If you’re like me, a crypto and forex trader who has struggled with trading crypto and forex reversal patterns, this article is for you. I used to get frustrated when the price hit a key resistance level and then reversed hard in the opposite direction.

No matter how good my technical analysis was, the market always performed the opposite of what I expected. After years of losing money and pulling what’s left of my hair out, I finally discovered the secret to trading forex reversal patterns profitably.

Through lots of trial and error, I developed a simple strategy focusing on high-probability reversal patterns like the double bottom, triple top, and bullish engulfing pattern along with divergence confluence.

Using candlestick charts and a handful of tools, such as trend lines and stop losses, I’ve turned reversal patterns from the bane of my existence into my most profitable setup. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how I trade reversal patterns and how you can.

Key Takeaways

Note
  • When I first started trading reversal patterns, I struggled. The concepts seemed straightforward, but applying them in real-time was challenging. After months of study and practice, key takeaways have helped turn reversals into some of my most profitable setups.
  • Look for reversal patterns forming at key support or resistance levels. Whether it’s a double bottom at support or a double top at resistance, a reversal pattern forming at a significant price level is a vital sign the trend may be changing.
  • Wait for confirmation. Just because a pattern forms doesn’t mean the reversal is happening yet. Look for a breakout from the pattern that confirms the reversal. For a double bottom, buy when the price breaks above the middle peak. For a double top, sell when the price breaks below the middle trough.
  • Use tight stops. Reversal patterns can form during strong trends, so there’s always a chance the reversal fails and the trend continues. Place stops just beyond key levels to limit losses if you’re wrong. Taking a slight loss is better than letting a failed reversal wipe out your account.
  • Watch for follow-through. The best reversals lead to sustained movement in the new direction. To confirm the real reversal, look for increasing volume and consecutive bullish/bearish candles. If there’s no follow-through, the reversal may fail, so consider exiting the trade.

With practice, reversals can become an essential part of your trading plan. Look for reversals at key levels, wait for confirmation, keep stops tight, and watch for solid follow-through. Then, reversals will finally start clicking.

Key Crypto and Forex Reversal Patterns Every Trader Should Know

As a forex trader, I always look for reversal patterns that signal the market is ready to move in the opposite direction. Two of the most critical forex reversal patterns are the double top/bottom and triple top/bottom.

The double top pattern forms when the price hits a resistance level twice fails to break through, and reverses. It indicates the bullish trend is weakening, and a bearish reversal is likely. When the pattern completes, I place a sell-stop order just below the second top to enter a short position.

The double bottom chart formation is the opposite. After the price bounces twice off a support level, it signals a bullish reversal. I enter a long position with a buy-stop order above the second bottom.

Triple tops and bottoms are more powerful versions that form longer. They represent the market making three unsuccessful attempts to break through a key price level before reversing. I see triple patterns as highly reliable and always look for an opportunity to trade the breakout.

Using reversal patterns, continuation patterns, and other chart formations gives me an edge in the forex market. By analyzing price action and candlestick charts to spot these reversals, I can anticipate where the market is headed and place strategic stop losses to avoid getting stopped too early. When combined with sound risk management, Forex reversal patterns are some of the most valuable tools in a Forex trader’s arsenal.

How to Identify Bullish Reversal Patterns: Double Bottom and Triple Bottom

As a crypto and forex trader, I always look for a bullish reversal price pattern to signal a potential uptrend. Two of my favourites are the double-bottom and triple-bottom patterns.

Double Bottom Pattern

The double bottom pattern forms when the price drops to a support level twice, creating two distinct lows at roughly the same price level. This indicates the support is holding, and buyers are willing to step in. Once the price breaks above the resistance level connecting the two lows, it signals a reversal and the start of an uptrend.

Double bottom

I watch for a double bottom on candlestick charts, looking for two lows with a small body and long lower wick – showing buyers rejected lower prices. The lows should be at least a few weeks apart. When the price breaks the resistance, I place a buy-stop order just above it. My stop loss goes below the second low in case the reversal fails.

Triple Bottom Pattern

The triple bottom is similar but has three lows at the same support level. This shows strong support and the increased likelihood of a bullish breakout. The three lows can span months, indicating long-term support.

Triple Bottom
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When the resistance breaks, the resulting rally is often intense. I use the same strategy – buying on the breakout and placing a stop loss below the third low.

The triple bottom is one of the most reliable forex reversal patterns, so I get excited when I see one forming on my charts!

By identifying these bullish reversal patterns, forex traders can catch the start of potential long-term uptrends. Always manage risk, but the rewards of trading double and triple-bottom breakouts can be substantial. Keep an eye on your charts, and happy trading!

