Weak Hands
Candlefocus EditorA less-known definition of weak hands is that of a futures trader who does not intend to take, or provide, delivery of the underlying asset when their contract matures. Weak hands attempt to maximize profits by taking on one-way directional bets. They take on lofty, high-risk bets without a well-defined exit plan and are often left with large losses when the market does not move in the expected direction.
Many weak hands become victims of their own greed, buying high and selling low as they attempt to time the market. This is often referred to as 'chasing profits'. As such, they have a difficult time understanding or recognizing the few good opportunities they have available and instead waste time, energy, and resources on potential no-goes. As a result, they often lose money in the long run.
One of the most effective ways to become a successful trader is to develop a solid strategy and have a good understanding of risk management. Unfortunately, many weak hands lack the conviction to stick to their guns and as a result, consistently trade with too much risk.
In order to become a successful trader it is important to develop your trading skills and psychology. Developing a sound strategy and having a good understanding of risk management are important steps to becoming a profitable trader, but more importantly, it is important to be able to identify and react to opportunities before they pass. Do not let fear and impatience dictate your trading decisions, because weak hands often make trades based on emotion rather than reason.