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Okay, not so much a book as a documentary, but I reckon a trader could glean a lot from the excellent doco "When We Were Kings", about the Ali versus Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" title fight.


The Rope-A-Dope technique is literally as close to the torture you will feel during a long and protracted drawdown. Seriously. Think of being pounded round after round, and how you might move into a defensive mode to survive. Every trade is just another blow. How do you keep coming back week after week when you're on that losing streak. Your mind starts to mess with you (no, I'm not schizophrenic) and you question your plan and your ability to trade correctly.


Even in these times, Ali knew the edge required to win that fight. He adapted to the conditions; he  had to bide his time until the moment was right.


He had energies (capital) in reserve. Those  energies were unleashed at precisely the right moment, where the risk was least.


Its about survival. The wins come if you survive. Perfect defence; the moment of attack correctly executed; well planned and well timed.


You will  even take heart from the correlation  that you will lose most rounds but still be able to win big at the end. 


And I won't even start on your opponents trying to psych you out. How easy are you swayed from your plan? How well do you know yourself and your ability to take a punch in the face week after week.


Ah yes the glamorous life of a trader. :eek: 


The most bittersweet lesson is embarking on your own "ali foreman" fight.


Protect what you have!! Mega amounts of patience and belief in your edge (know your edge)! Strike when the market provides the right risk/reward opportunity.


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