ICT Syllabus for Beginners - How to Study ICT on YouTube | Darya Filipenka

This is my personal recommendation to study the ICT YouTube channel. I truly believe that this information is enough to understand how the ICT concepts works.  

 

 

ICT Syllabus for Beginners:

Part 1: 

1. Real Money Real Results - First Year Trading Expectations - Part 1 of 3

2. Real Money Real Results - First Year Trading Expectations - Part 2 of 3
3. Real Money Real Results - First Year Trading Expectations - Part 3 of 3

Part 2: 

1. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 01 - Elements Of A Trade Setup
2. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 02 - Growing Small Accounts
3. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 03 - Timeframe Selection & Defining Setups
4. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 04 - Interest Rate Effects On Currency Trades

 After Month 4:  

4.1. Bridge Builder - ICT Concepts Overview
4.2. ICT Mentorship 2023 - Advanced Gap Theory Introduction
4.3. ICT Mentorship 2023 - Immediate Rebalance & Institutional Order Flow 

5. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 05 - Quarterly Shifts & IPDA Data Ranges

6. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 06 - Ideal Swings Conditions For Any Market

7. ICT  Mentorship Core Content - Month 07 - Short Term Trading Using Monthly & Weekly Ranges

After Month 7: 

7.1. ICT Mentorship 2023 - T.G.I.F. Setup

8. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 08 - Essentials To ICT Daytrading

9. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 09 - The Sentiment Effect
10. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 10 - Commitment Of Traders
11. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 11 - Commodity Mega-Trades
12. ICT Mentorship Core Content - Month 12 - Long Term Top Down Analysis

Part 3: 

1. ICT Institutional Price Action - Micro-Market Structure & Time & Price Concepts
2. ICT Forex - What New Traders Should Focus On
3. ICT Charter Price Action Model 9 - One Shot One Kill
4. ICT Charter Price Action Model 9 - One Shot One Kill Trade Plan & Algorithmic Theory

Part 4: 

1. ICT Mentorship 2022 Introduction + ICT Mentorship 2023 - Algorithmic Price Delivery & Time Macros Intro
2. 2023 ICT Mentorship - Opening Range Gap Repricing Macro
3.  ICT Forex - Understanding The ICT Judas Swing
4. ICT Mentorship 2023 - Deep Dive Into Institutional Order Flow

Part 5: Market Maker Models

1. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6 - Amplified Lesson
2. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6.2 - Amplified Lesson
3. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6 - Universal Trading Model

4. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6 - Algorithmic Theory

5. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6.3 - Supplementary Lesson

6. ICT Charter Price Action Model 7 - Universal Trading Model

7. ICT Mentorship 2023 - Market Maker Models

Reference: 

Darya Filipenka (March 27, 2024) @ Twitter/X

Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to the Full ICT Day Trading Model. 

2016 Premium ICT Mentorship - Core Content Lectures + 2016 Premium ICT Mentorship - Core Content Notes
ICT Forex - Market Maker Primer Course
ICT Market Maker Forex Series
2022 ICT Mentorship + 2022 ICT Mentorship - Notes | Dan Dowd
2023 ICT Mentorship + 2023 ICT Mentorship Gems | Sir Pickle

ICT Algorithmic Price Delivery & Time Macros Intro | Darya Filipenka

Algorithmic macros are short lists of directives that trading algorithms follow to seek out liquidity and inefficiencies in the market. These macros are like a fishing rod, casting out into the market to identify and capture opportunities. These price action segments typically occur in 20 minute intervals. They involve a set of instructions that algorithms use to search for liquidity or market inefficiencies. They focus mainly on the first 20, 30, or 40 minutes of the trading hour, which starts at 9:30 EST/EDT.

The macro between 9:50 and 10:10 am is a time window where the algorithm starts its run for liquidity. One important aspect to note is the role of macros or specific time windows in the market. These macros provide us with valuable insights into when the market is likely to exhibit certain behaviors, such as running for liquidity or inefficiency.

The period between 10:50 am and 11:10 am marks the end of the 10:00 am to 11:00 em hour, which ls the first 90 minutes of trading. This transition from the morning session to the New York lunch period often leads to consolidation or a reversal in the market. Traders can anticipate this consolidation of reversal and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.

To effectively utilize algorithmic macros, traders need to analyze the daily chart and identify key levels (Order Block (OB), Breaker Block (BB), Fair Value Gap (FVG), etc.). In the given context, the ICT mentions a daily bullish order block. This order block consists of the high, the wick, and the opening of the daily propulsion block. Additionally, the ICT highlights the importance of fair value gaps within order blocks. These gaps represent areas of inefficiency or liquidity in the market.

In the world of trading. there are certain events that have a significant impact on market performance. One such event is the non-farm Payroll release. This event, which occurs on a monthly basic, provides crucial data on the number of jobs added or lost in the United States, excluding the farming industry. The non-farm payroll release is closely watched by traders and investors as it provides insights into the strength of the economy and can potentially move the markets. When the data is released, it often triggers orally or a decline in prices, depending on whether the numbers are better or worse than expected. During a non-farm payroll event, we can observe & specific pattern in price action. The market typically experiences sn initial rally, followed by s retracement or a drop to take out stops. This retracement is a strategic move to shake out traders who entered the market based on the initial rally. After the retracement, the market often resumes its upward trajectory.

 

Reference: 

Darya Filipenka @ Twitter/X

 Darya Filipenka (2023) - The Quarterly Theory.

Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to the Full ICT Day Trading Model.

Michael J. Huddleston (2023) - 2023 ICT Mentorship (videos)

ICT Mentorship 2023 - Algorithmic Price Delivery & Time Macros Intro. (video)

Darya Filipenka (2023) - ICT Mentorship 2023 - One Trading Setup For Life.

Aviona Forex (2023) - ICT Mentorship 2023 Summary (video)
SirPickle (2023) - 2023 ICT Mentorship Gems.

ICT Market Maker Buy Model and Sell Model (MMXM) | Darya Filipenka

These six videos of the ICT Market Maker Buy Model (MMBM) and Sell Model (MMSM) series on @I_Am_The_ICT / YouTube Channel is all you need to understand the market:

 

 

1. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6 - Amplified Lesson

2. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6 - Algorithmic Theory

3. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6 - Universal Trading Model 

4. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6.2 - Amplified Lesson 

5. ICT Charter Price Action Model 6.3 - Supplementary Lesson

6. ICT Mentorship 2023 - Market Maker Models

 

 

 The ICT Market Maker Buy and Sell Model (MMXM) pairs very well with the ICT Advanced Market Structure.

 

Reference: 

Darya Filipenka @ Twitter/X

Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to the Full ICT Day Trading Model.

ICT Daily and Intraday Bias | Darya Filipenka

Determining the daily bias in trading is not about establishing a preconceived bias before the market commences trading, as this approach can often prove to be inaccurate. Instead, it relies on experience and adherence to specific rules. For example, being bullish doesn't mean buying every day, and being bearish doesn't mean selling every day. Traders should wait for specific conditions to meet their expectations, such as discount arrays for bullish trades and premium arrays tor bearish trades, during specific times of the day. 

 

Furthermore, the economic calendar can be effectively employed alongside the daily chart to foresee potential manipulation linked to high-impact news catalysts. Ultimately, determining the daily bias demands the amalgamation of diverse insights acquired through mentorship and hands-on experience. One of the key factors in determining daily and intraday bias is the previous day's high and low. These levels act as reference points that help traders gauge the strength of the current trend and anticipate potential price movements.

To recognize bias, we must identify what order flow is currently being respected. In bullish markets, we expect discount arrays to support price, while in bearish markets we see resistance from premium arrays. Recognizing a change in the state of delivery of price will be important when timing reversals. 

 

It is vital to keep in mind that the daily bias is not a fixed concept. The market's bias can change over the course of the day due to factors like news events, economic data, or geopolitical influences. Traders must remain flexible and modify their strategies accordingly.

Reference:

Darya Filipenka @ Twitter/X.

Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to the Full ICT Day Trading Model. 

Michael J. Huddleston (2018) - ICT Daily Bias. (video)

ICT Advanced Market Structure | Darya Filipenka

ICT market structure refers to the way the market behaves and shifts based on various factors such as institutional order flow, imbalances, and key levels. It is represented in a series of either higher lows and higher highs = bullish, or series of lower highs and lower lows = bearish, and the actual turning points that include highs and lows within it (intermediate highs and lows). 

 

The market trades in a generic pattern or rhythm and it is easy to read if one is aware of the basic structure price tends to move in.

1. Generally, the market trades from short term low (STL) to short term high (STH) back to a new short-term tow (STL). As these STL’s and STH's form, they will develop a 'market structure' of price action.
2. Any short term low (STL) that has higher short-term lows (STL) on both sides of it is considered an Intermediate term low (ITL).
3. Any short term high (STH) that has lower short-term highs (STH) on both sides of it is considered an intermediate term high (ITH).
4. Any Intermediate term low (ITL) that has higher intermediate term lows (ITL) on both sides of it is considered long term low (LTL).
5. Any Intermediate term high (ITH) that has lower intermediate term highs (ITH) on both sides of it is considered long term high (LTH).

The highest time frame will act as a Long-Term Perspective. This time frame will show you Higher Time Frame (HTF) Levels which will offer Trade Setup Opportunities. Trade ideas will be built upon levels derived from the HTF.
 

The mid-level time frame will act as an Intermediate-Term Perspective. Following the Trade Setup Opportunity found on the HTF, the mid-level will give you more definition in terms of structure based on that HTF Level. Managing trades will be done via a mid-level time frame.
 

The lowest time frame will act as a Short-Term Perspective. Following the Trade Setup Opportunity found on the HTF and insights given with the mid-level. The Short-Term Perspective will give you even more definition in terms of structure. Timing trades with entries will be done via the lowest time frame.

 

ICT Advanced Market Structure pairs very well with the ICT Market Maker Buy Model and Sell Model.

 

(Source)

 

Reference:

Darya Filipenka @ Twitter/X.

Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to the Full ICT Day Trading Model. 

Michael J. Huddleston (2019) - Essentials to ICT Market Structure. (video)

ICT Deep Dive Into Institutional Order Flow | Darya Filipenka

 

Institutional order flow refers to the way large institutions and banks interact with the market, either as buyers or sellers, to achieve their intended purpose. This can involve taking participants out of the market or drawing them in as counter-parties to their trades. Institutional order flow is not visible on volume profile analysis, depth of market, ladder, or level 2 data, as these can be spoofed. Instead, it can be identified through price action and understanding how price is being delivered in the market.

Reference:

Darya Filipenka @ Twitter/X.

Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to the Full ICT Day Trading Model. 

Michael J. Huddleston (2023) - ICT Mentorship 2023 - Deep Dive Into Institutional Order Flow. (video)

Turtle Soup Day In Day Out │ Max Singh

The Turtle Soup trading strategy was developed by Linda Bradford-Raschke and published in her 1996 book Street Smarts: High Probability Short-Term Trading Strategies. 

 

The strategy’s name is a reference to a well-known strategy called Turtle trading, taught by Richard Dennis and William Eckhardt in the 1980s to a group of novice traders called the 'Turtles'. 

 

 

Linda Bradford-Raschke inverted the reasoning behind the original Turtle strategy in order to develop a short-term trading method using false breakout reversals at key levels. The strategy can be used on 1 hour, 4 hour or daily charts. The method is simple but requires understanding of order flow and market structure. 

 

Reference:

Linda Bradford Raschke & Laurence A. Connors (1996) - Street Smarts: High Probability Short-Term Trading Strategies.

 Max Singh (2019) - The Turtle Soup Trading Strategy. (video)

 

Implementing Economic Calendar Events | Darya Filipenka

 

One of the primary reasons for studying the economic calendar is to anticipate and manage potential volatility in the markets. Economic events can have a profound impact on market sentiment and can cause significant price fluctuations. For example, an unexpected interest rate hike by the Central Bank can lead to a sharp sell-off in the stock market, while positive economic data can boost investor confidence and drive prices higher. The focus should be on High Impact and Medium Impact News Events.

Reference:

 Darya Filipenka (2023) - Unlocking Success in ICT 2022 Mentorship: The Smart Money Guide to The Full ICT Day Trading Model. 

Darya Filipenka @ Twitter/X.

Michael J. Huddleston (2022) - The ICT 2022 Mentorship Trading Strategy.

David Hickson (Feb 05, 2024) - News Events & Financial Markets. 

 

Best Economic News Calendar. 

Quarterly Theory - London and New York AM & PM Setups | Darya Filipenka

 

A 90 minute cycle either plays out as an AMD-X or as a X-AMD pattern:

A = Accumulation/Consolidation (required for a cycle to occur)
M = Manipulation/Expansion
D = Distribution/Expansion
X = Reversal or Continuation

 

Q1 dictates Q2, Q3 and Q4.

If Q1 accumulates (A), Q2 expands (M).

If Q2 accumulates (A), Q4 expands (D).
If Q1 expands, Q2 accumulates, Q3 expands and Q4 accumulates.
If Q2 expands, Q3 accumulates.
If Q2 expands, Q3 accumulates.
If Asia expands, skip London, trade NY and skip the PM session.
If Asia consolidates, trade London, skip NY, then trade the PM Session.
London is more prone to make the high/low of the day whenever Asia consolidates. 

Anticipate price to run the high if you are bearish or the low if you are bullish.
Tuesday is more prone to make the high/low of the week whenever Monday consolidates.
Best trading days will have consolidation during the Asian Session. 

 

Possible Quarterly Phase Transitions:

• Accumulation → Expansion: The initial phase A often begins with Accumulation, where price movement remains within a narrow range. This will transition into an expansion phase M.
• Expansion → Retracement or Reversal: Within the expansion phase, the market can either experience a retracement, where prices pull back temporarily before continuing in the same direction, or a reversal, where the trend changes direction entirely.
• Retracement → Expansion or Reversal: A retracement, which involves a temporary pullback in prices, can be followed by either an expansion phase or a reversal, depending on how traders react to the retracement.
• Reversal → Expansion or Retracement: Following a reversal, where the trend direction changes, the market can enter either an expansion phase or a retracement, as traders adapt to the new direction.
• Expansion → Retracement → Another Leg Up/Down: After an expansion phase, a retracement may occur, followed by another price movement in the same direction, often resulting in another leg up or down in the overall trend.
• Expansion → Reversal: In the expansion phase, a trend reversal can occur, leading to a shift in price direction.

 

Impossible Quarterly Phase Transitions:

• Accumulation → Reversal: A direct transition from Accumulation to reversal is not likely, as Accumulation represents a phase of price stabilization, whereas reversal involves a significant change in trend direction.
• Accumulation → Retracement: Similarly, a direct transition from Accumulation to retracement is unlikely, as Accumulation involves a range-bound price movement, while retracement implies a temporary pullback in an existing trend.
• Accumulation → Expansion → Accumulation: After an expansion phase, transitioning directly back into another Accumulation is not a common occurrence. The expansion phase typically leads to further price movement or potential retracement/reversal.
• Retracement → Reversal: Transitioning directly from a retracement to a reversal without an intermediate expansion phase is improbable, as retracement represents a temporary pause within a trend, whereas reversal involves a fundamental shift in trend direction.

 

 

Reference:

 Darya Filipenka a.k.a. LumiTraders (2023) - The Quarterly Theory.

Jevaunie Daye (2023) - The Quarterly Theory.

Funded Teacher (Jan 15, 2024) - Quarterly Theory. (video)

Richard D. Wyckoff (1931) - The Wyckoff Method of Trading in Stocks.

Quarterly Theory vs S&P 500 | Week January 15 - 19

Time-price relations are fractal and governed by algorithms. The trading week comprises four time quarters (Q1-Q4): Q1 is Monday, Q2 Tuesday, Q3 Wednesday and Q4 Thursday. Friday has a special function and is not part of this cycle. The market maker's time-price algorithm generates two Q1-Q4 patterns: AMD - X and X - AMD in which Q1-Q4 have the following functions: A   =  Accumulation phase; M  =  Manipulation phase; D  =  Distribution phase and X  =  Continuation or Reversal phase. In the weekly AMD - X pattern Q1 Monday is the Accumulation phase. Q2 Tuesday is the Manipulation phase and the first Q2 price is the weeks True Open. Q3 Wednesday has the 'distribution function' and produces the weeks largest directional move. Q3 is easiest and best to trade. X Thursday continues or reverses the Q3 trend. In the weekly X - AMD pattern Q1 Monday is the X day, Q2 accumulates, Q3 manipulates and Q4 Thursday produces the week's largest directional move; easiest and best to trade.    

 

S&P 500 (4 hour bars)

The Monthly Cycle is comprised of four quarters, one week each. 

Q1 is the first full week of the month, Q2 the second week, etc.

Week January 15 - 19 (Mon-Fri) =

 Q2 week with Accumulation function and AMD - X day pattern. 

 

 S&P 500 (30 minute bars)

 

Each trading day comprises four six hour quarters (EST/New York):
Q1 - 18:00 - 00:00 Asia Session
Q2 - 00:00 - 06:00 London Session (first Q2 price = True Open)
Q3 - 06:00 - 12:00 New York AM Session
Q4 - 12:00 - 18:00 New York PM Session

The algorithm generates two Q1-Q4 session patterns:

AMD - X and X - AMD

Each six hour session comprises four 90 minute quarters (EST/New York):
Q1 - 18:00 - 19:30
Q2 - 19:30 - 21:00 (first Q2 price = True Open)
Q3 - 21:00 - 22:30
Q4 - 22:30 - 00:00

The algorithm generates two Q1-Q4 90 minute patterns:

AMD - X and X - AMD

Each 90 minute cycle comprises four  22.5 minute micro-quarters (EST/New York):
Q1 - 18:00 - 18:22:30
Q2 - 18:22:30 - 18:45 (first Q2 price = True Open)
Q3 - 18:45 - 19:07:30
Q4 - 19:07:30 - 19:30 

The algorithm generates two Q1-Q4 22.5 minute patterns:

AMD - X and X - AM

 

Reference:

Jevaunie Daye (2023) - The Quarterly Theory.