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Break of Structure Pattern

BOS occurs when price breaks a previous swing high or low, confirming trend continuation in ICT/SMC methodology.

Quick Answer

BOS occurs when price breaks a previous swing high or low, confirming trend continuation in ICT/SMC methodology.

What Is the Break of Structure Pattern?

Break of Structure (BOS) is a key concept in Smart Money Concepts (SMC) and Inner Circle Trader (ICT) methodology. It occurs when price breaks through a previous swing high (in an uptrend) or swing low (in a downtrend), confirming that the current trend is continuing. BOS is used to identify trend direction and potential entry points.

How the Break of Structure Forms

  1. 1Identify the current trend direction
  2. 2Mark the most recent swing high and swing low
  3. 3Wait for price to break the relevant swing point
  4. 4Confirm with a candle close beyond the level

How to Confirm the Pattern

✓Candle body closes beyond the swing point
✓Volume confirms the break
✓No immediate reversal back inside
✓Follow-through in the direction of break

Best Timeframes for Break of Structure

5M15M1H4HDaily

How to Trade the Break of Structure

  • →Confirm trend continuation
  • →Identify entry points after pullbacks
  • →Set bias direction for trading
  • →Combine with order blocks for entries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Confusing BOS with Change of Character
✕Trading against the structure break
✕Not waiting for candle close confirmation
✕Ignoring higher timeframe structure

Detect Break of Structure Automatically

VaultCharts automatically detects Break of Structure patterns on your charts. No manual analysis needed - the pattern is highlighted with entry zones and targets.

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