ICT 1st Presented Fair Value Gap and ICT Opening Range

1. What is a Fair Value Gap (FVG) in ICT?

Before we dive into ICT’s 1st Presented FVG and Opening Range, let’s understand what an FVG is.

A Fair Value Gap is a price imbalance.

It happens when a candle moves so fast that the opposite side doesn’t get a chance to trade — leaving a gap between candles.

You can spot it on any timeframe using this rule:

When the low of candle 1 is higher than the high of candle 3 (with candle 2 in the middle), a Fair Value Gap is formed between them.

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2. ICT 1st Presented Fair Value Gap

This is a high-probability setup.

It refers to the first Fair Value Gap that shows up after a market shift, also known as a Break of Structure (BOS) or Change of Character (CHoCH).

This FVG is important because:

• It’s the first sign that Smart Money is in control.
• It often acts as a re-entry point for Smart Money.
• It offers a high R:R trade opportunity.

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1. Example of 1st Presented FVG:

Let’s say you’re watching GBP/USD on the 15-min chart.

1. Price was making lower lows.
2. Suddenly, price breaks a previous high (BOS).
3. On this break, a Fair Value Gap forms between 1.2675–1.2685.

This is your 1st Presented FVG after a BOS.

Now, wait for price to retrace into this gap.

If price comes down to 1.2680, shows bullish confirmation (like a smaller BOS or bullish order block), you can go long.

Target the next external liquidity level.

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2. Why This FVG is Important

It tells you:

• Smart Money entered with strength.
• They left an imbalance — and they may return to fill it.
• You can catch that return and ride the move with them.

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3. ICT Opening Range

The Opening Range is the time window in which you observe and measure price behavior.

It helps you:

• Define the likely direction for the session.
• Spot liquidity pools and fake moves.
• Plan high-probability entries after the manipulation is done.

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1. Most Common Opening Ranges:

• Asian Session Range: 00:00 – 05:00 (New York time)
• London Kill Zone: 02:00 – 05:00
• New York Opening Range: 07:00 – 09:30

ICT often uses 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM EST as a powerful Opening Range for NY session.

This is when liquidity is injected, and Smart Money starts showing true direction.

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2. How to Use the Opening Range:

1. Mark the high and low of the 8:30–9:30 candle(s).
2. Wait for liquidity to be taken on one side.
3. Look for a reversal setup to go in the opposite direction.

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3. Example:

You’re watching the NY session on NASDAQ (NAS100):

1. From 8:30–9:30 AM EST, the market forms a range between 15,200 and 15,350.
2. At 9:45 AM, price spikes above 15,350 — grabbing buy-side liquidity.
3. You see a sharp rejection + FVG forming.

Now, you look to go short as price is likely to reverse and run toward the sell-side liquidity (below 15,200).

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4. Combining Both Concepts: ICT 1st Presented Fair Value Gap and ICT Opening Range

Here’s how you masterfully combine them:

1. Watch the Opening Range (say 8:30–9:30 AM).
2. Identify liquidity grab or false breakout.
3. Wait for a market structure shift (BOS).
4. Identify the 1st Presented FVG that forms.
5. Trade into it — and then ride the real move.

This approach gives you:

• Clean setups
• Clear risk-to-reward
• Confidence that you’re trading with Smart Money

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5. Final Thoughts

• The 1st Presented Fair Value Gap is a golden zone after structure shifts.
• The Opening Range shows where price is likely to fake out before moving.
• Together, they help you predict direction and enter at precise spots.

Always wait for confirmation like a BOS, CHoCH, or Order Block.

With practice, this will become one of your most powerful setups.