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Entry ModelIntermediate

ICT 2022 Model (Time-Based Standard Entry Model)

The ICT 2022 Model is a time-based, liquidity-driven entry framework that identifies high-probability trade opportunities by aligning session timing, liquidity raids, displacement, market structure shift (MSS/CHoCH), and retracements into PD arrays. It is not a single pattern, but a repeatable narrative-based execution model.

Definition

The ICT 2022 Model is a five-step execution framework: (1) Liquidity Raid, (2) Displacement, (3) Market Structure Shift (MSS/CHoCH), (4) Retracement into a PD Array (FVG/OB/Breaker/Mitigation), and (5) Continuation toward opposing liquidity. The model is designed to be traded during specific time windows (killzones) where institutional order flow is most active.

Why It Matters

This model forces traders to wait for confirmation instead of predicting tops or bottoms. It aligns time, liquidity, structure, and price delivery, significantly reducing false entries, overtrading, and emotional decision-making. When followed correctly, it provides clarity on bias, entry timing, and invalidation.

How to Identify

  1. Identify the active session (London or New York killzone).
  2. Mark obvious internal or external liquidity (equal highs/lows, session highs/lows).
  3. Wait for a liquidity raid during a killzone.
  4. Confirm strong displacement away from the raid.
  5. Confirm MSS/CHoCH on the execution timeframe.
  6. Wait for retracement into a valid PD array.

How to Trade

  1. Only trade during valid time windows (London or New York killzones).
  2. Do NOT enter on the liquidity raid or displacement candle.
  3. Wait for market structure shift (MSS/CHoCH) after displacement.
  4. Mark the PD array created by displacement (FVG, OB, breaker, mitigation).
  5. Enter on retracement into the PD array with confirmation.
  6. Place stop beyond the liquidity raid.
  7. Target opposing liquidity (internal first, then external).

Common Confusions

Entering on the liquidity sweep candle

The sweep is inducement, not the entry. Entry comes AFTER displacement and MSS.

Trading any FVG as the 2022 model

FVG alone is NOT the model. It must be created by displacement after a raid during a killzone.

Ignoring time and trading the model all day

Without session timing, the model loses institutional context.

Pre-Trade Checklist

  • Step 1: Liquidity sweep identified (raid of obvious highs/lows)?
  • Step 2: Displacement confirmed (strong impulse away from sweep)?
  • Step 3: MSS/CHoCH confirmed (structure shift on entry timeframe)?
  • Step 4: Retrace into PD Array identified (FVG/OB/Breaker/mitigation)?
  • Step 5: Continuation target set (opposing liquidity - equal highs/lows)?
  • HTF bias aligned with model direction?
  • PD Array in correct location (bullish in discount, bearish in premium)?

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Related Concepts

Liquidity Sweep (Highs)Liquidity Sweep (Lows)Displacement (Impulse / True Move Confirmation)Bullish Change of CharacterBearish Change of CharacterPremium & Discount Array (PD Array)Optimal Trade Entry (OTE)Killzones (Time-Based Institutional Activity Windows)Dealing Range (Premium / Discount)Premium / Discount Zones

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Optimal Trade Entry (OTE)

Educational resource only. Not financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss.