ICT
ICT: killzones, sessions and Silver Bullet
6 min read · by Jérôme Le Menn
The ICT (Inner Circle Trader) approach adds a time dimension to SMC: certain moments of the day would concentrate institutional moves. These windows are called killzones.
The killzones
Killzones are time windows (New York time) where volatility and directional moves would be most likely: the London killzone at the start of the European session, and the New York one at the US open.
The idea: concentrate your trading on these windows rather than trading all day, filtering out the quiet hours.
The Silver Bullet
The Silver Bullet is a one-hour window (often 10–11 a.m. New York time) during which you look for a precise setup: liquidity grab, FVG, entry. It's an example of a strict time rule.
Its value: the time constraint forces discipline and makes the strategy testable (you know exactly when to look for a trade).
The role of time — with caution
Adding a time filter can improve a system by avoiding low-quality periods. But timing is no guarantee: over-optimizing a window on history is a classic overfitting trap.
Backtest with and without the time filter, over a large sample, to check it actually adds value instead of clinging to the past.
Don't believe it — prove it
Backtest this concept on real data, tick by tick, and get a robustness verdict. 7 days of Pro free, no card.
Start for freeFrequently asked questions
Should I only trade during killzones?
It's an option, not an absolute rule. A time filter can help, but must be validated by backtest: does it really add an edge, or does it just fit history?
What is the ICT Silver Bullet?
A roughly one-hour window in which you look for a precise setup (liquidity + FVG). Its strength is its time constraint, which makes it disciplined and testable.
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