Learn / ICT 2022 Model
ICT Core Content Month 01 — Elements Of A Trade Setup
Introduce the broad setup framework before specific concepts.
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ICT Core Content Month 01 — Elements Of A Trade Setup
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Notes
ICT says there are two primary concerns in a trade setup: context/framework and reference points in institutional order flow.
The four market conditions are expansion, retracement, reversal, and consolidation.
The institutional reference points/tools discussed are Order Blocks, Fair Value Gaps / Liquidity Voids, Liquidity Pools / Stop Runs, and Equilibrium.
Expansion is when price moves quickly away from a level of equilibrium. ICT connects expansion with Order Blocks.
Retracement is when price moves back inside a recently created price range. ICT connects retracement with Liquidity Gaps and Liquidity Voids.
Reversal is when price moves in the opposite direction of the current direction. ICT connects reversal with Liquidity Pools.
Consolidation is when price moves inside a clear trading range and shows no willingness to move significantly higher or lower. ICT connects consolidation with Equilibrium.
Practice idea
Market condition drill
Key rules
A trade setup needs context/framework.
The market can be classified into one of four conditions: expansion, retracement, reversal, or consolidation.
Each condition should be paired with the correct ICT reference point.
Consolidation often comes before expansion.
Wait for expansion to give the first clue about likely direction.
Do not chase fast price movement.
In consolidation, equilibrium is the midpoint of the range.
Liquidity pools are above old highs and below old lows.
One setup can be enough; the trader does not need to master every condition at once.
Warnings
Do not take trades only because an indicator says so.
Do not take trades only from basic support/resistance without deeper context.
Do not chase expansion instead of waiting for a return to a reference point.
Do not think the market is doing nothing during consolidation.
Do not try to catch every move.
Do not believe you need every setup before becoming consistent.
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Continue the path.
Continue to the next Learn lesson, practice the matching drill when one exists, then finish with Practice and Guided Replay.