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:
- Breaker Block — A failed order block that becomes S/R
- Fair Value Gap — Price inefficiency in the same zone
- 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:
- Order block forms (last opposing candle before move)
- Price returns and breaks through the order block
- The broken order block becomes a breaker
- Breaker now acts as S/R from the opposite side
Bullish Breaker (for long trades)
- Bearish order block exists (resistance)
- Price breaks above it decisively
- The old resistance becomes support
- Look to buy on retest of breaker
Bearish Breaker (for short trades)
- Bullish order block exists (support)
- Price breaks below it decisively
- The old support becomes resistance
- 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
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4. Entry on Zone Retest
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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
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Breaker Lookback | 50 | Bars to search for breakers |
| FVG Minimum Size | 2 ticks | Minimum gap size |
| Overlap Minimum | 50% | Minimum FVG/Breaker overlap |
| Break Confirmation | 2 ticks | Clear break beyond OB |
Entry Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Zone | Overlap Center | Where within overlap to enter |
| Entry Type | Limit | Limit or Market |
| Wait Time | 20 bars | Max wait for retest |
Trade Management
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stop Placement | Beyond Breaker | Stop past breaker extreme |
| Stop Buffer | 2 ticks | Additional buffer |
| Target | Opposing Liquidity | Or fixed R:R |
| Minimum R:R | 3.0 | Don't take trades below this |
| Partial Profit | 50% at 2:1 | Partial TP level |
Filters
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HTF Alignment | Required | Must align with higher TF |
| Kill Zone Only | true | Trade during kill zones only |
| Max Setups Per Day | 2 | Limit 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
- Bearish OB Exists: Previous resistance zone
- OB Breaks: Price breaks above decisively
- Becomes Breaker: Old resistance = new support
- Bullish FVG: Forms near the breaker level
- Overlap Confirmed: FVG overlaps breaker zone
- Entry: Long on retest of overlap zone
- Stop: Below breaker low
- Target: Buy-side liquidity
Valid Bearish Unicorn
- Bullish OB Exists: Previous support zone
- OB Breaks: Price breaks below decisively
- Becomes Breaker: Old support = new resistance
- Bearish FVG: Forms near the breaker level
- Overlap Confirmed: FVG overlaps breaker zone
- Entry: Short on retest of overlap zone
- Stop: Above breaker high
- Target: Sell-side liquidity
Example Trade
Bullish Unicorn on NQ:
- Bearish OB: Previous resistance at 15,200-15,220
- Break: Price rallies through 15,220, closes at 15,250
- Breaker Formed: 15,200-15,220 now support
- FVG: Bullish FVG at 15,210-15,225
- Overlap: FVG overlaps breaker from 15,210-15,220
- Entry: Long at 15,215 (center of overlap)
- Stop: 15,195 (below breaker)
- Target: 15,300 (next buy-side liquidity)
- R:R: ~4:1
Why Unicorns Work
Institutional Logic
- Failed OB: Smart money was wrong, they flip position
- FVG: Price inefficiency needs to be filled
- Overlap: Double confirmation of institutional interest
- 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
- ICT Overview - Compare strategies
- Mentorship Model - Related reversal setup
- Market Structure - For break confirmation