The stock trading game may not be for everyone. Even those who can stand the pressure of the game, only a few would ultimately be successful doing it. Although there are no exact rules to determine what comprises a successful stock trader, there are some rules to guide you in the stock trading game.

1. Know the game.
Do your research. Know how the stock market works, its nature and characteristics. Learn more about the stock your interested to invest in and the company that offers it. Study the company's history. Do not stop learning and educating yourself about the trade.

2.Establish your entry point and stop loss points.
Do not trade without establishing your points. An entry point is the point at which one is willing to enter into a trade. By setting an entry point, one will only begin to trade when the momentum is already going in the direction predicted.

On the other hand, the use of stop points allows you to minimize the risk of losing trades by pre-designating a price point at which you chooses to exit or stop a trade with a minimal loss.
There are times when the stock's momentum carries the price beyond the targeted exit price. When this happens, trailing stops is a useful tool, allowing the investor to let profits run while cutting losses at the same time.

3.Keep your systems simple and stick to it.
Most successful traders maintain a simple yet efficient technical method to trade. These methods work better than complicated ones and are more thriving in the harsh market conditions.

It rarely makes a difference which trading method you use for as long as you stick to it.

4.Be emotionally detached as much as possible
Avoid greed and fear in all circumstances. This also means ignoring rumours or Wall Street hearsay and avoiding the rush of the lowest entry points and the highest selling points. Stop loss limits can help you stay objective by preserving profits and ensuring that you get your profits.

5.Do not trade based on intuition
Most of the Wall Street traders who are successful in making profits in a short period of time can fight their instincts and act counter-intuitively.

6.Have courage and confidence
A successful trader is not afraid of mistakes or taking chances. The have a strong drive for success. Successful traders are not embarrassed or afraid of taking losses.

7.Be in control of your trade
Take calculated risk and make decisions that lower your risk exposure. If you are not prepared to take a risk, find another business. Those who take small risks are bound to be stopped by market noises. A successful trader abhors losing money and manages losses before they become too big.

Trading stocks is different from gambling. It is not an investment for hedge funds investors where money works for you. You need to trade personally. Losses in trade are inevitable but can be managed, minimized and still have a positive net figure at the end of the day.

Never rely solely on options trading software. There is no 100% accuracy in analysis because the market is dynamic.

8.Keep your focus and discipline
A successful trader reviews markets and researching trades even if not in the mood. Discipline also means holding to your trading strategy, thus, not buying or selling stocks just because everyone else is doing it.

9.Have patience
A successful trader lets profitable positions run their course and when the market turns against them, has the patience to try again and approach the market courageously and confidently.

10.Always run assessment of your trade.
Know your portfolio. Keep detailed records of your holdings and review it often.