# Flatten First

A PLACE order command with the `flatten_first` flag enabled is the most popular alert type at CrossTrade, and for good reason.

Flatten first tells CrossTrade that you want to preempt the PLACE order command with a CLOSEPOSITION command for the same `account` and `instrument`. 

When `flatten_first=true`, CrossTrade will first send the CLOSEPOSITION command, which flattens any existing positions or open orders for the underlying instrument. Regardless of whether or not a position existed, the PLACE order command will then proceed.

This behavior is contrast to the REVERSEPOSITION command, which will only proceed with the new order instructions if and only if a position already exists in the underlying instrument.

Flatten first is useful for peace of mind to ensure you are always entering the market flat.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note:** `flatten_first` will cancel open or pending orders in the account even if a position does not exist that can be flattened. This behavior is distinctly different from a `CLOSEPOSITION` or `FLATTEN` command.
{% endhint %}

### Example Payload

The following command will close any positions or orders in ES 06-26 under the sim101 account before proceeding with the market buy for 1 contract:

> key=your-secret-key;\
> command=place;\
> account=sim101;\
> instrument=ES 06-26;\
> action=buy;\
> qty=1;\
> order\_type=market;\
> tif=day;\
> **flatten\_first=true;**

[Learn more...](https://crosstrade.io/blog/new-feature-open-position-flatten-and-reverse/)