Suspension Block (SB)
A Suspension Block (SB) is an ICT price delivery concept similar to a Fair Value Gap, but defined by a specific three-candle sequence where price temporarily pauses ("suspends") between two impulsive legs, leaving a volume imbalance between candle bodies. Suspension Blocks represent areas where price delivery was inefficient but not fully displaced, often acting as high-probability reaction zones.
Definition
A Suspension Block is formed by a three-candle structure where the market delivers price in the same direction before and after a temporary pause, creating a volume imbalance between the candle bodies. Unlike a traditional FVG (which is based on wicks), a Suspension Block is body-based and highlights institutional price stalling before continuation or reversal. Bullish and bearish Suspension Blocks exist and are treated as PD Arrays.
Why It Matters
Suspension Blocks reveal where institutional participation briefly paused price delivery while maintaining directional intent. These zones often act as precise reaction, entry, or mitigation areas and frequently align with liquidity objectives, killzones, and higher-timeframe bias. They offer tighter risk placement than broader PD arrays.
How to Identify
- Identify a three-candle sequence moving in the same general direction.
- Confirm that Candle 1 and Candle 3 show directional intent (impulsive or expansion candles).
- Ensure Candle 2 represents a pause or compression in price delivery.
- Mark the volume imbalance created between the candle bodies (not wicks).
- Define the Suspension Block using the open of the third candle and the relevant body levels of the sequence.
How to Trade
- Bullish SB: Look for a bullish displacement → pause → continuation sequence. Buy on retracement into the Suspension Block in discount, aligned with HTF bias.
- Bearish SB: Look for a bearish displacement → pause → continuation sequence. Sell on retracement into the Suspension Block in premium, aligned with HTF bias.
- Use confirmation such as MSS/BOS, displacement away, or rejection wicks on lower timeframe.
- Stops are placed beyond the Suspension Block invalidation level.
- Targets are opposing liquidity pools (EQH/EQL, SSL/BSL, PDH/PDL).
Common Confusions
FVGs are wick-based inefficiencies caused by displacement; Suspension Blocks are body-based pauses with volume imbalance between candles.
Order Blocks represent institutional entries; Suspension Blocks represent paused delivery within an existing move.
A valid SB requires directional context, imbalance, and continuation logic.
Pre-Trade Checklist
- Two impulse candles in same direction?
- Small pause candle between them?
- Body-to-body gap identified?
- Price returns to SB zone?
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Educational resource only. Not financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss.