Those who are attracted to the excitement of frequent trades and a won/loss scorecard might prefer to learn to trade stocks on a constant (or “day trading”) basis. Others, with long-term goals and objectives, will be more comfortable with a “buy and hold” strategy.

Regardless of your method of playing the stock market game, include these factors in all strong portfolios.

• Diversification: To successfully play stock market games, diversify your portfolio with different investments from a variety of industries.
• Keep your eyes on the profit prize: Whether looking for short-term gains or long-term growth, profits are king.
• Evaluate key ratios: Learn the most important numbers (book value, return on equity (ROE), earnings per share (EPS), and net income) of all your portfolio assets.
• Be true to your investment strategy: This is your roadmap or game plan. Follow it faithfully or change it.
• Minimize mistakes and risks: Much like the sports team coach that plays not to lose to keep his/her team in the game, you should avoid errors and undue risk at all costs.

Use Wall Street training, like Investing 101 from Wall Street Survivor, to start correctly building model stock portfolios.