Today marks the day before Non-Farm Payroll with unemployment claims at the bottom of the hour, creating what the host describes as “Level 10 trading conditions.” The session opened with bulls maintaining control after two consecutive up days totaling 177 points from the low. A successful battle plan short trade executed during the London session captured 15 points before being stopped out, while a previously held long position from Tuesday closed profitably at 120 points.
Economic Calendar & Market Conditions
| Time | Event | Significance |
| Bottom of Hour | Unemployment Claims | Pre-NFP volatility setup |
| Friday Morning | Non-Farm Payroll | Major market mover – Level 10 conditions |
- Current Market State: Bulls in control after 177-point rally from recent lows
- Positioning: Trading in middle of super high timeframe range
- Session Focus: Day before NFP creates heightened volatility expectations
Battle Plan Trade Execution Review
A textbook short setup materialized during the London session around the critical 2026 opening price level, demonstrating advanced trade management principles under volatile conditions.
- Entry Setup: Short at 55.50 using two contracts after “slam down” below 120-day value area low
- Level Confluence: RTH halfback + RTH VWAP + 120-day value area low created monster resistance
- Risk Management: Took one contract off at +5 points, moved stop to -2 points on runner
- Exit Strategy: Survived double-tap attempt, captured 15-point move before London liquidity grab
- London Session Pattern: Typical behavior of taking out both sides of Asia range observed
Long Position Management Success
A multi-day long position from Tuesday demonstrated proper trade management and profit-taking discipline in trending conditions.
- Entry Point: Tuesday at 42 level during range bottom setup
- Exit Execution: 120-point profit capture after two-day hold
- Protection Strategy: Previously used Battle Plan Two as protection layer
- Stop Adjustment: Tightened stops when protection layer no longer available
- Maximum Potential: Trade peaked around 150 points before 30-point drawdown
Trading Psychology & Scripture Foundation
The session opened with Philippians 4:11 emphasizing contentment and emotional regulation as core trading principles.
- Scripture Focus: “I have learned to be content satisfied in whatever state I am in”
- Emotional Management: Recognition that both positive and negative emotion accumulation affects performance
- Even Strain Principle: Maintaining consistent emotional baseline regardless of trade outcomes
- Practical Application: Accepting missed trades and successful trades with equal satisfaction
Current Market Structure & Positioning
Price action analysis reveals positioning within larger timeframe ranges and key technical levels for ongoing trade assessment.
- Range Position: Trading in middle of super high timeframe range
- Daily Structure: Previous day range with smaller volatility than preceding session
- Key Levels: Hovering around halfback level with no major directional bias
- Scalping Environment: Conditions favor 2-5 point base hit accumulation
- Bias Assessment: Bulls maintaining control but subject to larger range dynamics
“Base hits add up. Some days are small green days and it’s no big deal.”
COMMON QUESTIONS FOR ES FUTURES TRADERS
What does “Level 10 trading conditions” mean for day before Non-Farm Payroll?
A: This refers to extremely high volatility expectations due to major economic data releases. The day before NFP often sees increased market activity as traders position for the employment data, creating both opportunity and risk.
What is a “slam down” versus a “turtle head” break?
A: A slam down is a decisive, strong break below a key level with conviction, often involving fair value gaps. A turtle head is when price barely pokes below a level and quickly retreats, showing lack of commitment from sellers.
How do you manage a two-contract trade setup?
A: Take one contract off at an initial profit target (like 5 points) to ensure some profit, then move the stop on the remaining contract to breakeven or small loss to survive potential double-taps while allowing for larger moves.
What is London’s typical behavior pattern relative to Asia session?
A: London frequently takes out both the high and low established during the Asia session. This creates a common setup where after one side is taken, traders can look for the opposite side to be targeted.
How do you determine when to tighten stops on winning trades?
A: When you no longer have a clear protection layer (like a battle plan level) to hide behind, it’s prudent to tighten stops to preserve profits. Also consider tightening when you’ve captured significant points and want to secure gains.
What does “maintain that even strain” mean in trading psychology?
A: This refers to keeping consistent emotional balance regardless of trading outcomes. Whether you win or lose trades, maintaining the same psychological state prevents emotional buildup that can negatively impact decision-making.
Why use confluence levels for major trade entries?
A: Levels where multiple technical factors align (like RTH VWAP + halfback + value area low) create stronger support or resistance. These “monster levels” provide higher probability setups with clearer risk/reward profiles.
