by The Secret Methods That Turned Ordinary People Into Legendary Traders
Have you ever wondered if trading success is a natural-born talent or a teachable skill? “Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods That Turned Ordinary People Into Legendary Traders” by Curtis Faith answers this age-old question with a resounding declaration: successful trading is teachable. Packed with practical trading strategies, real-life trading stories, and powerful psychological insights, this groundbreaking book continues to fascinate both beginner and experienced traders worldwide.
Whether you’re new to the financial markets or looking to refine your trading system, this in-depth blog will break down the core lessons from “Way of the Turtle”, explore the story behind the Turtle Trading experiment, and explain how ordinary people became legendary traders—thanks to a set of principles you can start using today.
The Origin of the Turtle Traders
Before diving into strategies, let’s explore the legendary backstory behind the Turtle Trading experiment, one of the most compelling real-life trading stories in modern financial history.
In the early 1980s, two successful traders—Richard Dennis and William Eckhardt—had a friendly but serious disagreement. Dennis believed great traders could be trained. Eckhardt disagreed, arguing that trading success depended more on instinct and natural ability. To settle the debate, they devised an experiment: they would take a group of complete novices, teach them a specific trend-following system, and give them real money to trade.
This group became known as the Turtle Traders.
Dennis and Eckhardt trained a handful of individuals from all walks of life—an actor, a security guard, a blackjack player, and even a fantasy game designer. With just two weeks of training and strict adherence to the rules, these ordinary people started managing millions of dollars in capital—and generating extraordinary returns.
Curtis Faith: The Youngest and Most Successful Turtle
Curtis Faith, the author of “Way of the Turtle,” was just 19 when he joined the Turtle Trading program. He quickly became the most profitable trader in the group, reportedly earning over $30 million in profits. In this book, Curtis shares not just the rules of the system but also the why behind each principle, providing deep insight into trading psychology, risk management, and system-based investing.
This book isn’t just a step-by-step guide to the Turtle system—it’s a blueprint for how disciplined, rule-based trading can empower anyone to succeed in the markets.
Core Trading Principles from Way of the Turtle
1. Trend Following Works
At the heart of the Turtle Trading system is a simple truth: trends exist, and you can profit from them. The Turtles used a trend-following strategy that focused on entering markets when prices broke out of predefined ranges. This might sound simplistic, but it was remarkably effective—because it was systematic.
If you’re looking for best trend-following trading strategies, this book is your go-to resource. It explains why trend-following systems work across different markets and how you can build one yourself.
2. Trade Based on Rules, Not Emotions
Curtis emphasizes the power of a rule-based approach to trading. The Turtles followed strict entry and exit criteria, risk limits, and position-sizing models. This removed emotion from the equation—no panic selling, no euphoric buying.
For those searching for how to eliminate emotions in trading, “Way of the Turtle” delivers. It teaches traders how to stick to a plan, regardless of market noise.
3. Risk Management Is Key
One of the biggest takeaways is that position sizing matters just as much—if not more—than your entry point. The Turtles used a volatility-based formula to determine how much to trade, helping them manage risk across different markets.
Looking for top risk management techniques in trading? This book dives deep into:
- Volatility-based position sizing
- Maximum drawdown rules
- Risk-per-trade percentages
Curtis shows how professional traders limit losses and protect capital, something many beginners overlook.
4. You Don’t Need to Be Right All the Time
A critical mindset shift the Turtles embraced was this: you can be wrong most of the time and still be profitable. Since trend-following systems have more small losses and fewer big wins, the win rate might be low—but the profit factor remains high.
This counters the myth that you need to be right often. In reality, you need to let your winners run and cut your losses early, a mantra every trader should live by.
If you’ve been Googling how to trade with a low win rate but high returns, you’ll find answers right here.
5. Discipline and Consistency Trump Intelligence
Many of the Turtle Traders had no financial background. Yet they outperformed Wall Street veterans. Why? They followed the system without fail.
Curtis explains that the most profitable traders weren’t the smartest—but the most disciplined. They didn’t deviate from the rules. This is an empowering message: you don’t need to be a genius to succeed in trading. You need a system, and the discipline to follow it.
The Secret Sauce: Turtle Trading System Rules
Curtis Faith reveals much of the original Turtle system in the book, and while the exact details are best absorbed through his text, here are a few highlights:
- Entry: Buy when price breaks above the 20-day high (System 1), or the 55-day high (System 2).
- Exit: Sell when price falls below the 10-day low (System 1), or the 20-day low (System 2).
- Risk Management: Use Average True Range (ATR) to define position size. Risk no more than 2% of your capital on a single trade.
- Diversification: Trade multiple uncorrelated markets—currencies, commodities, bonds, etc.
- Stop-losses: Defined upfront and followed religiously.
Looking for proven trading systems that still work? The Turtle system, even decades later, remains incredibly effective for many traders and has inspired countless variations.
Psychological Mastery in Trading
Curtis doesn’t shy away from the mental side of trading, which he argues is the biggest hurdle for most people. When money is on the line, emotions often override logic. The Turtles learned to treat trading like running a factory—where every trade is a product and emotions have no place on the assembly line.
He emphasizes mental habits like:
- Detachment from individual trades
- Confidence in the system, not outcomes
- Acceptance of losses as part of the process
If you’re looking to master trading psychology, “Way of the Turtle” will sharpen your mindset.
Why This Book Still Matters in 2025
In today’s world of algorithmic trading, AI bots, and social media stock hype, Curtis Faith’s message is more relevant than ever. Why?
Because the principles in “Way of the Turtle” are timeless.
- Markets may change, but human psychology doesn’t.
- Fads come and go, but rules-based systems endure.
- Noise increases, but discipline creates signal.
Whether you’re learning how to become a successful trader from scratch, or you’re overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of live trading, this book provides a clear, logical, and proven path forward.
Should You Read “Way of the Turtle”?
If you’re:
- A beginner trader looking for a roadmap,
- A struggling trader searching for consistency,
- A seasoned trader interested in refining your edge,
…then yes, this book is a must-read.
It combines technical strategies with psychological wisdom, offering a holistic approach to market mastery.
Final Thoughts: What You Can Do Today
After reading “Way of the Turtle”, don’t just admire the Turtles—emulate them. Here’s how you can start today:
- Build your own rules-based trading system.
- Backtest and refine your strategy.
- Start small, but trade consistently.
- Track your trades like a professional.
- Focus more on process than results.
Remember, every legendary trader started as a beginner. What made them legendary was not some mystical talent—it was discipline, patience, and an unshakeable belief in their system.
Curtis Faith’s book proves that with the right mindset and method, anyone can become a great trader.
FAQs About “Way of the Turtle”
Q: Is Way of the Turtle good for beginners?
A: Absolutely. While it dives deep into trading strategy, it’s written in an accessible way. It’s one of the best books to learn systematic trading and risk management.
Q: Are Turtle Trading strategies still relevant today?
A: Yes. The core principles—trend following, risk control, position sizing—are timeless and still work in today’s markets.
Q: What markets did the Turtle Traders operate in?
A: They traded a diversified portfolio of futures, including currencies, commodities, and financial instruments.
Q: Is Curtis Faith’s Turtle strategy available online?
A: While many versions exist, the most detailed and authentic explanation is in Way of the Turtle. It’s worth reading the book to understand the nuances.
Get Your Copy Today
If you’re serious about taking your trading to the next level, “Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods That Turned Ordinary People Into Legendary Traders” belongs on your bookshelf. It’s more than a trading book—it’s a mindset manual for success.
And who knows—you might just become the next legendary trader.
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