Challenge Strategy

    How to Pass Prop Firm Challenges with ICT Silver Bullet: A Complete Guide

    Kevin Nerway
    11 min read
    2,058 words
    Updated Aug 8, 2026

    The ICT Silver Bullet model leverages specific one-hour liquidity windows to help traders meet prop firm profit targets while staying within strict daily drawdown limits. By focusing on Fair Value Gaps and high-probability time slots, you can eliminate overtrading and pass evaluations with mechanical precision.

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    Written and reviewed by Kevin Nerway · Last verified 30 July 2026

    Key Topics

    • Ict silver bullet time windows
    • Passing funding pips with silver bullet
    • Ict silver bullet fvg entries
    • Silver bullet risk management for funded accounts

    How to Pass Prop Firm Challenges with ICT Silver Bullet: A Complete Guide

    The ICT Silver Bullet model has emerged as one of the most mechanically objective frameworks for navigating prop firm evaluations. Because most modern firms, such as Funding Pips and FTMO, enforce strict Max Daily Drawdown limits, traders require a strategy that prioritizes high-probability time windows over constant market exposure. The Silver Bullet excels here by isolating specific 60-minute windows where algorithmic liquidity injections typically occur, allowing traders to hit profit targets while minimizing time spent in the market.

    Key Takeaways

    • The Silver Bullet operates within three specific one-hour windows: 3:00–4:00 AM (London), 10:00–11:00 AM (New York AM), and 2:00–3:00 PM (New York PM) EST.
    • Successful execution requires a Fair Value Gap (FVG) formed by a displacement move that reaches for a specific liquidity pool or "draw on liquidity."
    • Risk management is paramount; aiming for a 2R (Risk-to-Reward) ratio helps traders stay within the 4%–5% daily drawdown limits common at firms like Blue Guardian.
    • The strategy is most effective on high-volatility assets like NAS100, US30, and EURUSD during the New York sessions.
    • Consistency in execution can help traders navigate the Prop Firm Consistency Math required by certain modern funding providers.

    Quick Reference: Silver Bullet Specifications by Firm

    Prop FirmDaily DrawdownMax DrawdownSilver Bullet Compatibility
    Funding Pips5%10%High (Low Latency)
    FTMO5%10%High (High Liquidity)
    Blue Guardian4%8%Medium (Stricter DD)
    Maven Trading4%8%Medium (Stricter DD)
    FundedNext5%10%High (Flexible)
    Alpha Capital Group5%10%High (Tight Spreads)

    The Mechanics of the ICT Silver Bullet Model

    The Silver Bullet is a time-and-price model developed by Michael J. Huddleston (Inner Circle Trader). At its core, the model assumes that within specific one-hour windows, the market will seek out internal range liquidity (FVGs) or external range liquidity (previous highs/lows). For a funded account trader, this provides a "strike zone" that prevents overtrading—a primary cause of challenge failure.

    The mechanical requirement for a Silver Bullet trade is a displacement move on a 1-minute or 5-minute chart that creates a Fair Value Gap. This displacement must occur after a liquidity sweep or a clear change in market structure. The trader then enters at the FVG with a stop loss placed at the high/low of the candle that created the gap or the swing point.

    Because FXIFY and Seacrest Markets offer high-leverage environments, the Silver Bullet allows for precise position sizing that targets the 8–10% profit goals of Phase 1 evaluations without needing to hold trades through volatile news events or overnight swaps.

    Identifying the Three Daily Silver Bullet Time Windows

    The ICT Silver Bullet is strictly time-bound. If a setup occurs at 11:15 AM EST, it is technically not a Silver Bullet. For prop firm traders, aligning these windows with the firm’s server time is critical. Most firms operate on GMT+2 or GMT+3, but the strategy is always calculated in Eastern Standard Time (New York Time).

    The London Open Window (3:00 AM – 4:00 AM EST)

    This window captures the "London Session Silver Bullet." It often involves a hunt for the Asian Session highs or lows. For traders using Audacity Capital, which provides deep liquidity for forex pairs, the London window on EURUSD or GBPUSD is often the most consistent.

