In ICT (Inner Circle Trader) concepts, a Breakaway Gap is a powerful price movement that shows a shift in market intention—usually right after consolidation or a range.
It is a gap between two candles on the price chart, and it shows that Smart Money has begun delivering price aggressively in one direction.
This often marks the start of a new trend.
1. Why is It Called a “Breakaway” Gap ICT?
It’s called a breakaway gap because the market is breaking away from a previous range, structure, or balance.
Smart Money doesn’t move price randomly. Before a big move, they usually accumulate (if they want to buy) or distribute (if they want to sell).
Once ready, they push price hard, and this push often creates a gap.
2. Where Do You See Breakaway Gaps in ICT?
Breakaway Gaps are often found:
- After consolidation or accumulation
- During major news events or market open
- Around key liquidity zones (above equal highs or below equal lows)
These gaps are not meant to be filled immediately, unlike some other gaps.
They represent intentional price displacement.
3. Example 1 – Bullish Breakaway Gap in ICT
Let’s say EUR/USD has been moving sideways for a while around 1.0800.
Suddenly, during London Open:
- Price jumps from 1.0805 to 1.0830 in one candle.
- There’s no overlap between the closing price of the previous candle and the opening of the next.
This is a bullish breakaway gap.
Smart Money just started delivering price upward, and it shows strength.
What to do: Wait for a pullback into an FVG or a bullish order block near the gap. That’s your entry opportunity for a long trade.
4. Example 2 – Bearish Breakaway Gap in ICT
Imagine GBP/USD was stuck in a tight range, bouncing between 1.2700 and 1.2750.
Then, right at New York Open:
- Price drops sharply from 1.2700 to 1.2650.
- The gap between the two candles is clean and obvious.
This is a bearish breakaway gap.
The market is breaking away downward.
What to do: Wait for price to retrace back into the gap or a bearish order block before entering a short.
5. How to Use ICT Breakaway Gaps in Your Trading
- Look for Consolidation First
Breakaway gaps often occur after a sideways range or balance area. - Mark the Gap
Use horizontal lines to mark the top and bottom of the gap. This acts as a reference for entries or risk management. - Wait for Confirmation
Look for a pullback to an FVG or Order Block near the gap. This is a high-probability entry zone. - Don’t Expect Immediate Fill
Breakaway gaps may remain unfilled for a long time—sometimes days or even weeks.
6. Breakaway Gap vs Fair Value Gap (FVG) in ICT
While both gaps show displacement, a breakaway gap is usually cleaner and more dramatic. FVGs are imbalance zones within candles. Breakaway gaps are true gaps between candles.
They can work together—often, a breakaway gap creates an FVG or leaves one behind.
7. Final Thoughts
Breakaway gaps are signs of Smart Money stepping in with power.
They mark the start of a new move and offer excellent opportunities if you know how to read them.
Next time you see a sudden gap on the chart after a quiet period, don’t ignore it.
It could be a breakaway gap—and the start of a strong trend.
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