Bearish Reversal Patterns: Double Top and Triple Top Formations

I always look for bearish reversal patterns that signal a potential reversal in the trend from bullish to bearish. Double-top and triple-top formations are two of the most common bearish reversal patterns.

Double Top Formation

The double top pattern forms when the price rises to a resistance level, retreats, and then rises back up to the same resistance level again before falling. It creates two distinct peaks at roughly the same price level. For me, this pattern indicates the market has tried to break through resistance twice but failed, signalling the uptrend may be over.

Tip

To trade the double top, I place a sell-stop order just below the support level of the two peaks. My stop loss exceeds the second peak, and I target at least the formation height for profits. The key is to wait for the price to break down through support before entering a short trade.

Triple Top Formation

A triple top is similar to a double top but has three peaks at approximately the same price level. It shows the market has unsuccessfully attempted to break resistance multiple times. For forex traders, it can be an even stronger signal that bulls are losing control, and a reversal may be underway.

Note

I trade the triple top the same way, placing a sell stop below support with a stop loss above the third peak. The more times a level is tested without breaking, the more significant it becomes. Triple tops often lead to powerful reversals, so I ride the move down for maximum gains.

Recognizing these bearish reversal patterns – double tops, triple tops and other chart formations – and knowing how to trade them properly is key to success as a forex trader. They can help spot potential reversals early and position yourself to profit from the new downtrend.

Trading the Bullish Engulfing Candlestick Pattern

The bullish engulfing pattern is one of my favourite candlestick reversal patterns to trade. When I see one form on the chart, I know there’s a good chance the market is ready to head higher.


Trading-the-Bullish-Engulfing-Candlestick-Pattern

A bullish engulfing pattern consists of two candlesticks: a small black candlestick and a large white candlestick. The white candlestick must engulf or ‘swallow up’ the previous black candlestick. Bullish candles may follow this and show me that the bulls have taken control of the bears.

When I spot this pattern, I first mark the high and low of the engulfing candle. These levels become my initial profit target and stop loss. As soon as the engulfing candle closes, I will enter a buy order. My stop loss is below the low, and my take profit target is high.

If the price increases after hitting my first profit target, I will trail my stop loss to lock in more profits. The key is having a solid risk-to-reward ratio of at least 1:2. If I risk $100, my profit target is $200.

Tip

The bullish engulfing pattern can lead to some very profitable trades. However, it must form at a key support level to be most effective.

I also watch for increased volume on the engulfing candle for confirmation. I may avoid trading it if it’s a weak volume engulfing pattern.

The bullish engulfing pattern is one of the most reliable candlestick reversal patterns. Still, as with any trading strategy, it must be used with other technical analysis techniques, such as trendlines, moving averages, and Fibonacci levels. By combining multiple techniques, I can filter out false reversal signals and only trade the patterns with the highest probability of success.

Using Stop Losses to Trade Crypto and Forex Reversal Patterns

As a disciplined trader, stopping losses is key to successfully trading forex reversal patterns. Stop losses help limit the risk of any trade and prevent catastrophic losses.

When I spot a bullish reversal pattern, like a double bottom, forming, I place a buy-stop order just above the pattern’s neckline. If the price breaks through the neckline, my trade is triggered. At the same time, I also place a stop-loss order just below the second bottom of the pattern. If the reversal fails and the price drops again, I remove myself from the trade before losing too much.

The process is similar but reversible for a bearish reversal pattern, like a double top. I place a sell-stop order below the neckline and a stop-loss order above the second top. Before entering any trade, I always clearly define my risk.

Tight stop losses are key. I never risk more than 1-2% of my account on any trade. If my stop loss is hit, I accept the loss and move on. It’s all part of the game. Reversal patterns don’t always work out, so smart money management separates profitable traders from the rest.

Using stop losses has saved me from disaster more than once. There have been times when I was sure a pattern would reverse the trend, only to see the price blow right through my stop loss and keep going in the opposite direction. If I hadn’t had a stop loss, a single bad trade could have wiped out weeks or months of profit.

So if there’s one tip I can offer for trading forex reversal patterns, it’s this: always use stop losses. They limit your risk and keep you in the game for the big winning trades. No one is right 100% of the time, so stopping losses is vital to long-term success and consistency.

Confluence with Support and Resistance

As a forex trader, I’ve learned that reversal patterns are most reliable when they coincide with key support and resistance levels.

When multiple indicators point to a potential reversal at a price barrier, I am confident the pattern will hold. For example, I know to pay close attention if a double bottom pattern forms at a level that’s also a Fibonacci retracement, historical support, and round number like 1.3000.

