The Main Model
The core intraday model, on three timeframes: read the draw on liquidity on the higher timeframe, wait for the intermediate timeframe to raid a short-term high or low, then drop to the lower timeframe and enter with an entry pattern. Target a minimum 1:2.
This is the main model used for intraday trading. It runs on three timeframes that work together: the higher timeframe gives the bias and the draw on liquidity, the intermediate timeframe shows the move toward that draw and the raid, and the lower timeframe is where you enter with an entry pattern.
- Higher timeframe: get the draw on liquidity. If price came from an IRL (an FVG), the draw is the ERL (a swing high or low). This is your bias.
- Intermediate timeframe: wait for it to move toward your direction, then for a raid on a short-term high or low.
- Lower timeframe: after the raid, drop down and enter with one of the entry patterns.
The bullish main model
Higher timeframe first: get the draw on liquidity. Coming from an IRL (an FVG), the draw is the ERL, a swing high above. Bullish bias means we only look for longs.
Spot it: From an IRL the next draw is the ERL. Mark it as the target.
Enter only with the higher-timeframe bias
If the higher timeframe is bullish, only take longs. Do not enter on retracements against the bias, those are low probability. The intermediate timeframe must be heading toward your draw before you look for the entry.
The real requirement: the raid
The one thing this model needs is the stop hunt, the raid that takes the liquidity, after which price can move in your direction. Filling a specific FVG along the way is helpful but not strictly required. The liquidity grab is the trigger.
The bearish main model (mirror)
Same model flipped. The higher-timeframe draw on liquidity is an ERL swing low below. Bearish bias means we only look for shorts.
Spot it: The draw below is the target; bias is down.
SMT is confluence, not the signal
SMT divergence can add confidence: when a correlated pair diverges, the swept side is protected and the bias is stronger. But SMT cannot be used alone, it is only an additional confluence on top of this model.
Targets and news
Target a minimum of 1:2 reward-to-risk, and 1:3 when the draw on liquidity is very high probability. Avoid entering into high-impact news (the red-folder, big-three releases); take the trade after the news instead.
How pros apply it
- NZDUSD (daily, intermediate, M1): the daily draw was an FVG (IRL). The intermediate timeframe raided a short-term high, an anticipation entry on the lower timeframe caught the fast, news-driven push to the daily FVG.
- GBPUSD (4H weekly OB): the IRL was an inversion FVG, and an SMT with EURUSD said the high was protected, strengthening the bearish bias. Entries came from breaker blocks, targeting the low.
- NASDAQ (4H, 15m, 1m): indices are traded in the New York session, where price is volatile and fast. The ERL targets were the swing highs and lows, entered after the raid and MSS.
Key takeaways
The main model is three timeframes: HTF for the draw on liquidity (your bias), intermediate for the move toward it and the raid, lower for the entry pattern. Only trade with the bias, never retracements. The raid (stop hunt) is the trigger; SMT is confluence; target a minimum 1:2, and avoid major news.
Test yourself with the quiz
Everything is free. Sign in to take the quiz, save your progress, and unlock your certificate. Just your email, no password.
Sign in free