How do you handle missed trade opportunities?
A: Practice contentment and satisfaction regardless of missed opportunities. The scripture reference emphasizes being satisfied “in whatever state I am in” – this mental discipline is crucial for consistent trading performance.
What’s the significance of trading in the middle of a high timeframe range?
A: When positioned in the middle of large ranges, there’s typically less directional bias and more balanced two-way action. This often favors shorter-term scalping strategies over longer-term directional plays.
LIVE
SESSIONS
Join the MES Trading Room
That Teaches ‘No Level, No Trade’—Discipline Over Prediction
Membership Options
Learn More...
Helping Futures Traders Via Our Core Strategy Academy Training Program and Futures Trading Group – The Best Emini Group IMHO.

How Do You Manage A Runner In MES Micro Futures? | AM Briefing #882
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS Today’s Schedule Pre-MarketAM Briefing Watch on YouTube 15 Minutes Prior to OpeningES Live Trading Room Join the...
Read…
How Do You Add To Winners In ES Futures? | AM Briefing #881
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS Today’s Schedule Pre-MarketAM Briefing Watch on YouTube 15 Minutes Prior to OpeningES Live Trading Room Join the...
Read…
AM Briefing #880: Treat Shorts Like Microwave Trades When Bulls Control
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 880 Timeline Wednesday October 21, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
When a Level Gets Tired, Stand Down | AM Briefing #879
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 879 Timeline Tuesday October 20, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #878 — You Will Not Be In Every Trade
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 878 Timeline Monday October 19, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #877 · The Opex Friday Trap: When Standing Down Is The Trade
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 877 Timeline Friday October 16, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Why Discipline Beats P&L On A Trend Day — AM Briefing #876
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 876 Timeline Thursday October 15, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #875: Great Trading Is Boring
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 875 Timeline Wednesday October 14, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
When A Level Gets Tired, Wait For Something Fresh | AM Briefing #874
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 874 Timeline Tuesday October 13, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #873 — Major Inside Day Pressure Cooker At All-Time Highs
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 873 Timeline Monday October 12, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #872 · Play Perfect Chess And Hold The Runner
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 872 Timeline Friday October 9, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Stay on the Right Side of Price Action — AM Briefing #871
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 871 Timeline Thursday October 8, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #870: Holding The Lotto Runner Into FOMC
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 870 Timeline Wednesday October 7, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Standing Down At All-Time Highs | AM Briefing #869
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 869 Timeline Tuesday October 6, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #868 — The Right Trade In The Right Location
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 868 Timeline Monday October 5, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #867 · Why Your Lotto Runner Belongs In A Negative Position
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 867 Timeline Friday October 2, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Long Only Where Location Earns It — AM Briefing #866
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 866 Timeline Thursday October 1, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #865: Lower Distribution Longs Demand A Smaller Stop
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 865 Timeline Wednesday September 30, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Why Holding The Runner Turned A Nice Trade Into A 50 Point Day | AM Briefing #864
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 864 Timeline Tuesday September 29, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #863 — Your Best Level May Sit 55 Points Away
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 863 Timeline Monday September 28, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #862 · Never Let A Trend Day Hurt You
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 862 Timeline Friday September 25, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Bank The Day Green, Then Let The Runner Fly — AM Briefing #861
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 861 Timeline Thursday September 24, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #860: You Didn’t Draw It, You Can’t Trade It
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 860 Timeline Wednesday September 23, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Shorting A Strong Trend Is One And Done | AM Briefing #859
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 859 Timeline Tuesday September 22, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #858 — Never Short A Short Covering Rally
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 858 Timeline Monday September 21, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #857 · When The Move Has Already Happened, Hold Your Runner
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 857 Timeline Friday September 18, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Stand Down The Day After FOMC — AM Briefing #856
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 856 Timeline Thursday September 17, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #855: Write Your Personal Transformation Statement
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 855 Timeline Wednesday September 16, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
Level 10 Week… You Don’t Have To Trade It | AM Briefing #854
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 854 Timeline Tuesday September 15, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…
AM Briefing #853 — Respect The Level 10 Week
Together We Trade Better AM BRIEFING ES CHART | KEY LEVELS | SETUPS ES Technical Analysis — AM Briefing 853 Timeline Monday September 14, 2026 TIME CHAPTER 0:00 Welcome ES...
Read…

