If you trade following the ICT methodology, you've probably heard the same elements over and over again: fair value gaps, market structure, market maker models. The thing is, many people know these concepts but don't really know how to piece them together into a coherent and executable strategy.

I'm going to share how I structure my ICT trading approach to gain real clarity on my entries and exits.

It all starts with establishing a solid daily bias, and honestly, that's the foundation that makes all the difference. I always begin on the weekly chart to identify key zones: either IRL (imbalance low ranges) or ERL (external ranges). It's simple: price always moves toward one of these zones. At the same time, I analyze how the price reacts to the previous candle, which gives me my directional bias.

Once I have this overall view, I move down to the daily chart and repeat the same process. Ideally, both timeframes align, but if it's not clear, I keep going until I find an obvious direction. Here, I also look for reversal signals: if a previous high or low is swept and the following candle engulfs, I know a reversal is brewing.

The concept of market maker model is crucial. Every move on a higher timeframe is accompanied by a pattern on a lower timeframe. I always ensure my trades follow the target direction of the model; if not, I skip.

After marking my IRL/ERL zones and my bias on the weekly and daily timeframes, I move to H4 and H1 periods to confirm the move. It's on these timeframes that I start refining my intraday strategy.

Now comes time-based liquidity (TBL). It's simply the high or low of a defined time range, and these points are decisive for anticipating a probable reversal.

When I'm ready to look for an entry, I go down to shorter timeframes like M15 and M1. I look for three main confirmations before engaging.

First, a change in market structure. I want to see an IRL or ERL aligned with my overall bias on M15, then a structure shift with an FVG on M1. I enter on this FVG with stops above the structure, targeting opposite liquidity on M15.

Second, I look for structure divergences: when correlated assets break their correlation, a significant move is usually underway. Combining this with a key level on the higher timeframe greatly increases my probabilities.

Third, the iFVG. If one side of the order flow isn't respected at a key level on the higher timeframe, a reversal is often imminent.

The key to ICT trading is really discipline and consistency. You must follow your checklist exactly before each trade. Study these concepts, apply them to your charts, and you'll see your market approach become much more structured and reliable. 🚀