The Opening Range Break (ORB) Strategy is one of the most straightforward and widely applicable setups in trading. The concept is simple: let the market establish a defined range in the opening minutes of a session, then wait for a decisive 5-minute candle close outside of that range before entering in the direction of the breakout. The opening range acts as a reference for the session's equilibrium, and when price breaks cleanly beyond it, it frequently continues in that direction toward a measurable target.

The strategy can be applied across multiple sessions and instruments, making it a flexible framework to backtest and refine. The take profit is defined using one standard deviation (1 STDV) from the Fibonacci retracement tool drawn on the opening range, giving each trade a clear and objective target. Discipline is built into the rules: a maximum of two losses per day, and the session is over after one winning trade.

How the strategy works

Sessions and instruments

Three sessions are supported, each with a defined opening range window and preferred instruments.

Entry methods

Two entry approaches are available depending on the size of the breakout candle relative to the potential reward.

Market Order Entry

After a 5m candle closes outside the opening range, enter at market. Entry Trigger #1 applies when the breakout is in line with the first 5m candle direction; Entry Trigger #2 applies when the breakout is against it. Stop loss at the opening range midpoint. Take profit at 1 STDV. Only use this entry if it gives at least 1R to the target.

ORB Retest Entry

If the breakout candle is too large and the market entry does not offer 1R+ to 1 STDV, use a limit order set at the opening range level for a retest entry instead. Stop loss at the midpoint, take profit at 1 STDV. Cancel the limit order if the target is hit before the entry triggers.

Trade checklist

• Opening range marked, 15 minutes for NY session, 30 minutes for London and Asia sessions.
• Wait for a 5m candle to close outside the opening range on either side.
• Check for invalidations. Avoid breakouts at or near a previous session H/L with no meaningful liquidity beyond it.
• If market entry offers 1R+ to 1 STDV: enter at market, stop at midpoint, target 1 STDV.
• If market entry does not offer 1R+: use a limit order at the ORB level for a retest entry. Cancel if target hits before entry.
• Consider holding runners beyond 1 STDV if trend line liquidity or MMXM conditions are present.

Maximum 2 losses per day. Done for the day after 1 winning trade. If any parameters are missing, trade quality is reduced. Aim for A+ setups only.

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