What did you do on demo that live trading couldn't copy?

Demo accounts teach the platform, but several things change the moment real money is involved: fills, spreads during news, and your own emotions.

What did you do on demo that live trading couldn't copy? — bid-ask spread diagram
The bid-ask spread on a currency pair

If you've switched from demo to live, what was the biggest difference you weren't prepared for? And if you're still on demo, what are you specifically trying to prove to yourself before you switch?

What did you do on demo that live trading couldn't copy? — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

The demo vs live trading guide lists the differences that matter most, but first-hand stories are usually more convincing.

Background: How to switch from demo to live trading without the shock

The demo-to-live switch is where trading changes from a game to a business, and the transition usually goes badly. Here is a staged process that turns it into a ramp instead of a cliff.

How long should I trade on demo before going live?

Until the demo account shows evidence: enough trades, positive expectancy in R, and high rule adherence. The bar is evidence, not a time period — some traders need months, others longer.

How much should I deposit in my first live account?

The smallest amount the broker allows. The first live stage's purpose is real fills and real emotions at trivial cost, not the plan's full size.

Read the full guide

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