✅ Lesson 3.2 – S/R Basics: Risk-Reward Ratio in Forex
“Make more when you’re right. Lose less when you’re wrong.” – That’s the core of profitable trading.
🎯 Lesson Objective
This lesson helps you understand how using support and resistance (S/R) levels can help you identify high reward–low risk trades through a simple but powerful tool: the risk-to-reward ratio (RRR).
📊 What is Risk-to-Reward Ratio (RRR)?
The Risk-to-Reward Ratio compares how much you risk (potential loss) vs. how much you stand to gain (potential profit).
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A 3:1 ratio means you’re risking 1 unit to gain 3 units.
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If you’re wrong, you lose 70 pips.
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If you’re right, you gain 210 pips.
The higher the reward relative to the risk, the fewer winning trades you need to be profitable overall.
🧱 RRR Strategy Framework
📌 Key Components:
Element | Description |
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🎯 Entry | Near strong support (for long) or resistance (for short) |
🛑 Stop Loss | Placed just below (for long) or above (for short) entry — limited risk |
💰 Take Profit | Near opposite S/R level — targets strong reward |
🧠 Why It Matters
Even with a low win rate, you can be profitable if your wins are larger than your losses.
For example:
10 trades with 30% win rate (3 out of 10)
Each win earns $600
Each loss costs $200
✅ Profit = $1800 – $1400 = $400
🔍 Real Trade Example – August 11, 2011
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Entry: 1.4130 (short near resistance)
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Stop Loss: 1.4060 (maximum 70 pip risk)
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Take Profit: 1.4340 (target 210 pip gain)
Result | Value |
---|---|
🧯 Risk | 70 pips |
🤑 Reward | 210 pips |
🔁 RRR | 3:1 Ratio |
✅ A textbook example of entering near resistance with clear exit and stop loss plans.
💡 Key Principles for Traders
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Only take trades with a favorable RRR (e.g., 2:1 or 3:1)
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Always define your stop loss before entering a trade
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Identify strong S/R zones for precise entry and exit points
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Adjust your targets based on time frame and market conditions
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Discipline matters more than strategy — the market rewards patience
⚖️ How to Protect Your Account
Step | Strategy |
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1️⃣ | Risk only 1–3% of your capital per trade |
2️⃣ | Use tight stop loss based on S/R breaks |
3️⃣ | Stick to high RRR setups |
4️⃣ | Accept that losses are normal |
5️⃣ | Let winners run to your profit target |
✅ Instructor’s Takeaway
“RRR isn’t about being right more often — it’s about being smart when you’re wrong and disciplined when you’re right. That’s the foundation of long-term trading success.”