The Opening Range defines the first battleground of the session. ORB shows you the key levels, projects the targets, and lets you confirm the break with the full T2K0 stack — so you only trade it when it's real.
What you're reading
ORH (Opening Range High) — the high of the defined opening window (default 15 min). Key resistance during the session. Break above = potential long trigger.
ORL (Opening Range Low) — low of the opening window. Key support. Break below = potential short trigger.
Projected TP levels — calculated as multiples of the opening range width above ORH (or below ORL). IVB-style take profit framework. TP1 = 1R, TP2 = 2R, TP3 = 3R of the opening range.
Session-safe detection — the ORH/ORL are locked to the correct ET timezone. No overnight bars contaminate the range — you always get the real 9:30 ET open range.
Range quality context — a narrow range creates tight TPs and a high probability of reaching them. A wide opening range means bigger targets but also bigger noise.
Confluence — what to stack
ORB signal
Add this indicator
Result
Break above ORH
Flow Big Orders — teal bubble on the ORH bar?
Confirmed breakout — highest probability entry
Break above ORH
Flow CVD — CVD rising on the break?
Buying conviction confirmed — ride to TP1
ORH aligns with supply imbalance zone
Flow Imbalance — supply zone at ORH?
Double resistance — wait for clean break or fade ORH
Break above ORH + low volume node above it
Flow Volume Profile — thin area above ORH?
Vacuum above ORH — fast move to TP1 likely
Break of ORH with no bubble + flat CVD
Flow Big Orders + CVD
Unconfirmed break — skip or reverse at the first failure bar
Trade scenarios
High-conviction ORB long — the full confluence entry
Setup15-minute opening range forms cleanly. Prior session closed above its POC (bullish overnight context). RTH opens with a bullish gap or strong first candle.
TriggerPrice breaks above ORH on a strong bar. The break bar closes near its high.
ConfirmLarge teal Big Orders bubble on or just above ORH. CVD rising sharply. Footprint shows consecutive ask-dominant trigger highlights on the break bar. Low volume node (VP) visible above ORH — vacuum to TP1.
InvalidatePrice fails to hold above ORH and closes back inside the range. Or a large magenta bubble appears on the ORH break bar — trapped longs, the break is fake. Exit immediately.
ORL break short — confirmed session selloff
SetupWeak RTH open after bearish pre-market. Price consolidates and tests ORL multiple times.
TriggerA bar closes below ORL with strong negative delta on the Footprint. CVD declining through the session open.
ConfirmMagenta Big Orders bubble just below ORL. Delta Grid shows high negative delta% on the break bar. VP shows thin area below ORL (fast path to TP1 short).
InvalidatePrice immediately recovers above ORL. Teal bubble on recovery bar. CVD reverses — buyers absorbed the break. Don't add — exit short.
Key settings
Opening window: Default 15 min (9:30–9:45 ET). Many traders use 30 min for less volatile days. Shorter = tighter range, faster breaks. Longer = more context, wider targets.
TP multiplier: Default 1.0 (1R per TP level). IVB IDs commonly use 1.0 → 2.0 → 3.0R. Adjust based on current session volatility.
TP count: 2–3 levels is the sweet spot. More TPs = cluttered chart, diluted conviction at each level.
Timezone: Always set to US/Eastern for CME futures. This ensures ORH/ORL locks to the correct 9:30 ET bar.
Quick FAQ
What if the opening range is too wide? A wide range (> 15–20 pts on ES) has lower TP hit rate. Consider scaling down size or waiting for a narrower day.
Can I use it with footprint charts? Yes. ORH/ORL levels render on any chart type including footprint and volume bars.
Does it repaint? No. ORH/ORL are locked after the opening window closes and never change retroactively.