    The New York AM Window (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST)

    Often called the "Classic Silver Bullet," this occurs after the New York Open (9:30 AM) volatility has settled. It typically acts as a trend continuation or a reversal from a morning raid. This is the preferred window for the [ict silver bullet nas100 strategy], as indices like the Nasdaq-100 often find their true direction for the day during this hour.

    The New York PM Window (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST)

    The PM session window is frequently used to close out the daily range. It is often a "bread and butter" setup for traders who missed the morning move. However, traders must be careful with Max Total Drawdown limits late in the day, as spreads can widen as the New York close approaches.

    Displacement and FVG Requirements for Prop Challenges

    To pass a challenge at a firm like The5ers, which emphasizes structured risk management, a trader cannot simply enter every FVG. The Silver Bullet requires "Displacement"—a heavy, energetic move that shows institutional sponsorship.

    1
    Market Structure Shift (MSS): Look for a clear break of a recent swing high or low.
    2
    The FVG: This is a three-candle sequence where the first candle's wick and the third candle's wick do not touch, leaving a "gap" in price.
    3
    The Entry: Limit orders are placed at the proximal at the edge of the FVG.
    4
    The Target: The draw on liquidity should be a logical level, such as a previous session high or an opposing FVG.

    Using a position size calculator is essential here. If your Alpha Capital Group account has a 5% daily drawdown limit, your Silver Bullet risk should ideally be 0.5% to 1% per trade to allow for a string of losses without breaching the account.

    Step-by-Step Entry Protocol for Phase 1 Evaluations

    Passing the first phase of a prop firm challenge requires hitting a profit target (usually 8-10%) while adhering to strict rules against prohibited strategies. Follow these steps to execute the Silver Bullet correctly.

    Step 1: Define the Draw on Liquidity

    Before the window opens, identify where price is likely to go. Is there an unfilled FVG on the 15-minute chart? Is there a "Buy Side Liquidity" (BSL) pool at the previous day's high? Without a "draw," the Silver Bullet has no direction.

    Step 2: Wait for the Time Window

    Only look for setups between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM EST (for the NY AM session). Ignore all price action occurring at 9:45 AM. Discipline in the [ict silver bullet time windows] is what separates funded traders from gamblers.

    Step 3: Identify Displacement and FVG

    On the 1-minute or 5-minute chart, wait for a sharp move that leaves a Fair Value Gap. This move should ideally sweep a minor liquidity point first (a "stop run").

    Step 4: Execute with Pre-Set Risk

    Place your limit entry at the start of the FVG. Set your stop loss at the swing point. Use the Drawdown Calculator to ensure that if the trade hits your stop, you do not lose more than 1% of your starting balance.

    Step 5: Manage the Trade to 2R

    The Silver Bullet is designed for high-frequency, high-probability moves. Most practitioners find that a 2:1 Reward-to-Risk ratio is the "sweet spot" for maintaining a high win rate during challenges at firms like Funding Pips.

    Managing Drawdown During High-Volatility Silver Bullet Windows

    The primary reason traders fail challenges at Blue Guardian or Maven Trading is not the strategy, but the Max Daily Drawdown. Because the Silver Bullet often occurs during high-volatility hours, slippage can be an issue.

    FirmDaily DD LimitSilver Bullet Risk Rec.Strategy Adjustment
    Blue Guardian4%0.5%Use 5m FVG for wider stops
    FTMO5%1%Standard 1m/5m execution
    FXIFY4%0.5%Avoid news-overlapping windows
    Funding Pips5%1%Leverage weekly payouts for psychology

    To protect your funded account, never trade the Silver Bullet during high-impact news (Red Folder events) like CPI or NFP. Most firms, including FundedNext, have specific rules regarding news trading that could lead to a hard breach of your account.

    Pair Selection: Why NAS100 and EURUSD Dominate Silver Bullet

    While the Silver Bullet works on any liquid market, prop traders favor the [ict silver bullet nas100 strategy] and EURUSD due to spread efficiency. Alpha Capital Group and FTMO offer some of the tightest spreads in the industry, which is vital when entering on a 1-minute FVG.

