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Unicorn Model

The highest-confluence ICT setup, combining a Breaker Block with an overlapping Fair Value Gap. Named "Unicorn" because these setups are rare but highly reliable when they occur.

The Concept

A Unicorn setup requires:

  1. Breaker Block — A failed order block that becomes S/R
  2. Fair Value Gap — Price inefficiency in the same zone
  3. Overlap — The FVG must overlap with the breaker block

When these align, you have institutional confluence for high-probability trades.

Understanding Breaker Blocks

What is a Breaker Block?

A breaker block is a failed order block:

  1. Order block forms (last opposing candle before move)
  2. Price returns and breaks through the order block
  3. The broken order block becomes a breaker
  4. Breaker now acts as S/R from the opposite side

Bullish Breaker (for long trades)

  1. Bearish order block exists (resistance)
  2. Price breaks above it decisively
  3. The old resistance becomes support
  4. Look to buy on retest of breaker

Bearish Breaker (for short trades)

  1. Bullish order block exists (support)
  2. Price breaks below it decisively
  3. The old support becomes resistance
  4. Look to sell on retest of breaker

Unicorn Pattern Rules

The Setup

1. Identify Breaker Block

2. FVG Forms in Same Zone

3. Verify Overlap

4. Entry on Zone Retest

5. Target: Liquidity Beyond

Overlap Requirement

The key to Unicorn is overlap:

  • FVG must touch or overlap the breaker block
  • More overlap = stronger setup
  • Complete overlap (FVG inside breaker) is ideal

Settings

Pattern Detection

SettingDefaultDescription
Breaker Lookback50Bars to search for breakers
FVG Minimum Size2 ticksMinimum gap size
Overlap Minimum50%Minimum FVG/Breaker overlap
Break Confirmation2 ticksClear break beyond OB

Entry Settings

SettingDefaultDescription
Entry ZoneOverlap CenterWhere within overlap to enter
Entry TypeLimitLimit or Market
Wait Time20 barsMax wait for retest

Trade Management

SettingDefaultDescription
Stop PlacementBeyond BreakerStop past breaker extreme
Stop Buffer2 ticksAdditional buffer
TargetOpposing LiquidityOr fixed R:R
Minimum R:R3.0Don't take trades below this
Partial Profit50% at 2:1Partial TP level

Filters

SettingDefaultDescription
HTF AlignmentRequiredMust align with higher TF
Kill Zone OnlytrueTrade during kill zones only
Max Setups Per Day2Limit due to rarity

Visual Display

Unicorn Model displays:

  • Breaker Block: Rectangle with special marking
  • FVG Zone: Shaded in contrasting color
  • Overlap Zone: Highlighted where they intersect
  • Entry Level: Line within overlap
  • Pattern Label: "Unicorn" annotation

Trading Rules

Valid Bullish Unicorn

  1. Bearish OB Exists: Previous resistance zone
  2. OB Breaks: Price breaks above decisively
  3. Becomes Breaker: Old resistance = new support
  4. Bullish FVG: Forms near the breaker level
  5. Overlap Confirmed: FVG overlaps breaker zone
  6. Entry: Long on retest of overlap zone
  7. Stop: Below breaker low
  8. Target: Buy-side liquidity

Valid Bearish Unicorn

  1. Bullish OB Exists: Previous support zone
  2. OB Breaks: Price breaks below decisively
  3. Becomes Breaker: Old support = new resistance
  4. Bearish FVG: Forms near the breaker level
  5. Overlap Confirmed: FVG overlaps breaker zone
  6. Entry: Short on retest of overlap zone
  7. Stop: Above breaker high
  8. Target: Sell-side liquidity

Example Trade

Bullish Unicorn on NQ:

  1. Bearish OB: Previous resistance at 15,200-15,220
  2. Break: Price rallies through 15,220, closes at 15,250
  3. Breaker Formed: 15,200-15,220 now support
  4. FVG: Bullish FVG at 15,210-15,225
  5. Overlap: FVG overlaps breaker from 15,210-15,220
  6. Entry: Long at 15,215 (center of overlap)
  7. Stop: 15,195 (below breaker)
  8. Target: 15,300 (next buy-side liquidity)
  9. R:R: ~4:1

Why Unicorns Work

Institutional Logic

  1. Failed OB: Smart money was wrong, they flip position
  2. FVG: Price inefficiency needs to be filled
  3. Overlap: Double confirmation of institutional interest
  4. Confluence: Multiple reasons for price to react

Statistical Edge

  • Order blocks have ~50-55% success rate
  • FVGs have ~55-60% success rate
  • Combined (Unicorn) approaches ~65-70%
  • Higher R:R compensates for patience required

Tips for Success

Be Patient

  • Unicorns are RARE — maybe 1-2 per week
  • Don't force non-overlapping setups
  • Wait for clear overlap

Verify the Break

  • OB must be clearly broken
  • Not just a wick through
  • Conviction candle through the zone

Use Kill Zones

Unicorns during kill zones are highest probability:

  • London Open
  • NY AM Session
  • NY PM Session

Manage the Rarity

  • Don't over-leverage because setup is "perfect"
  • Standard risk rules still apply
  • One losing Unicorn shouldn't blow your week

See Also