Let’s get one thing straight: trading is a lot like Squid Game. It’s brutal, it’s unpredictable, and only the strongest survive. But here’s the difference—unlike the contestants in the show, you don’t have to leave your fate to chance. If you play your cards right, you can come out on top. So, let’s break down the lessons from Squid Game and see how they apply to the high-stakes world of trading. Spoiler alert: it’s not about luck—it’s about strategy, discipline, and outsmarting the competition.
1. Know the Rules of the Game
In Squid Game, the players who didn’t listen to the rules paid the ultimate price. The same goes for trading. If you don’t understand how the market works, you’re already at a disadvantage. You need to know the rules inside and out—how orders are executed, how leverage works, and how to manage risk. Ignorance isn’t bliss in this game; it’s a death sentence. So, do your homework. Learn the rules. And never enter a trade without knowing exactly what you’re getting into.
2. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Remember how the players in Squid Game panicked during Red Light, Green Light? The ones who lost their cool were the first to get eliminated. Trading is no different. The market will test your nerves, and if you can’t stay calm under pressure, you’re done. Whether it’s a sudden market crash or a winning trade that’s turning against you, you need to keep your emotions in check. Fear and greed are your enemies. Discipline is your ally. Stay focused, stick to your plan, and don’t let the market rattle you.
3. Adapt or Die
In Squid Game, the players who couldn’t adapt to each new challenge didn’t make it to the next round. The same principle applies to trading. The market is constantly changing, and if you’re not willing to adapt, you’ll get left behind. Sometimes we are in a high reward environment where we can have wider stops and sometimes we are in a tight stop environment. The best traders are the ones who can pivot when necessary. Don’t get stuck in your ways. Stay flexible, and always be ready to adjust your approach.
4. Trust No One
In Squid Game, alliances were formed, but they were always temporary. At the end of the day, everyone was out for themselves. Trading is the same. Don’t blindly follow someone else’s advice—whether it’s a tip from a friend, a recommendation from a guru, or a hot stock pick on social media. Do your own research. Trust your own analysis. And remember, no one cares about your money as much as you do. If you’re going to win, you need to take responsibility for your own decisions.
5. Manage Your Resources Wisely
In Squid Game, the players who wasted their resources—whether it was food, time, or energy—didn’t last long. In trading, your most valuable resource is your capital. If you blow it on reckless trades, you’re out of the game. That’s why risk management is so important. Never risk more than you can afford to lose. Use stop-losses to protect your capital. And always think in terms of risk versus reward. The goal isn’t to make a killing on one trade—it’s to survive and thrive over the long term.
6. Play to Your Strengths
In Squid Game, the players who survived were the ones who leveraged their strengths. Whether it was physical agility, strategic thinking, or sheer determination, they found a way to use what they had to their advantage. The same goes for trading. Maybe you’re great at reading charts, or maybe you have a knack for spotting undervalued stocks. Whatever your edge is, use it. Focus on what you’re good at, and don’t try to be everything to everyone. The market rewards specialization, not mediocrity.
7. Never Give Up
The players in Squid Game who made it to the end were the ones who refused to quit, no matter how tough things got. Trading is no different. There will be losing streaks, bad trades, and moments when you feel like throwing in the towel. But the ones who succeed are the ones who keep going. They learn from their mistakes, refine their strategies, and come back stronger. If you want to win, you need that same level of grit and determination. Don’t give up. Keep fighting. And remember, the game isn’t over until you say it is.
Final Thoughts
Trading is a lot like Squid Game—it’s a high-stakes battle where only the strongest survive. But unlike the show, you don’t have to leave your fate to chance. If you know the rules, stay calm under pressure, adapt to changing conditions, and manage your resources wisely, you can come out on top. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. So, step into the arena, play to win, and remember: in this game, the only person you’re competing against is yourself.
Now go out there and make it happen. Because in the trading arena, second place isn’t an option.