Simple ICT Smart Money Strategy (Time-Based Models)
1. What is ICT (Inner Circle Trader)?
ICT is a trading methodology developed by Michael J. Huddleston. It focuses on how smart money
(institutional traders) move the markets using time, liquidity, and price delivery models.
Unlike retail indicators, ICT focuses on how liquidity is engineered and manipulated.
2. Key Concepts You Must Know
- Liquidity: The areas where stop losses or pending orders are placed (above highs, below lows).
- Market Structure Shift (MSS): A break in structure signaling a potential reversal.
- Fair Value Gap (FVG): A 3-candle imbalance zone that price often returns to fill.
- Order Block (OB): The last bullish/bearish candle before a strong move.
- Breaker Block (BB): A failed high/low that acts as a support/resistance level.
3. Time-Based ICT Models
A. Kill Zones (Sessions to Trade)
- London Kill Zone (2 AM - 5 AM NY Time)
- New York Kill Zone (7 AM - 10 AM NY Time)
B. Silver Bullet (High-Precision)
- Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM NY Time (Ideal reversal model)
C. Equity Opens
- NYSE Open: 9:30 AM NY Time
- London Open: 3:00 AM NY Time
D. Daily Time Model:
- Asian Session: Accumulation
- London: Expansion or Manipulation
Simple ICT Smart Money Strategy (Time-Based Models)
- New York: Reversal or Continuation
E. Central Bank Dealers Range (CBDR)
- A box drawn between 00:00 - 05:00 NY to track manipulation range.
4. Entry Strategy Using Time + Liquidity
1. Wait for liquidity sweep near session opens (London or NY).
2. Confirm MSS (market breaks previous structure).
3. Entry on FVG or OB inside Kill Zone.
4. Stop loss below/above the liquidity grab.
5. TP at next OB, EQH/EQL, or FVG fill.
5. Final Tips for Success
- Trade only during high-probability time (Kill Zones or Silver Bullet).
- Avoid Asian session unless setting up bias.
- Never chase price - let liquidity come first.
- Journaling is key to spotting your best time-models.