What is a Break of Structure?
💡 Definition
A Break of Structure (BOS) occurs when price breaks through a significant swing high or swing low in the direction of the current trend. It confirms that Smart Money is continuing to push the market in the prevailing direction, validating trend continuation.
In Smart Money Concepts (SMC), a BOS is one of the most important confirmations that institutions are actively participating in the market. It signals that the trend is intact and provides traders with confidence to look for entries in the direction of the break.
Visual Representation
Bullish Break of Structure Example
Price breaks above the previous swing high, confirming bullish trend continuation
Types of Breaks
🟢 Bullish BOS
Occurs when price breaks above a previous swing high during an uptrend. This confirms institutional buying pressure and validates bullish trend continuation. Look for long entries after the break.
🔴 Bearish BOS
Occurs when price breaks below a previous swing low during a downtrend. This confirms institutional selling pressure and validates bearish trend continuation. Look for short entries after the break.
BOS vs CHoCH (Change of Character)
Understanding the Difference
Break of Structure (BOS)
• Breaks in the direction of the trend
• Confirms trend continuation
• Signals Smart Money accumulation/distribution
• Trade WITH the trend after BOS
Change of Character (CHoCH)
• Breaks against the current trend
• Signals potential trend reversal
• First warning of trend exhaustion
• Wait for confirmation before reversing bias
How to Identify Valid BOS
- Clear Swing Points: Identify obvious swing highs and lows with multiple candles forming the structure
- Strong Impulse Move: The break should be decisive with strong momentum, not gradual
- Candle Close: Look for candle closes beyond the structure, not just wicks touching
- Volume Confirmation: Higher volume on the breakout candle validates institutional participation
- Timeframe Alignment: BOS should align across multiple timeframes for stronger confirmation
- Market Context: Consider overall market structure and whether price is in premium or discount zones
Trading Strategy with BOS
- Wait for Confirmation: Don't enter immediately on the BOS - wait for price to pull back
- Retest Strategy: Look for price to return to the broken structure level (which becomes support/resistance)
- Order Block Formation: After BOS, identify the Order Block that preceded it for optimal entries
- FVG Combination: Look for Fair Value Gaps created during the BOS move - these are prime entry zones
- Higher Timeframe Bias: Use higher timeframe BOS to determine direction, lower timeframes for entry
- Risk Management: Place stops just beyond the Order Block or below the pullback structure
- Target Setting: Look for next major swing high/low or liquidity pools as profit targets
Why BOS Matters
Break of Structure is the backbone of Smart Money trading because it reveals institutional intent. When Smart Money wants to continue a trend, they must break through key levels where retail traders have their stops and pending orders. This accomplishes several objectives:
✦ Provides liquidity for large institutional orders to be filled
✦ Traps retail traders who bet against the trend
✦ Creates psychological levels where more traders will join the trend
✦ Establishes clear directional bias for continuation moves
By waiting for BOS confirmation, traders avoid false breakouts and whipsaws, only entering when institutions have shown their hand and committed to the direction.
Common BOS Patterns
- BOS + Pullback to OB: Classic high-probability setup where price returns to the Order Block after breaking structure
- Multiple BOS Sequence: Series of breaks showing strong trending momentum - best for trend following
- BOS with Liquidity Sweep: Price sweeps stops below/above before BOS - very strong confirmation
- Failed BOS: Price breaks structure but immediately reverses - often signals a trap and potential reversal
- Slow BOS: Gradual break without strong impulse - less reliable, wait for retest confirmation
Critical Reminders
⚠️ Important Notes
Not Every Break is Valid: Low timeframe breaks can be noise. Focus on 15-minute charts and above for reliability.
Context is Everything: A BOS in a ranging market has less significance than one in a clearly trending market.
Patience Pays: The best trades come after BOS when price pulls back to quality demand/supply zones, not on the initial break.
Combine with Other Concepts: BOS alone is not enough - use it with Order Blocks, FVGs, and liquidity concepts for complete trade setups.