I do not trade the cross. I trade the "E". If going up, I look for the 5 over 10-10 over 20. If going down, I look for an "E" with 20 over 10-10 over 5.
A large part of my trading is based on momentum. It is not an absolute must for me to have an "E" on my trend chart for me to place a trade. My main chart is a 13, so the 55 is my trend chart. If I have a good "E" on my 13, and I have a solid trend based on candle strength from my 55 for that trading day, that stock is worth analyzing. I also look for strength from the end of the previous day. I start searching for other signals that could prompt me to place a trade. I look at Gary's 55, 34, and 21. If I have an "E" on the 13 and 21, I am gaining more confidence. If I have the broad markets driving strong in my direction, I know this is a potential trade. If the stock has broken the previous day's high or low, I am starting to salivate. If I clearly see that the futures 21 and 34 minute charts are showing solid movement in my direction, my fingers are getting ready to push the button. If the directional movement line is pointing up and the money flow is in consistence, I pull up my brokerage account. I check the news and RTT for more signals. If the news says nothing much about the stock, that is good news for me. If RTT shows any trend that appears to go in my direction, I have a second, solid trend indicator. On my Seasonal Map, I look for Pink or Red within my stock- if I am buying puts. I look for any resemblance of green for a call. At this point, I have totally loaded up on indicators and the chance that a trade goes against me is very small. I do not look for all day runs. I just need 10% gains or more. I am very happy with a 10% gain because I invest/risk approximately $10,000 a trade. Fortunately, my gains are much more- around 20-30%. I do not like being in a trade for over 3 hours. Overnight scares me, although I will do it, if I am very confident in the stock.
The 50 and the 200 are used as guides for me. If all MA lines are in formation, I find that trades are very solid and much more predictable. When that 50 or 200 are floating above the other MA lines, I find trades a little tougher to pinpoint and/ or run as anticipated. Nevertheless, I have found with sound guidelines and indicators, the 50 and 200 do not negatively impact my trading. If they are on the bottom of my MA Chart, I have added confidence in my trades. It is important to know how strong those two MA lines are. When I start seeing all lines converge, I stay away from that stock-unitl I see clear separation.
Sorry, I get "long winded" I hope this helps.