My 5-minute scalping strategy: A practical guide

Trading expert Stanislav Bernukhov shares a practical and actionable 5-minute scalping strategy designed for traders seeking consistency and precision. This guide combines real-market examples with tested techniques to help you navigate short-term trading with confidence.

Scalping, out of all the popular trading strategies, is known as the fastest trading technique, and if done correctly, it can provide a steady flow of profitable trades, becoming a trader's "bread and butter." However, stability doesn’t always mean it’s the "most profitable," but it’s important because it creates a path for scaling results and potentially achieving geometric capital growth.

Speaking of profits, we should emphasize that every trader, including a scalper, needs to build positive expectancy and outsmart 90% of their competitors. This is not easy, but the markets provide lots of short-term opportunities every day, making scalping a growing trading niche.

Some traders are sceptical about scalping and think that the longer your trading term, the more durable and robust it becomes. But in reality, some money managers prefer short-term techniques over long-term ones to eliminate unnecessary variability of the equity curve. For example, Linda Raschke, the renowned money manager who managed a 300 million USD fund, used short-term trading setups with trade durations of approximately 10 minutes.

Short-term trading, such as scalping, eliminates the risk of holding onto a trade unnecessarily: the less time you spend in the market, the lower the risk of sudden volatility. In other words, a well-structured 5-minute scalping strategy allows traders to engage with the market frequently while minimizing long-term exposure.

In this article, I share practical tips with traders who want to excel at scalping and improve their performance.

Why a 5-minute chart?

Why is the 5-minute timeframe popular among scalpers? It enables a trader to capture the most moves inside the trading session while cutting off some noise in the price action. 5-minute scalping is a less active approach than 1-minute scalping as it pursues slightly larger price moves and withstands more volatile price swings, while still allowing a trader to capture most formative moves inside the session.

How I prepare for a 5-minute scalping strategy

Trading on the 5-minute chart is somewhat different from trading on the 1-minute chart. The latter is associated more with price action, as 1-minute scalpers generally disregard whether the price is near the important support or resistance, as they mostly operate “with the “noise” (according to other timeframe traders). Traders on the 5-minute chart pursue slightly larger price moves, so they need to chart the map for the market structure to avoid being burned by “sudden” moves appearing “from nowhere”. In fact, at least to some extent, the majority of big market moves can be anticipated.

This is why traders need to do their homework before looking at any chart and price action patterns, and be aware of structural pivot points or other key observations.

This preparation phase is essential for any 5-minute scalping strategy, as it helps define the zones where the price is most likely to react.

Intraday market structure involves:

• Knowing where potential intraday pivot zones are located.
• Key support/resistance zones.
• “Follow-through” moves.

Let’s go step-by-step through each observation.

Intraday pivot zones

Identifying a potential intraday pivot zone is helpful, as the possibility of a counter-trend move increases if you specifically place your trades at this zone. In other words, you would be able to find an asymmetrical trading opportunity when your reward exceeds your risk. While that’s not necessarily mandatory for scalpers because they often profit from the increased hit rate, not the increased profit size. But it is still good to register greater profit sizes than losses, which forms part of the stability.

There are two major ways to build pivot zones: with charting tools or with specific technical indicators.

The first method:

The first step is to identify the intraday pivot zone as a potential border of the trading range. The trading range can be defined as a combination of two highs or lows moving in any direction.

Example

In the image below, the overall trend is moving down, and there are two notable price reactions within the Asian timezone. Once the sessional trading range is established, these reactions are notable on the 5-minute chart, which we see in the form of two price reactions from above. 

Here, the previous trend is moving down, so the logical way to build a position would be to sell in the direction of a trend using the intraday pivot zone as a potential trade location.

Important note: A counter-trend trading opportunity that arises within the same day carries the potential risk of range extension, which might capture the stop loss sooner. It’s important not to fight the market in these situations.

Another example of an intraday pivot zone can be seen for gold from April 2025. This instrument was driven by strong safe-haven sentiment amid fears of tariffs and a potential recession. XAUUSD was moving in a trending day, and for a scalper, the main question is timing: where to join this trend? Scalpers can’t afford to buy at the peak and wait for another six to eight hours for the market to continue the trend.

If the trade is working properly, the scalper’s entry should be precise and fast, leading to immediate continuation.

In the example below, the chart establishes a pennant formation on the 5-minute chart, after which it tests the trendline of the formation below. This creates a pivot point for a long position and represents a decent opportunity for a scalper.

