Inversion Fair Value Gaps (IFVGs) - A Deep Dive Trading GuideIntroduction
Inversion Fair Value Gaps (IFVGs) are an advanced price action concept rooted in Smart Money theory. Unlike standard Fair Value Gaps (FVGs), IFVGs consider the idea of price revisiting inefficiencies from an inverse perspective. When price "respects" a previously violated gap from the opposite side, it creates a powerful confluence for entries or exits.
This guide will cover:
- What an IFVG is
- How it differs from traditional FVGs
- Market context for IFVG setups
- How to trade them effectively
- Real chart examples for clarity
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What is an IFVG?
An Inversion Fair Value Gap (IFVG) occurs when price trades through a traditional Fair Value Gap and later returns to that area, but instead of continuing in the original direction, it uses the gap as a support or resistance from the other side.
Standard FVG vs. IFVG:
- FVG: Price creates a gap (imbalance), and we expect a return to the gap for mitigation.
- IFVG: Price violates the FVG, but instead of invalidation, it respects it from the other side.
Example Logic: A bullish FVG is formed -> price trades through it -> later, price revisits the FVG from below and uses it as resistance.
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Structure and Market Context
Understanding structure is key when trading IFVGs. Price must break structure convincingly through a Fair Value Gap. The gap then acts as an inversion zone for future reactions.
Ideal Market Conditions for IFVGs:
1. Market is trending or has recently had a strong impulsive move.
2. A Fair Value Gap is created and violated with displacement .
3. Price retraces back to the FVG from the opposite side .
4. The gap holds as support/resistance, indicating smart money has respected the zone.
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Types of IFVGs
1. Bullish IFVG: Price trades up through a bearish FVG and later uses it as support.
2. Bearish IFVG: Price trades down through a bullish FVG and later uses it as resistance.
Note: The best IFVGs are often aligned with Order Blocks, liquidity levels, or SMT divergences.
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How to Trade IFVGs
1. Identify a clear Fair Value Gap in a trending market.
2. Wait for price to break through the FVG with momentum .
3. Mark the original FVG zone on your chart.
4. Monitor for price to revisit the zone from the other side.
5. Look for reaction + market structure shift on lower timeframes.
6. Enter trade with a clear stop loss just beyond the IFVG.
Entry Confluences:
- SMT divergence
- Order Block inside or near the IFVG
- Breaker Blocks
- Time of day (e.g., NY open)
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Refined Entries & Risk Management
Once the IFVG is identified and price begins to react, refine entries using:
- Lower timeframe market structure shift
- Liquidity sweeps just before tapping the zone
- Candle closures showing rejection
Risk Management Tips:
- Set stop loss just beyond the IFVG opposite wick
- Use partials at 1:2 RR and scale out based on structure
- Don’t chase missed entries—wait for clean setups
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing IFVG with invalidated FVGs
- Trading them in low volume or choppy conditions
- Ignoring market context or structure shifts
- Blindly entering on first touch without confirmation
Tip: Let price prove the level—wait for reaction, not prediction.
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Final Thoughts
IFVGs are an advanced but powerful tool when used with precision. They highlight how Smart Money uses inefficiencies in both directions, and when combined with other concepts, they can form sniper-like entries.
Practice finding IFVGs on historical charts. Combine them with SMT divergences, OBs, and market structure, and soon you’ll start seeing the market through Smart Money eyes.
Happy Trading!
