[How-to] [How-to] 7 steps to choose a trader to copy

Picking from the top of a return leaderboard almost always ends in regret. Filter on EADesk in this order.

1. Copy traders → start with "EADesk picks"

Traders with drawdowns over 30%, short histories or very few trades are already pushed down.

2. Check max drawdown (20% or less is good)

The bigger the drawdown, the faster the required recovery grows. −50% needs +100%.

3. Track record (3 months minimum, longer is better)

A record that has only seen one bull run is hard to trust.

4. Shape of the curve

Does it climb steadily like stairs, or did one or two big jumps make the profit? Jumps can go the other way next time.

5. Current open positions

If open positions on the detail page show ⚠ (loss larger than margin), the trader likely averages down or trades without stops.

6. Stickers and comments

If members who actually copied have piled on Martingale, Grid or No stop-loss stickers, trust those over the numbers.

7. Paper copy for 2–4 weeks

Follow your 2–3 favorites with Paper copy. See how drawdowns come and whether you can stomach them before putting in real money.

Don't put everything on one trader. Split across 2–3 different styles so one collapse doesn't sink the whole account.