Why strategies often “don’t work”
Most failed strategies don’t fail because the idea is bad. They fail because something important was left implicit. This page highlights the most common missing details - so you can spot them early and iterate faster.If a strategy behaves unexpectedly, it’s almost always due to a missing or misunderstood assumption.
1. Missing or weak exits
The problem
Traders focus heavily on entries and treat exits as an afterthought. Example:- when to exit
- how much risk is acceptable
- what happens if the trade goes nowhere
How to fix it
Always include at least:- one take profit
- one stop loss
2. Implicit timeframes
The problem
You think in one timeframe - ATI can’t guess which. Example:- Is this 5m, 1h, or 1D?
How to fix it
Always state the timeframe explicitly, especially early on.3. Direction not clearly defined
The problem
Some ideas imply buying, but never say it. Example:- long only?
- short only?
- both?
How to fix it
Be explicit when possible:4. Risk assumptions left vague
The problem
Words like:- “small stop”
- “tight risk”
- “controlled drawdown”
How to fix it
Even rough numbers are better than none:5. Overly abstract language
The problem
Human intuition doesn’t always map to deterministic logic. Bad examples:How to fix it
Translate intuition into observable conditions:6. Filters that silently block trades
The problem
You add a filter and forget it’s there. Examples:- trading only on certain days
- session filters
- strict confirmations
- very few trades
- or none at all
How to fix it
If a strategy produces no trades:- remove filters first
- confirm baseline behavior
- reintroduce filters one by one
7. Backtest range assumptions
The problem
You assume a long history - data may be shorter. Example:- symbol launched later
- timeframe data starts later
How to fix it
Always check:- effective backtest start date
- number of trades generated
8. Expecting AI to “know what you meant”
The problem
ATI is powerful - but not telepathic. If multiple interpretations exist, ATI must choose or ask.How to fix it
When results surprise you:- inspect inferred assumptions
- rewrite only the unclear part
- don’t start over
What Trinigence fills automatically
See which gaps ATI safely fills - and which require your input.
A quick self-check before submitting
Before you run a strategy, ask:- Is the timeframe explicit?
- Is direction clear?
- Is there a defined exit?
- Is risk bounded?
- Are filters intentional?
What to read next
Natural language vs structured input
Learn when to stay intuitive and when to be precise.
How to write a trading idea
The mental model behind clear strategy ideas.
Strategy structure overview
How missing details map to strategy components.
FAQ & troubleshooting
Common issues and fixes.
Most strategy problems aren’t logic problems -
they’re communication problems.
they’re communication problems.