L3.1 — The Entry Decision Tree

A decision tree is a structured series of binary questions that produces a defined action: Enter, Skip, or Defer. The tree is built from your checklist criteria in priority order. The first question is always the highest-authority filter: "Is higher-timeframe bias clear?" If no — Defer (return when bias is established). If yes — proceed to the next question.

Subsequent questions: "Is there a valid structural level in the bias direction?" → "Has price reached that level?" → "Is a confirmation signal present?" → "Is the current time within my entry window?" → "Is R:R above my minimum threshold?" → "Enter." Any "no" at any branch that cannot be resolved defers or skips the trade.

The value of the tree is in its structure, not its exhaustiveness. A five-question tree that you actually use is more valuable than a twenty-question tree that you bypass when excited. Build the minimal version first. Add branches only when a recurring error reveals a missing filter.