that trigger audits.

May 1, 20268 min read

Traders Playbook

Apex Trader Funding Review 2026: Unlimited Accounts, But Is It Worth It?

Apex Trader Funding review after trading multiple accounts. Unlimited evaluations, frequent promos, and the trade-offs. Our honest 2026 verdict.

May 1, 20266 min read

Traders Playbook

From Sim to Funded: The Step-by-Step Transition That Most Traders Botch

The step-by-step process for going from sim trading to a funded account. Common mistakes, readiness checklist, and the transition framework that works.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

Topstep Review 2026: We Traded It for 6 Months — Here's Our Verdict

Topstep review after 6 months of actual trading. Evaluation structure, funded account experience, payout speed, and who Topstep fits best in 2026.

May 1, 20266 min read

Traders Playbook

Futures Margin Explained: Initial, Maintenance, and Why Your Prop Firm Has Different Rules

Futures margin explained for prop firm and retail traders. Initial, maintenance, and intraday margins compared. Why prop firm margin is different from retail.

May 1, 20267 min read

Traders Playbook

Risk of Ruin Calculator: How One Bad Day Ends Your Prop Firm Career

Risk of ruin isn't theoretical in prop firms — it's the math that determines whether your funded account survives. Calculator, formulas, and real examples.

May 1, 20267 min read

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