The Risk Filter Most Traders Ignore (and Regret)

The predictor scores probability; the filter decides action. Band 0.58-0.80, VIX z<2, max-pain>0.3%, DTE>1, max 2 percent risk. Skip any and the model is just a confident mistake. The filter is free and mechanical.

The worry: traders override the filter on hunches and after losses — exactly when it matters most. The free pre-trade checklist makes the filter non-negotiable. Most accounts die from skipping step 4 or 5, not from a bad model.

Q: What does the filter do?
A: Gates entries by probability band, VIX, max-pain, DTE, size.

Q: Can I override?
A: Only on rare reviewed events; never on hunches.

Q: Is it free?
A: Yes — the checklist is the discipline made mechanical.