Passing the FTMO Challenge

FTMO is the gold standard for prop firm challenges. Here's exactly how to pass.

Phase 1: The Challenge (10% profit target)

Account size: $10,000 (start here — less pressure) Rules to remember:

• Daily drawdown: 5% of account balance at day's end
• Maximum drawdown: 10% of starting balance
• Minimum trading days: 10
• Profit target: 10% ($1,000 on $10k account)

The Strategy

Position Sizing:

• Risk 0.3-0.5% per trade (max)
• On a $10k account, that's $30-$50 per trade

Trading Plan:

• Trade only 1-2 setups per day
• Target 1:2 risk-reward minimum
• Aim for 10-20 pips per winning trade
• Take 3 winning days in a row? Reduce size — protect your progress

Daily Check-List

1. Is today a trading day? (Avoid high-impact news)
2. Check current drawdown — if >4%, trade half size or skip
3. Check how close you are to profit target
4. Set your max loss for the day (2% of account)

Psychology Tips

• Treat it like a funded account from day one
• Don't rush — you have unlimited time
• Most failures come from overtrading, not bad setups
• If you're 8% into the target, protect it. Don't get greedy.

Phase 2: Verification (5% target, 10 trading days)

Same strategy, same discipline. You've done it once. Do it again.

After passing, you get a funded account and keep 80-90% of profits. That's the goal.