Introduction
In today’s lesson, we’re diving into refining entries within my Fractal Model, specifically by using a 1-minute inversion inside the hourly and 5-minute model. This approach lets you get surgical with your execution, keeping risk tight while staying aligned with the higher-timeframe bias.
The Core Idea
If you’ve seen my intro to the Fractal Model Video, you know the goal is to anticipate the open-high-low-close (OHLC) structure of a single candle.
- The Daily chart provides a bias
- The higher timeframe provides the structure.
- The 5-minute confirms that structure.
- The 1-minute provides the refined entry using an inversion level inside the T-Spot, the zone where I expect the wick of the higher timeframe candle to form.
When all three are aligned, you can trade the expansion portion of that higher timeframe candle with clarity and consistency.
Step-by-Step Process
Establish Higher-Timeframe Bias
- On the daily chart, identify a closure to provide a bias.
Establish Structure
- On the hourly chart, identify a sweep and close back in (classic reversal trigger).
- This gives you the expectation for the next candle’s expansion.
Align with the 5-Minute
- Wait for a change in the state of delivery (closure through the opposing candle series) in the same direction as your hourly bias.
- Once confirmed, the indicator will plot the T-Spot, the expected wick zone.
Drop to the 1-Minute for Entry
- Inside the T-Spot, look for a 1-minute inversion:
- For a long: price closes above a bearish fair value gap.
- For a short: price closes below a bullish fair value gap.
- Place your stop just on the invalidation point.
- Target 2R or a time-based exit (e.g., the next hourly open if trading the hourly model).
Example Walkthrough
Long Setup
- Hourly Structure: Sweep of a previous low + close back inside. (HTF overlay)
- 5-Minute Confirmation: Change in the state of delivery bullish.
- T-Spot Marked: Wait for price to trade into the zone.
- 1-Minute Trigger: Price inverts a bearish FVG in the T-Spot.
- Execution: Enter on the close or retest of inversion, stop under the low, target 2R or hold into the projected expansion close.
💡 Pro Tip: If using the TTFM [Pro+] indicator, lock the fractal to the 5m – 1H model.
Short Setup
- Hourly Structure: Sweep of a high + close back inside.
- 5-Minute Confirmation: Change in the state of delivery bearish.
- T-Spot Marked: Wait for price to trade up into the zone.
- 1-Minute Trigger: Price inverts a bullish FVG in the T-Spot.
- Execution: Enter on the close or retest of inversion, stop above the high, target 2R or into time-based candle close.
💡 Pro Tip: Experiment. This strategy can also be used with 1 minute CISD and protected swings. Take a moment to mark them in the image below.
💡 Pro Tip: The TTrades Fractal Model works on all assets and timeframes including futures, forex, and crypto.
Why This Works
- Precision: The 1-minute inversion lets you trade with tighter stops.
- Context-Driven: You’re not taking every inversion, only those that align with the higher and middle timeframes.
- Repeatability: Same process, same trigger, no guesswork.
- Reduced Noise: Avoids over-marking charts with every PD array, focus on one trigger that fits your style.
Pro Tips
- Always consider liquidity: highs and lows act as magnets.
- If the T-Spot forms without a wick, anticipate a retracement into it before expansion.
- Avoid inversions too late into the higher timeframe candle. Expansion candles have small wicks created early into the candle.
Key Takeaway:
Refining entries with the Fractal Model means filtering for high-probability, context-backed 1-minute inversions inside the higher timeframe T-Spot. Master one PD array and one entry style, and execution becomes a repeatable process, giving you the precision needed to grow consistency in your trading.
