Futures trading offers large opportunities, precisely because the risk is also large. Understanding the sources of risk lets you build defence before choosing an offensive strategy.
Market risk
Price can always move against your prediction. There's no 'guaranteed win' setup, only setups with measurable probabilities. Accepting this is the first step toward becoming a mature trader.
Leverage risk
Leverage lets you control a large position with small capital. It's a double-edged sword: it amplifies profits, and it amplifies losses. A 1% market move with 1:100 leverage means a 100% change to your capital.
Liquidity risk & slippage
When volatility is high or the market is thin, execution price can differ from the price you asked for (slippage). During high-impact events, spreads also tend to widen. You can't eliminate this fully, but you can reduce it by avoiding trades around major news releases.
Gap & overnight risk
When markets close (e.g. weekends), news can shift price. At re-open, price can jump past your stop-loss, that's a gap. This risk is especially real in stocks and indices.
Psychological risk
A trader's biggest enemy is often not the market but themselves: FOMO when watching price run, revenge trading after a loss, overtrading out of boredom. Technical risks can be managed with rules, psychological risk needs self-awareness.
Before opening a position, ask: 'If I'm wrong, what's the most I'm willing to lose?' If you don't know the answer, don't click buy/sell.