> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://crushtrading.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://crushtrading.gitbook.io/documentation/getting-started/first-backtest.md).

# Your First Backtest

Before you trade a pattern, see how it has actually performed. Backtests in Crush are free, always.

1. Open any **setup card** and tap **Learn more** — or ask the AI Assistant about any pattern you're curious about.
2. Read the receipts: **hit rate, sample size, and the period tested**. A 60% hit rate over 200 signals and one over 8 signals are very different animals — the numbers tell you which you're looking at.
3. Look at the losses too. Typical drawdown and the worst historical stretch matter more than the best month.

When a pattern's history convinces you, the trade is one tap away. When it doesn't — that's the system working. Passing on a weak signal is a win.