ICT ENTRY MODELS

One commonly taught ICT entry checklist includes the following candidate conditions; no single list is a universal requirement for every strategy: 1. CONTEXT — Define higher-timeframe conditions if the model uses them; specify how neutral or conflicting context affects a trade. 2. REFERENCE LEVEL/TRIGGER — If the model requires a sweep, define the level and what counts as a break; a sweep alone does not prove a reversal. 3. CONFIRMATION — Define displacement or structure conditions when the model requires them; do not assume every reversal must be impulsive. 4. ENTRY — Specify whether and how FVG, OB or OTE references matter to this model, and state the exact entry trigger. 5. INVALIDATION — Set the stop from a written invalidation rule; a beyond-sweep stop is one option when the model calls for it. 6. EXIT — Define target selection in advance; a liquidity level is one possible target, not a required destination. When these six elements are present, the example matches this lesson's checklist. Traders can define their own minimum requirements and test whether each element adds value.

This is one illustrative ICT-style entry model; its rules and results should be tested rather than treated as universally fundamental. EXAMPLE SEQUENCE: 1. Define a prior low or equal-low reference using a consistent swing rule. 2. Record whether price moves below the reference during the selected window. 3. If the model requires reversal confirmation, define an observable trigger such as a structure shift. 4. Define an entry condition rather than assuming every return to an FVG is tradable. 5. Set the stop from the model's invalidation rule and specify a target before entry. The sequence can fail or never trigger. Candle counts, entry location and target behavior vary, so define the rules in advance and measure them across all qualifying examples.

ILLUSTRATIVE ORDER-BLOCK MODEL: Some ICT traders label the last opposing candle before a strong directional move as an Order Block. To test an OB entry, define which candle qualifies, whether the reference is the candle body or full range, the entry trigger, stop/invalidation and target. Some models study the first return to a marked OB or use a retracement such as its midpoint. Neither a touch nor a trade through the zone has a universal meaning; write down exactly what constitutes entry, mitigation and invalidation for the strategy being tested.

One commonly taught Silver Bullet version is associated with named 60-minute New York or London windows. Document the timezone and daylight-saving convention used by your source, since clock labels can differ. EXAMPLE CONDITIONS TO DEFINE: 1. Specify the selected time window. 2. Define higher-timeframe context if required by the model. 3. State exactly what counts as a liquidity interaction or sweep. 4. Define the structure/FVG condition and entry price. 5. Set invalidation and exit rules, including any risk-to-reward filter. The setup does not have to appear every day, and neither a window nor a named pattern guarantees a valid or profitable trade. A 2:1 target is one possible strategy rule, not a universal requirement for the Silver Bullet label.

Some ICT models label an Order Block that price trades through as a potential Breaker candidate; the label does not prove liquidity was consumed. Within this ICT interpretation, a former OB may be marked as a potential role-reversal zone; it does not necessarily become support or resistance after a break. HOW A BREAKER FORMS: • A Bullish OB exists • Price sweeps THROUGH the OB (structure breaks) • Within the ICT model, the former OB may be marked as a Bearish Breaker candidate • Price pulls back to this zone — it now acts as resistance THE SEQUENCE (Bearish Breaker): Step 1 — Former Bullish OB swept through Step 2 — HTF must be bearish Step 3 — Price pulls back UP to the Breaker Step 4 — Look for rejection (bearish FVG or LTF ChoCH) Step 5 — Enter short at the Breaker Step 6 — Stop: above the Breaker zone Step 7 — Target: next SSL below Within ICT terminology, Breakers are studied as failed Order Blocks that may change role; claims about “exhausted liquidity” are an interpretation and should be tested.