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Market Radar Methodology

ICT Break of Structure (BOS) Retest Setup

The ICT Break of Structure Retest Setup identifies a meaningful swing level broken by an ATR-qualified directional candle, then requires price to return to and hold the broken structure level.

Written by· Founder & AI Engineer at Aventra Labs

ICT Break of Structure and retest sequence

A BOS Retest Setup begins with a meaningful swing high or low. Price must break that structure with a body close and directional displacement before a later pullback can qualify as a retest.

The retest is evaluated only after the break. In bullish context, the broken resistance should hold as support; in bearish context, broken support should hold as resistance.

  • Meaningful structure pivot
  • First body-close break
  • ATR-qualified displacement
  • Retest after the break
  • Broken level holds

BOS Retest invalidation

A wick around the broken level can be acceptable, but repeated closes through the retest zone weaken or invalidate the setup. A move that never returns to the level is a breakout, not a BOS retest candidate.

The scanner displays the structure and retest area as a zone rather than connecting unrelated chart points.

Detection Focus

  • Strong local swing high or low
  • First body-close break of structure
  • Directional displacement versus ATR
  • Post-break retest
  • Broken level holds as support or resistance

Quality Signals

  • Displacement strength
  • Retest recency
  • Distance from the structure level
  • Clean post-break closes

Invalidation

  • A close loses the retest zone
  • No retest occurs after the break
  • Price extends materially beyond the active setup window
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Education pages explain market analysis concepts and scanner context. They are for learning and research, not financial advice or direct trade recommendations.