Two Setups for
Navigating the Open
How to Approach the First Hour
with Structure and Quality
The opening of the market can feel intimidating—but within that chaos lies a powerful edge. Let’s explore how traders can use data and structure to make the first 15–60 minutes of the trading day more predictable and actionable.
Why the Open Matters
The open often sets the tone for the entire session. It’s where volatility is highest and where many of the day’s opportunities arise. However, this volatility is also what makes it risky—so having a framework is critical. Understanding the behaviour of price in the first 15, 30, and 60 minutes helps traders interpret intent and assess what kind of day might be unfolding.
Start with Structure
Begin by defining the Opening Range, commonly the first 15 minutes. This gives you a reference point for price expansion and potential reversals. Are we breaking out above it with momentum? Failing below? How does today’s OR compare to the average or mode of past sessions? These insights offer vital context and help filter out noise from true movement.
Use Data, Not Guesswork
Don’t rely on feel—let data guide you. Uploading historical intraday data to tools like ChatGPT allows you to calculate typical Opening Range sizes, compare them to the full daily range, and identify correlations. This helps answer questions like: “What does a strong open usually lead to?” or “How often does price revisit the OR after a breakout?” It’s about measuring, not guessing.
Apply in Real Time
Once you’ve built your benchmarks, use them live. If the Opening Range is unusually tight, expect expansion. If it’s wide early on, you might fade extremes. Observing the open through this lens shifts your mindset from reactive to strategic. Over time, you’ll spot repeatable tendencies and grow more confident in your approach.
Final Thoughts
The open doesn’t have to be intimidating. With structure, data, and observation, it becomes an opportunity zone. Map it, measure it, and make it work for you.