Introduction
Reading the Market’s Turning Points
Every trader dreams of catching a trend right before it takes off, or exiting before it reverses.
The secret lies in recognising one simple signal: the Break of Structure, or BOS.
A Break of Structure is the moment price confirms that control has shifted from buyers to sellers or vice versa. It’s one of the clearest, most reliable ways to spot the beginning of a new trend.
Let’s break down what BOS means, why it matters, and how to mark it on your chart.
What Is a Break of Structure (BOS)?
The Definition:
A Break of Structure happens when price breaks above or below a previous key high or low, disrupting the current market structure.
- In a bullish shift, price breaks above the most recent Lower High (LH).
- In a bearish shift, price breaks below the most recent Higher Low (HL).
This change signals that market participants, either buyers or sellers are taking control. It’s often the first confirmation that a new trend is forming.
Understanding BOS in Context
To recognise a Break of Structure, you first need to understand the existing market structure (the pattern of highs and lows).
Let’s recap:
- In a bullish market, structure shows Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL).
- In a bearish market, structure shows Lower Lows (LL) and Lower Highs (LH).
A BOS tells you when this sequence is broken, this is when the rhythm of the market changes.
The Difference Between BOS and CHoCH
You’ll often hear CHoCH (Change of Character) mentioned alongside BOS.
They’re related, but slightly different in how traders use them:
- CHoCH marks the first early sign that structure might be shifting.
- BOS is the confirmation that structure has shifted.Think of CHoCH as the whisper and BOS as the shout.
Traders often wait for a confirmed BOS before entering, as it adds clarity and reduces false signals.
Why BOS Matters for Traders
Understanding and identifying BOS gives you a huge edge. Here’s why:
✅ Confirms Trend Reversals: A BOS validates that price has officially changed direction.
✅ Marks Entry & Exit Zones: Smart traders use BOS as the trigger for setups (entries, take-profit zones, or reversals).
✅ Builds Confidence in Structure Analysis: Once you learn BOS, you can align it with order blocks, fair value gaps, or liquidity sweeps for high-probability confluence.
How to Identify a Break of Structure on TradingView
Follow these simple steps when you record your BOS tutorial or practice live:
1️⃣ Zoom Out:
Start with the higher timeframe (H1, H4, or Daily) to identify overall trend context.
2️⃣ Mark Recent Swing Highs and Lows:
Use the line or path tool to connect them. Label HH, HL, LH, LL.
3️⃣ Spot the Break:
Watch for a candle closing beyond the previous high/low, this confirms BOS.
4️⃣ Label the BOS:
Mark the exact level where structure broke with “BOS” in clear text.
5️⃣ Wait for Retest (Optional):
In many setups, price will retest the broken structure level before continuing. That’s often where traders plan entries.
💡 Pro Tip:
Always look for strong displacement, a clean, impulsive move during a BOS. It’s usually backed by institutional activity.
Example
Bullish BOS / Bearish BOS
Bullish BOS:
- Price forms a series of Lower Highs and Lower Lows (downtrend).
- Then it breaks above the most recent Lower High.
- Momentum shifts to the upside, this is a possible trend reversal or retracement phase.
Bearish BOS:
- Price forms a series of Higher Highs and Higher Lows (uptrend).
- Then it breaks below the most recent Higher Low.
- Sellers take control, signaling a potential downtrend.
The Do Nots
Common Mistakes Traders Make
❌ Counting wicks instead of body closes
→ Always wait for candle body close beyond structure.
❌ Mislabeling minor pullbacks as BOS
→ BOS must break a major structural high or low, not just intraday noise.
❌ Ignoring higher timeframe context
→ A BOS on the 1-minute chart doesn’t always mean a full reversal. Zoom out for clarity.
Final Thoughts
A Break of Structure is your confirmation that the market has made its decision.
Whether you use it for Smart Money Concepts, ICT-style trading, or classic price action, the principle is timeless.
Next time you open your chart, don’t just look for setups.
Look for where structure breaks, and where control shifts.
That’s where real trades are born.