diff --git a/lib/strategies/bull-dip-buyer.js b/lib/strategies/bull-dip-buyer.js
index 30df40e..33b30fa 100644
--- a/lib/strategies/bull-dip-buyer.js
+++ b/lib/strategies/bull-dip-buyer.js
@@ -6,12 +6,11 @@ export class BullDipBuyer extends BaseStrategy {
       maxYesPrice: config.maxYesPrice || 45,
       minYesPrice: config.minYesPrice || 15,
       betSize: config.betSize || 1,
-      slippage: config.slippage || 3, // willing to pay up to 3¢ above target
-      cooldownMs: config.cooldownMs || 20000, // 20s for fast markets
+      slippage: config.slippage || 3,
+      cooldownMs: config.cooldownMs || 20000,
       ...config
     });
 
-    // Separate tracking for paper vs live
     this._lastTrade = {
       paper: { time: 0, ticker: null },
       live: { time: 0, ticker: null }
@@ -29,14 +28,29 @@ export class BullDipBuyer extends BaseStrategy {
     const { yesPct } = state;
 
     if (yesPct <= this.config.maxYesPrice && yesPct >= this.config.minYesPrice) {
-      const maxPrice = Math.min(yesPct + this.config.slippage, 95);
+      // For live trading, require orderbook data — refuse to trade blind
+      if (caller === 'live') {
+        const bestAsk = this._getBestYesAsk(state);
+        if (bestAsk == null) {
+          return null;
+        }
+        // Verify the actual ask price is within our dip range + slippage
+        if (bestAsk > this.config.maxYesPrice + this.config.slippage) {
+          return null;
+        }
+        // Don't let slippage push us above 50¢ — that's not a dip
+        if (bestAsk > 50) {
+          return null;
+        }
+      }
+
+      const maxPrice = Math.min(yesPct + this.config.slippage, this.config.maxYesPrice + this.config.slippage, 50);
 
-      // Check orderbook for real liquidity if available
       const bestAsk = this._getBestYesAsk(state);
       let reason = `Bullish dip buy: Yes @ ${yesPct}¢`;
       if (bestAsk != null) {
         if (bestAsk > maxPrice) {
-          return null; // best ask too expensive even with slippage
+          return null;
         }
         reason = `Bullish dip buy: Yes @ ${yesPct}¢ (ask: ${bestAsk}¢)`;
       }
@@ -60,16 +74,9 @@ export class BullDipBuyer extends BaseStrategy {
   }
 
   _getBestYesAsk(state) {
-    // Best yes ask = lowest price someone is selling yes at
-    // In Kalshi terms: best ask on yes side, OR 100 - best bid on no side
     const ob = state.orderbook;
     if (!ob) return null;
 
-    // Yes side: sorted descending by price, ask = lowest offer
-    if (ob.yes?.length) {
-      // orderbook yes levels are bids (people wanting to buy yes)
-      // The ask is 100 - best_no_bid
-    }
     if (ob.no?.length) {
       const bestNoBid = ob.no[0]?.[0];
       if (bestNoBid != null) return 100 - bestNoBid;