Opening Range Breakout
The first 15–30 minutes set the session tone. Break the range, trade the resolution.
What is Opening Range Breakout?
After the market opens, price typically establishes a range over the first 15–30 minutes — a defined high and a defined low. The Opening Range Breakout (ORB) strategy waits for price to decisively break out of that range, then trades in the direction of the break.
ORB is the most popular beginner day trading strategy for one reason: it gives you clear, objective levels. No interpretation required — either price breaks the range or it doesn't.
Why It Works
The opening range represents the market's initial attempt to find balance. A decisive break of that range signals that overnight indecision has resolved — the side that wins the break usually continues in that direction. Institutional algos that track opening ranges add fuel to the move.
How to Trade Them
Watch the range form (you'll see horizontal lines at the range high and range low). Wait for a candle to close above the range high with conviction. That's your entry. The tighter your BUY is to the range-high level, the higher your score.
Your Mission
Let the range form. Wait for the break. Hit BUY on the breakout candle. The 50% stop-loss rule says your stop is the range low — so don't enter too far above the high.