When to Take Partial Profits (ICT) for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to ICT trading concepts like order blocks, liquidity zones, and market structure, one of the hardest things to master isn’t entry—it’s knowing when to take partial profits as a beginner.
Take profits too early and you’ll feel like you “missed the move.”
Hold too long and you’ll watch a winning trade turn into a loss.
I’ve been there.
When I first started using ICT strategies, I’d either:
- hold trades for hours hoping for a huge win… then watch price reverse and erase everything, or
- close too quickly out of fear… then watch price hit my original target without me.
Learning partial profits completely changed my confidence and consistency.
What Are Partial Profits?
Partial profits mean closing part of your position at a logical level while keeping the rest of the trade open.
Example:
- You enter with 1.0 lot
- You close 0.5 lots at your first target
- You let the remaining 0.5 lots run toward a bigger target
Think of it like this:
You’re securing something from the market without exiting the opportunity completely.
For beginners, partial profits aren’t just a strategy—they’re emotional protection.
Why Partial Profits Matter in ICT Trading
1. They Reduce Emotional Stress
Once you’ve locked in profit, the trade stops feeling like life-or-death.
You don’t panic on pullbacks because you’ve already “paid yourself.”
2. They Protect You From Reversals
Markets don’t move in straight lines.
I once watched 60% of a winning trade vanish in minutes because I refused to take anything off. That lesson stuck.
3. They Improve Consistency
Even if your runner gets stopped out later, you still banked something.
Over time, those consistent partial wins build real growth.
Best ICT Levels for Taking Partial Profits (Beginner-Friendly)
In ICT trading, partial profits work best when taken at logical market targets, not random numbers.
1) Partial Profits at Order Blocks
Order blocks are institutional zones where price often pauses, reacts, or reverses.
Beginner rule:
If price is approaching an opposing order block, consider taking partials.
Example:
You’re in a buy trade → price reaches a bearish OB above → take 30–50% off.
2) Partial Profits Near Liquidity Pools
Liquidity pools (equal highs/lows, swing highs/lows) are where stops are clustered.
Smart money often targets these zones and then reverses.
Beginner rule:
If price is approaching a major swing high/low, take partials before the sweep happens.
3) Partial Profits After a Market Structure Break (MSB)
An MSB confirms direction, but it can also trigger retracements.
Beginner rule:
After a strong structure break, taking partial profits reduces risk while you let the rest run.
Simple Partial Profit Strategies for Beginners
You don’t need complicated scaling models. Start with something clean and repeatable.
Strategy 1: The 50/50 Split (Best for Beginners)
- Take 50% at your first logical target
- Let the other 50% run to a second target
This is simple, effective, and psychologically powerful.
Strategy 2: Scale Out in Stages (25/25/50)
Example:
- 25% at first target
- 25% at second target
- 50% runs until final target or trailing stop
This works great in volatile markets where price hits multiple levels.
Strategy 3: Partial + Trailing Stop Combo
A powerful beginner combo:
- Take partial profit at target 1
- Move stop-loss to breakeven
- Trail the remaining position behind structure
This protects your capital while still letting you catch big moves.
Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Mistake 1: Taking Profit Too Early
Fear makes beginners close trades as soon as they see green.
Fix:
Take partial profits at ICT levels (OBs, liquidity, structure), not emotions.
Mistake 2: Taking Profit Too Late
Greed makes you hold through major resistance/support zones.
Fix:
If price is hitting a major opposing OB or liquidity zone, take something off.
Mistake 3: Overcomplicating It
Some beginners take partials every few pips… which destroys the trade.
Fix:
Stick to 1 or 2 partial levels max until you build confidence.
The Most Important Habit: Plan Partials BEFORE Entry
This is what changed everything for me.
Before entering any trade, I now mark:
- Target 1 (partial profit zone)
- Target 2 (runner zone)
- Stop-loss location
- Where I’ll move SL after partials
This turns trading into execution—not guessing.
Beginner Mindset: Partial Profits Aren’t “Weak”
A lot of beginners think:
“If I take partials, I’m limiting my profit.”
But the truth is:
Partial profits keep you in the game long enough to actually grow.
They reduce stress, protect you from reversals, and stop you from turning winners into losers.
And in ICT trading, staying consistent beats chasing perfect trades every time.
Final Thoughts: When to Take Partial Profits (ICT) as a Beginner
If you’re just starting out, here’s the simplest framework:
Take partial profits when price hits:
- opposing order blocks
- liquidity pools (swing highs/lows)
- major structure levels
- key ICT zones where price is likely to react
Start with:
- 50/50 split
- 1–2 profit targets
- a journal to track results
Partial profits don’t reduce your potential.
They protect your progress.
Next Article To Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering How to Read Price Delivery Arrays with ICT