    • NAS100/US30: These indices move aggressively during the 10:00 AM EST window. They often provide the "displacement" needed to create clear FVGs.
    • EURUSD/GBPUSD: These pairs are ideal for the London (3:00 AM) and NY AM (10:00 AM) windows. They are less volatile than indices, making them safer for traders who are close to their Max Total Drawdown limit.

    Traders should avoid "Exotic" pairs or low-volume stocks, as the [ICT silver bullet model for prop firms] relies on algorithmic order flow that is most prevalent in major markets.

    Case Study: Passing a $100k Funding Pips Challenge with Silver Bullet

    In this hypothetical scenario, a trader uses a $100,000 Funding Pips account. The goal is a $10,000 profit (10%) with a $5,000 daily loss limit (5%).

    • Day 1: 10:15 AM EST. NAS100 sweeps 10:00 AM high, then displaces lower. A 1-minute FVG forms. Entry at 15050, Stop at 15065 (15 points). Risking $1,000 (1%). Target is 2R ($2,000). Trade hits TP. Account: $102,000.
    • Day 2: No setup in the 10:00–11:00 AM window. The trader does not trade. This discipline prevents the "payout plateau" often seen in The Payout Plateau: Breaking the Cycle of Breakeven Funding.
    • Day 3: London Session. EURUSD 3:10 AM setup. 1R gain before price stalls. Trader moves to breakeven. Account: $102,000.
    • Day 4: NY AM Session. NAS100 2R win. Account: $104,000.

    By repeating this mechanical process, the trader reaches the 10% target in roughly 10–15 trading days without ever approaching the Max Daily Drawdown.

    Common Silver Bullet Mistakes That Lead to Hard Breaches

    Even a robust strategy like the Silver Bullet can fail if the trader ignores the trading rules of their firm.

    1
    Ignoring News: Entering a Silver Bullet trade five minutes before an FOMC release is a recipe for a static drawdown breach.
    2
    Window Drifting: Taking a trade at 11:15 AM because "it looks like a Silver Bullet." The algorithm often changes behavior outside the specific hour.
    3
    Over-Leveraging: Trying to pass a Phase 1 in a single trade by risking 4% of the account. This leaves no room for the natural paper trading variance that occurs in live markets.
    4
    Poor Pair Selection: Attempting the model on low-liquidity pairs where spreads eat the profit margin.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use the Silver Bullet on a 1-minute chart for prop firms

    Yes, the 1-minute chart is the standard timeframe for identifying the precise Fair Value Gap (FVG) required for the Silver Bullet. However, you must ensure your prop firm, such as Funding Pips, has low enough spreads so that slippage does not invalidate your 2R target. Many traders use the 5-minute chart for confluence before dropping to the 1-minute for entry.

    What is the best time for the ICT Silver Bullet

    The most popular and high-probability window is the New York AM window, which occurs from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST. This window is particularly effective for NAS100 and US30. The London window (3:00 AM – 4:00 AM EST) is also highly effective for forex pairs like EURUSD and GBPUSD.

    Does the Silver Bullet work on all prop firms

    The strategy works on any firm that allows day trading and does not have prohibited strategies against fast-scalping. Firms like FTMO and FundedNext are excellent choices because they provide the deep liquidity needed for the sharp moves found in Silver Bullet setups.

    How do I manage risk with the Silver Bullet on a funded account

    You should aim to risk no more than 0.5% to 1% per trade. Since most firms have a 4% or 5% Max Daily Drawdown, risking 1% gives you five consecutive "bullets" before you breach your account for the day. Using a Position Size Calculator is mandatory to ensure your lot size matches your risk.

    Is the Silver Bullet a trend-following or reversal strategy

    It can be both. The Silver Bullet is a "liquidity-seeking" model. If the market is in a strong trend, the Silver Bullet will often appear as a continuation FVG. if the market has just swept a major daily high or low, the Silver Bullet can act as the entry for a reversal. The key is identifying the "draw on liquidity."

    What happens if no FVG forms during the Silver Bullet window

    If no displacement occurs and no FVG is formed between the start and end of the hour, there is no trade. The power of the [ict silver bullet model for prop firms] lies in its selectivity. Forcing a trade when the criteria aren't met is a leading cause of challenge failure.

    About Kevin Nerway

    Contributor at PropFirmScan, helping traders succeed in prop trading.

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