This involves pinpointing the exact moment smart money acts, often using the Volatility Contraction Pattern (VCP) to find tight consolidations before a breakout.

Only increase your total market exposure when your current trades are working. This "poker-like" strategy ensures you are heaviest in the market when you are most in sync with it.

Minervini argues that "anyone can win a trade, but it takes a skilled risk manager to win over time". His approach is "risk-first," focusing on capital preservation above all else.