Quote Originally Posted by edyzmedieval View Post
mainly to learn, and I was always into it 100% because I really wanted to see how my knowledge stacked up to proper trading.

That's what backtesting your system is for. To see how your system stacks up against prior market action. Remember, the market is constantly changing so past results are NEVER guaranteed. It's why it is so important to know your trading rules.

You have follow your trading rules to the tee, to not let emotion rule you( you do have rules don't you?). In order to get to that point it takes great discipline. You cannot achieve that discipline without the risk of loss. Demo accounts have no risk. If this is your first foray into trading you will see that it's easier said then done to see how your knowledge stacks up in the heat of the market behavior.

Instead of a demo account, a good way to start would be to begin trading with a small account($5,000). If you lose it, it's not the end of the world.

It would be a good way for you to put your trading strategy into play with REAL money.

The experience you will gain will be much better than a demo account. You will learn to perform under intense pressure, thereby honing your trading skills and mastering your particular strategy in real time with real money.