5-minute scalping strategy step-by-step

The first step is to define a potential pivot point zone. The next step is to execute a position and find the moment where a false breakout and a reversal in the opposite direction occur.

In this case, the stop loss might be quite small. However, small stops may become prone to volatility in the market and easily whipsawed. That’s why the rational preference would be to place a stop loss with respect to current market volatility. This would prevent a trader from experiencing quick losses (which might trigger an emotional reaction for a trader).

Tip: Place the Average True Range indicator below the 5-minute chart and spot the highest value of it. In the example below, the peak of volatility for the 5-minute chart for XAUUSD was around 7 USD in terms of asset price. That means that the secure stop loss would be 7.50 USD. However, for a scalper, this kind of stop loss might be too wide. Consider placing it for at least 3-4 USD (actual volatility level), which would prevent a position from being whipsawed in case of a sudden market volatility.

“Break and retest” technique

Another technique applicable for 5-minute scalping is “break and retest.” It occurs when there is a sudden surge in buying or selling activity in the market, resulting in sharp and quick reactions in the corresponding direction.

Prices often retest the root level of this rally soon after (within 30 to 60 minutes or more) to continue moving in the same direction.

Here’s how it looks: A trader spots a large, sharp candlestick—much bigger than the others in the sequence. This signals a sudden market impact from high-volume inflows. Shortly after, the price retests the start of the move, slightly violating the lower zone.

How sharp the reaction is depends on the context. In strong trending market conditions, this may lead to a substantial continuation, but for scalping purposes, a small profit target would be enough.

This technique falls into the counter-trend trading or mean-reversion class of trading techniques, in comparison to the previous one (trend-following technique). Scalpers aim to enter a position with precise timing, hold it for 10 to 30 minutes, and then exit with a profit. For some scalpers, that might sound like too much, but scalping doesn’t necessarily mean grabbing a couple of pips of the price action. It can involve pursuing a more meaningful price move and holding for a bit longer.

Tip: Pay attention to how aggressive and sharp the initial move is. The goal of this technique is to work with a sudden market impact, not a rhythmic, consistent buyer/seller. The best condition for recognising this pattern is a range-bound sideways action followed by a sudden price spike. In most cases, the price retests the initial level of such a move, allowing a scalper to grab a mean-reversion move.

5-10-20 EMA strategy explained

A popular technique among 5-minute scalpers is the 5-10-20 EMA strategy—simple in design, but highly effective when combined with good timing and context awareness.

Let’s go over the logic.

• EMA 5 – represents the fastest price reaction.
• EMA 10 – smooths short-term momentum.
• EMA 20 – acts as a short-term trend filter.

The setup:

The strategy works by using EMA alignment and price behavior relative to these moving averages. Ideally, in a trending condition:

• EMA 5 > EMA 10 > EMA 20 suggests bullish momentum.
• EMA 5 < EMA 10 < EMA 20 indicates bearish pressure.

A pullback to EMA 10 or 20 often becomes the entry zone for continuation. A rejection candle (e.g., pin bar or engulfing) in this area adds confluence.

But be careful, as many traders treat this mechanically. In real time, the trick is to use this setup inside a previously established pivot zone or as part of a break-and-retest context (as we covered earlier). Without structure, EMAs are just lines.

Tip: Don’t rely on crossovers as a signal to enter. Use them to understand market rhythm and spot expansion and contraction phases. That’s what a scalper trades on.

Best indicators for a 5-minute scalping strategy

When building a robust 5-minute scalping strategy, the role of technical indicators becomes critical, not for decision-making alone, but for understanding the context and reacting accordingly. A trader operating on this timeframe doesn’t just rely on gut feeling or screen time experience;  data plays a crucial role. Let’s look into several technical tools that can serve as a compass during your trading decisions.

1. Average True Range (ATR)

 We’ve already touched on ATR earlier, but it’s worth repeating: this indicator defines the volatility level and can help you size your stop loss correctly. Without this understanding, a scalper becomes a victim of randomness and unnecessary noise.

2. Exponential Moving Averages (EMA)

This is perhaps the most popular choice among 5-minute scalpers. Particularly, when the 5-10-20 EMA combination (which we’ll break down in the next section) is used to define short-term momentum and spot directional setups. The key is to interpret EMAs dynamically, not mechanically, because they work best when viewed in relation to price and not as absolute buy/sell signals.

3. Relative Strength Index (RSI)

For 5-minute scalping, consider adjusting the RSI period to seven or nine to make it more reactive. It may not give you a trade by itself, but it can be an exhaustion warning when the price stretches too far above or below its mean.

