Reverse Position is a ThinkTrader feature that closes your open trade and simultaneously opens a new position of the same size in the opposite direction, all in a single tap. In CFD trading, a position is an open trade: going long means buying in expectation of a price rise, going short means selling in expectation of a fall. Reverse Position lets you switch between the two instantly.

Markets can change direction in seconds. Whether you are reacting to a surprise data release, a sudden shift in sentiment, or a technical breakout, the ability to act quickly can matter as much as the decision itself.

This article explains how the feature works, where to find it, what to be aware of before using it, and answers the most common questions traders have.

How reverse position works

When you reverse a position, ThinkTrader automatically executes two actions at once:

Closes your existing open position
Opens a new position of the same size in the opposite direction

Because both actions execute simultaneously, you avoid the price gap that can occur when closing and reopening manually. In fast-moving markets, even a brief window between the two steps can mean entering the new position at a different price.

Example

You are long 2 contracts on an instrument. You decide the market is turning against you. Rather than closing the trade and then setting up a new short, you tap Reverse Position. ThinkTrader closes your 2-contract long and opens a 2-contract short in one action.

The total executed trade size is 4 contracts: 2 to close the long, and 2 to open the short.

To understand the difference between holding a long and a short position, see our guide on long and short positions in CFD trading.

Where to find reverse position

Reverse Position is available in the ThinkTrader app on Android and iOS, and via the TradingView integration. If you are not yet using ThinkTrader on TradingView, you can set that up by following our guide on how to connect your ThinkTrader account to TradingView.

To access the feature:

Open an existing position in ThinkTrader
Tap the Reverse Position option on the position
Confirm the action

Make sure you are running the latest version of the ThinkTrader app. If you do not see the feature, update the app via Google Play or the App Store.

Things to keep in mind before reversing a position

The executed size is double your open position

Reversing a 2-contract position executes 4 contracts in total. Before using the feature, confirm you have sufficient margin to support the new position. If your available margin is insufficient, the reversal will be rejected.

Both legs execute at market price

As with any market order, the closing and opening prices are subject to the best available price at the time of execution. In fast or illiquid markets, the price at which your order fills may differ from the price you see before tapping — a concept known as slippage. This applies to both legs of the reversal.

Stop-loss and take-profit orders are cancelled

When your original position is closed, any attached stop-loss or take-profit orders are removed. You will need to set new risk management orders on the reversed position. For a full guide on the order types available, see stop-loss orders on ThinkTrader.

Trading on the go

Reverse Position is designed for use on mobile. If you regularly trade away from your desk, our guide on mobile and smartwatch trading covers how to stay on top of your positions using the ThinkTrader app.

Why use reverse position

Switching trade direction manually requires two separate steps: closing your existing position, then opening a new one in the opposite direction. In fast markets, even a few seconds between those steps can mean entering at a meaningfully different price — particularly around news events, central bank announcements, or sharp technical moves.

Reverse Position removes that gap by executing both legs simultaneously. It is particularly useful when your market view changes quickly and you want to act without navigating multiple order tickets.

For example, you may be long on a currency pair ahead of an economic release. The data prints worse than expected and the price drops sharply. Rather than closing the long and then opening a short, you can reverse in a single tap and immediately hold the position that reflects your updated view.

Frequently asked questions

What does reverse position mean in trading?

Reversing a position means closing your current open trade and immediately opening a new one of the same size in the opposite direction. If you are long, reversing makes you short. If you are short, reversing makes you long. On ThinkTrader, this happens in a single tap rather than two separate manual steps.

When should I use reverse position?

Reverse Position is most useful when your market view changes quickly and you want to switch direction without delay. Common scenarios include reacting to an unexpected news release, a technical level being broken, or a change in short-term momentum. It is not a substitute for a trading plan; it is a tool for executing a change in direction efficiently once you have made that decision.

Does reversing a position cost more in spread or commission?

Yes. Because a reversal executes two market orders simultaneously — one to close and one to open — you will incur the spread cost on both legs. This is the same cost you would pay if you closed and reopened manually. The difference is speed and convenience, not cost.

What happens to my stop-loss when I reverse a position?

Any stop-loss or take-profit attached to the original position is cancelled when that position closes. The new reversed position opens without risk management orders. You should set a new stop-loss immediately after reversing if you want to manage your downside on the new trade.

Do I need enough margin for the full reversed position before I tap?

Yes. The reversal opens a new position of the same size as your original. You need sufficient free margin to support that new trade. If your account does not have enough available margin, the reversal will be rejected. Check your margin levels before using the feature, particularly on larger positions.

Can I reverse a partial position, or does it have to be the full amount?

Reverse Position reverses your full open position. If you only want to reduce your exposure partially, you would need to close part of the position manually using a standard order, then open a new position in the opposite direction for the remaining size.

Is reverse position available on all instruments?

Reverse Position is available on ThinkTrader for Android and iOS, and via the TradingView integration. Reverse Position is available on all symbols. If you cannot see the option on a specific position, ensure you are running the latest version of the app.

Is reverse position the same as hedging?

No. Reversing a position closes your existing trade entirely and opens a new one in the opposite direction, leaving you with a net position in the new direction. Hedging typically involves opening an additional position alongside the existing one to offset risk, leaving you with exposure in both directions simultaneously. These are distinct strategies with different risk profiles.