Bias Modes

Bias Modes

Bias modes allow you to tilt your grid bot’s behavior toward a directional preference without abandoning the grid structure. Instead of treating every grid level equally, bias modes adjust order sizes to favor one side of the market.

How to Change Bias Mode

In the bot detail page, find the Bias Mode section under Bot Settings. Click any of the 5 mode buttons to switch instantly — changes apply on the next cycle. You can switch modes while the bot is running without stopping it.

Why Use Bias Modes

A standard grid treats every level identically: same order size, same spacing, same rules. This works well in perfectly sideways markets but leaves money on the table when you have a reasonable view on market direction.

Bias modes let you express that view while keeping the systematic, rule-based approach of grid trading. You maintain the benefits of automated oscillation trading while subtly tilting your exposure toward the direction you expect the market to move.

The Five Bias Modes

1. Neutral Mode

This is the default. All grid levels receive equal order sizes and spacing. The bot has no directional preference and profits purely from oscillation.

Best for: Pure sideways markets, no directional conviction, maximum simplicity.

Order size effect: Every level gets the configured order_usd amount. A 20-level grid with $100 per level means $100 at every level.

2. Accumulation Mode

Accumulation mode increases order sizes at lower grid levels for a long grid (or higher levels for a short grid). The bot buys more when the price is lower, creating a cost-average effect.

Best for: Mild bullish bias where you want to accumulate more at lower prices.

Order size effect: Lower levels receive 1.2x-1.5x the base order size. Upper levels receive 0.8x-0.9x. Total capital allocation stays approximately the same, just redistributed.

Example with $100 base:

• Level at $90: $130 order
• Level at $95: $115 order
• Level at $100: $100 order
• Level at $105: $85 order

3. Distribution Mode

The opposite of accumulation. Order sizes increase at higher grid levels for a long grid. You sell more as the price rises, taking more profit from the upper portion of your range.

Best for: Late bull market positioning where you want to reduce exposure at higher prices.

Order size effect: Higher levels receive larger TP amounts. This naturally happens because you are closing larger positions opened at lower levels with accumulation bias, but distribution mode applies this to the TP sizing explicitly.

4. Aggressive Mode

Aggressive mode increases order sizes across all levels while tightening the stop loss. It aims for higher absolute returns but accepts greater risk of forced shutdown.

Best for: High-conviction short-term trades where you want maximum exposure within a defined risk budget.

Order size effect: All levels receive 1.3x-1.5x the base order size. Combined with a tighter stop loss (typically 50-70% of the normal SL), this creates a higher-risk, higher-reward profile.

5. Conservative Mode

Conservative mode reduces order sizes and widens the stop loss. It prioritizes capital preservation over returns, suitable for uncertain conditions or when running the bot during sleep hours.

Best for: Uncertain markets, overnight operation, risk-sensitive accounts.

Order size effect: All levels receive 0.6x-0.8x the base order size. The stop loss is widened by 30-50%, giving more room for the price to fluctuate without triggering a shutdown.

How Bias Affects Grid Behavior

The practical impact of bias modes extends beyond just order sizing:

Capital utilization: Accumulation mode deploys more capital in the lower grid, which fills first during a downturn. This means your capital is more actively deployed during dips but less utilized during rallies.

PnL profile: Accumulation and distribution modes create an asymmetric PnL curve. Accumulation profits more from V-shaped recoveries; distribution profits more from gradual sell-offs after a peak.

Position concentration: Aggressive mode can lead to large total positions across the grid. Monitor your total exposure carefully, especially at higher leverage levels.

Choosing the Right Mode

Match your bias mode to market conditions and your confidence level:

Combining Bias with Range

Bias modes are most effective when combined with appropriate range selection. An accumulation mode long grid with a range shifted slightly below current price creates a strongly bullish configuration. A conservative mode grid with a wide symmetric range creates a defensive setup.

The mode and range work together: the range defines where you trade, and the bias mode defines how aggressively you trade at each level within that range.

Summary

• Five bias modes (neutral, accumulation, distribution, aggressive, conservative) adjust order sizing and risk parameters to express directional views.
• Accumulation mode buys more at lower prices, ideal for mild bullish bias; distribution mode sells more at higher prices for profit-taking emphasis.
• Match bias mode to your market conviction and risk tolerance, combining with appropriate range selection for the strongest effect.

Next Step

Test your bias mode configurations safely with historical data in Backtesting Grid Strategies.