The real edge lies not in the indicator itself but in understanding its context within the market's flow. Scalping is not about rigid setups, but stacking probabilities.

Scalping vs other timeframes: Which is better?

This is a frequent debate among traders, especially those switching from one style to another. Is the 1-minute chart better than the 5-minute scalping strategy chart? Or should one consider 15-minute scalping instead?

Let’s break it down:

Many experienced traders consider 5-minute scalping optimal because it offers the best of both worlds: it filters some of the noise of the 1-minute chart while still capturing multiple moves per session.

A 5-minute candlestick reflects more than pure randomness; it tells a short story about the market's intention. When combined with proper preparation and techniques like pivot zones or break-and-retest, it becomes an effective scalping base.

Remember, your timeframe should match your personality. Scalping on a 5-minute chart demands concentration, but it is not as intense as the 1-minute tempo. It allows for more structured decision-making without falling into paralysis.

Common questions about 5-minute scalping

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions that traders often ask when exploring or practicing a 5-minute scalping strategy.

How long should a 5-minute scalp trade last?

Anywhere between five and 30 minutes, depending on volatility. The goal isn’t to hold on through big swings but to capture the most probable leg of a move.

What’s the biggest mistake in 5-minute scalping?

Overtrading and ignoring the market context. Don’t scalp blindly—prepare levels, observe flow, and wait for price to come to you.

Key takeaways

1. The 5-minute scalping strategy thrives on structure, not chaos. Instead of reacting impulsively to every price move, successful traders focus on intraday pivot zones and predefined setups to time their entry and exit points with more precision.
2. This trading style prioritizes quick trades with lower exposure. By entering and exiting the market within short windows, traders reduce their vulnerability to sudden volatility, making quick trades a central pillar of the 5-minute approach.
3. Risk management is the backbone of consistent scalping. Without proper stop loss placement and position control, the high risk of fast markets can overwhelm any strategy. Use tools like ATR to size stops and position sizes accordingly.
4. Various indicators help confirm setups and eliminate noise. Traders use tools like VWAP, ATR, and the relative strength index to filter out weak trades. These key indicators support better decisions under pressure.
5. Scalpers must stay focused during every session. Missing a setup or reacting late can result in losses. A sharp, disciplined mindset allows traders to stick to their trading style and avoid emotional decisions.
6. Exponential Moving Averages are essential for trend alignment. The 5-10-20 EMA combination offers clarity in short-term direction. It allows traders to recognize trend direction and find pullback zones for clean entries.
7. The best 5-minute scalping strategy adapts to market conditions. Flexibility is key, whether you’re working within a trending or ranging market. Scalpers must adjust tactics using structural setups and various indicators to remain effective.
8. Entry and exit points must be timed with precision. Scalping isn’t about chasing moves. It’s about entering at pivot zones or on a break and retest, ensuring that each trade has favorable risk/reward dynamics.
9. Effective risk management includes emotional discipline. Scalping can lead to overtrading without rules. By enforcing limits and evaluating trading signals logically, traders can stick to the plan, even after a loss.
10. Successful scalping depends on repetition and refinement. Like any day trading method, a 5-minute scalping strategy demands repetition, review, and subtle adjustments over time to evolve into a profitable edge.

Final thoughts

The 5-minute scalping strategy is about levels and zones. On the contrary, 1-minute scalping is more about the “flow”: a trader can ride the price as it changes and build positions accordingly. For a 5-minute candlestick, it may be too late to join the trend. That’s why a scalper should be better off identifying potential pivot and reversal zones.

I offered two basic techniques in this article: “pivot zones” and “break and retest”.

The first one requires a previous trend to be active and visible: a trader needs to find an entry point in the direction of a main trend, using a false breakout of a short-term chart formation to the side opposite to this trend. Should the trend be strong, such a breakout will turn out false, and a trader gains a quick profit (scalp).

The second one works better in choppy, range-bound market conditions. A sharp candlestick coming “from nowhere” represents a big volume spike: the market often tests the initial level of this move, allowing a scalper to capture a quick profit either way.

We also discussed the 5-10-20 EMA strategy, which is simple and effective.

Don’t forget that scalping has a risk of excessive overtrading and requires tremendous discipline and strict adherence to a trading plan. If you are capable of following this level of discipline, then scalping may be a good trading style for you. Without a well-defined 5-minute scalping approach, traders are more prone to impulsive decisions and emotional errors.