Professional traders have a secret weapon – the ICT Unicorn Model. This institutional-grade trading framework developed by Michael Huddleston (Inner Circle Trader) reveals:
✅ Where banks place their orders
✅ When to enter with maximum probability
✅ How to avoid retail trading traps
ICT Unicorn Model
Unlike lagging indicators or guesswork, the Unicorn Model uses:
✔ Price action analysis
✔ Liquidity voids
✔ Time-based trading
✔ Market structure shifts
In this comprehensive 2,500-word guide, you’ll discover:
- The 3 core components of the Unicorn Model
- Step-by-step trading rules
- Best chart setups and tools
- How to combine it with other ICT concepts
What is the ICT Unicorn Model?
The Unicorn Model is a discretionary price action framework focusing on three key elements:
1. Liquidity Voids & Sweeps
- Identifies clusters of stop losses
- Predicts institutional “stop runs”
- Uses equal highs/lows as key levels
2. Mitigation Blocks
- Price zones where reversals occur
- Acts as future support/resistance
- Often aligns with Fibonacci levels
3. Optimal Trading Times
- London/New York overlap (8AM-12PM EST)
- Avoids Asian session (low liquidity)
- Aligns with institutional order flow
Top 5 Features That Make It Powerful
- Liquidity-Based Entries
- Only trades at key order clusters
- Avoids “no man’s land” price areas
- Multi-Timeframe Confirmation
- Daily/4H for trend direction
- 15M/5M for precision entries
- Institutional Order Flow
- Follows smart money patterns
- Identifies large lot transactions
- High Probability Setups
- 75%+ win rate when rules followed
- Clear 1:2+ risk/reward parameters
- Universal Market Application
- Works for forex, stocks, futures
- Adaptable to all trading styles
Step-by-Step Trading Plan
Phase 1: Identify the Trend
- Use daily/4H market structure
- Confirm with 200 EMA
Phase 2: Mark Liquidity Zones
- Previous swing highs/lows
- Equal highs/lows
- Round psychological numbers
Phase 3: Find Mitigation Blocks
- Look for sharp reversals
- Must show institutional candles
- Should align with 61.8% Fib
Phase 4: Time Your Entry
- Trade London/NY overlap
- Wait for price return to block
- Confirm with rejection candle
Phase 5: Manage the Trade
- Stop loss beyond recent swing
- Take profit at next liquidity zone
- Risk only 1-2% per trade
Best Tools for Unicorn Model Trading
| Tool | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| TradingView | Charting & analysis | Free/$ |
| MT4/MT5 | Custom indicators | Free |
| Bookmap | Liquidity visualization | $$$ |
| Volume Profile | Key level identification | $ |
5 Professional Trading Tips
- Quality Over Quantity – 2-3 perfect setups weekly outperform daily trading
- Stick to Key Sessions – London/NY overlap only
- Combine with FVGs – For additional confirmation
- Journal Religiously – Track every trade detail
- Manage Risk First – Never risk more than 2%
FAQs About the ICT Unicorn Model
1. Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, but requires 3-6 months price action study first.
2. Minimum account size?
$500+ recommended for proper position sizing.
3. Best markets to trade?
Forex majors (EUR/USD, GBP/USD) and gold work best.
4. Can it work for scalping?
Designed for swing/day trading (1H+ timeframes).
5. How long to become profitable?
6-12 months with disciplined practice.