TPThe Trading Playbook

Updated 2026-03-24

How to Pass the FTMO Challenge

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Challenge at a Glance

Account Sizes
$10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K
Challenge Price (from)
$155
Profit Target P1
10%
Profit Target P2
5%
Max Daily Loss
5%
Max Total Loss
10%
Min Trading Days
4 days
Time Limit
30 days
Payout Split
80%

Risk Management Calculator

Position sizing based on 1% risk per trade on a 1 standard lot EUR/USD position.

Account SizeDaily Loss Limit1% Risk/TradeSL (1 lot EURUSD)Max Open Trades
$10,000$500$10010 pips2
$25,000$1,250$25025 pips2
$50,000$2,500$50050 pips2
$100,000$5,000$1,000100 pips2
$200,000$10,000$2,000200 pips2

4-Week Strategy Framework

Week 1Foundation Building
Objective
Establish consistent execution and risk management while targeting 3-4% profit. Focus on meeting the 4 minimum trading days requirement with clean, controlled trades.
Position Sizing
Risk maximum 1% per trade. With the 5% daily loss limit, you can afford 3-4 small losses per day if needed. Keep position sizes small enough that even your worst-case scenario keeps you well under the 5% daily limit.
Mindset
This is about proving you can follow rules, not about making money quickly. Every trade should feel boring and controlled. If you're getting excited or stressed, your position size is too big.
If Ahead
Excellent start, but don't get cocky. Stick to your 1% risk per trade. Banking early profits means you can be even more selective later. Consider taking a day off if you hit 4-5% for the week.
If Behind
Stay calm. You have 23 more days and only need 10% total. Focus on perfect execution rather than trying to catch up. One good week can put you back on track. Never increase position size when behind.
Week 2Momentum Building
Objective
Target another 3-4% while maintaining strict risk control. By end of week 2, aim to be at 6-8% total profit, putting you within striking distance of the 10% target.
Position Sizing
Continue with 1% risk per trade maximum. If you're ahead of schedule, consider reducing to 0.5% risk per trade. The 5% daily loss rule is still your absolute ceiling - never risk more than 2-3% in any single session.
Mindset
You're building a track record of consistency. Each trading day should feel routine. Start thinking about Phase 2 preparation - this conservative approach will serve you well when targets drop to 5%.
If Ahead
If you're at 7%+ profit, you're in the driver's seat. Consider reducing risk to 0.5% per trade and being ultra-selective. You can coast to 10% with minimal additional risk exposure.
If Behind
If you're under 4% total, stay disciplined. You still have 14+ days remaining. Focus on your process, not the profit target. Many traders pass in the final week - consistency beats urgency every time.
Week 3Target Approach
Objective
Close the gap to 10% target while protecting accumulated profits. If at 8%+, focus on capital preservation. If below 6%, maintain steady 2-3% weekly progress without forcing trades.
Position Sizing
Adaptive sizing based on progress: If near target (8%+), drop to 0.5% risk maximum. If behind schedule, maintain 1% but never exceed it. The 10% max total loss rule means you can't afford any major mistakes now.
Mindset
This is where discipline separates winners from losers. Don't let proximity to the target make you reckless or overly cautious. Trust the process that got you this far.
If Ahead
If you're at 9%+, consider taking minimal risk or even stopping. Protecting 10%+ profit is more important than maximizing gains. You're here to pass, not to impress.
If Behind
If under 6% total, you need roughly 1.5% per remaining day. This is achievable with disciplined 1% risk trades, but requires more selective entry timing. Don't panic - stay mechanical.
Week 4Challenge Completion
Objective
Secure the 10% target and transition mindset toward Phase 2. If target is reached early, focus on maintaining profits and studying Phase 2 requirements (5% target, same risk rules).
Position Sizing
Ultra-conservative if near/at target: 0.25-0.5% risk maximum. If significantly behind, maximum 1% risk but only on highest-confidence setups. Remember: the 5% daily loss limit can still blow your account even in the final days.
Mindset
You're in the final stretch. Every trade must have clear justification. If you've hit 10%+, your job is capital preservation. If you're behind, stay calm - many challenges are won in the final 72 hours.
If Ahead
Congratulations on reaching 10%+. Now protect it. Consider stopping trading entirely or taking only the most obvious, low-risk opportunities. Start studying Phase 2 strategy.
If Behind
Time pressure is real but panic is your enemy. Focus on your highest win-rate setups only. The math still works if you maintain discipline. Remember: passing at 10.1% is identical to passing at 15%.

FTMO Rule Guides

Max Daily LossMax Total LossProfit Target P1Profit Target P2Min Trading DaysTime LimitPayout SplitNews TradingEA & Bot Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice or a guarantee of passing the FTMO challenge. Challenge rules and pricing change regularly — always verify current terms at FTMO's official website. Last updated: 2026-03-24.