Using Support and Resistance…
  • Look for reversal patterns like double tops, double bottoms, triple tops, and triple bottoms at support and resistance levels
  • Zoom to higher timeframes to identify key levels, then drill down to a lower time frame to spot the reversal patterns.
  • Consider volume, momentum indicators, and candlestick patterns for extra confirmation. If volume and momentum are decreasing into the level, it strengthens the signal.

Entry and stop loss

Once a reversal pattern completes at a confluent level, I set a buy or sell stop order beyond the neckline or trendline. My stop loss goes on the other side of the level to limit the risk if it doesn’t hold. The potential reward on these trades is often 2-3 times the risk, so the setup can be profitable even with a lower win rate.

Reversal patterns can be deceiving, but when combined with other factors like support/resistance, they become a powerful tool for forex traders.

Do your homework, be patient, and only take trades with multiple confluent signals pointing to a high probability reversal. With practice, spotting these opportunities will become second nature and a crucial part of your trading edge.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my top tips for spotting and trading the trend reversal pattern. I hope this guide has been helpful for you as a trader. Remember, the key is to remain patient for the right setup, have a solid trading plan for each pattern, use tight stop losses, and stick to your rules.

Reversal patterns can be very profitable if traded correctly. Keep practicing and stay consistent. You’ve got this! With time and experience, spotting these patterns will become second nature. Now crush it in the markets!

Q: What are forex reversal patterns?

A: Forex reversal patterns, also known as candlestick reversal patterns, are specific chart patterns that indicate a potential change in a trend’s direction. These patterns can provide valuable insights for forex traders to identify possible trend reversals and make informed trading decisions.

Q: How do candlestick reversal patterns work?

A: Candlestick reversal patterns are formed by a series of candlesticks on a forex chart. Specific combinations of candlestick shapes, sizes, and colours create the patterns. Traders analyze these patterns to identify potential reversals in the market trend and take advantage of them.

Q: What is the significance of trend reversal in forex trading?

A: Trend reversal is a crucial concept in forex trading. It refers to the change in the direction of a prevailing trend. Recognizing trend reversal patterns can help traders exit existing positions at the right time, enter new positions in the opposite direction, and potentially profit from the new trend.

Q: What are some common forex reversal patterns?

A: Some common forex reversal patterns include the head and shoulders pattern, inverse head and shoulders pattern,  bearish engulfing pattern, sushi roll reversal pattern, and pin bar candlestick. These patterns indicate potential reversals in the market and are widely used by traders to make trading decisions.

Q: How can I identify a reversal candlestick?

A: A reversal candlestick, also known as a bearish or bullish candlestick, is a single candlestick that suggests a potential trend reversal. To identify one, look for specific characteristics such as a long upper or lower shadow, a change in colour compared to previous candlesticks, or a unique shape like a doji.

Q: What is the difference between a continuation pattern and a reversal pattern?

A: A continuation pattern suggests that the existing trend is likely to continue, while a reversal pattern indicates a potential change in the trend direction. Continuation patterns form within an ongoing trend, while reversal patterns occur at the end of a trend, signalling a potential reversal.

Q: How can I confirm a reversal trade?

A: Traders often look for additional signals or confirmation indicators to confirm a reversal trade. These can include technical analysis tools like trend lines, support and resistance levels, volume analysis, or other chart patterns. The idea is to gather multiple pieces of evidence before entering a trade.

Q: What is the sushi roll reversal pattern in forex?

A: The sushi roll reversal pattern is a specific candlestick pattern that consists of two candlesticks. In a bearish sushi roll pattern, the first candlestick is bullish, and the second is bearish, closing below the low of the previous candlestick. This pattern indicates a potential reversal in the market trend.

Q: How do I determine the top or bottom of a trend using reversal patterns?

A: Determining the top or bottom of a trend using reversal patterns can be challenging. Traders often look for confirmation signals such as lower lows and lower highs for a bearish trend reversal or higher highs and higher lows for a bullish trend reversal. Reversal patterns occurring in these areas can provide valuable insights.

Q: How can I use reversal patterns in my forex trading strategy?

A: Reversal patterns can be used in various ways within a trading strategy. Some traders use them as standalone signals to enter the market in the opposite direction of the prevailing trend. Others combine reversal patterns with other technical analysis tools to strengthen their trading decisions and improve their overall trading strategy.

About the Author john chiogna

John Chiogna invests and trades in Forex and Crypto regularly. John has been and investor in Crypto since 2016. He has been trading for over 15 years and enjoys learning new methods of trading that he passes on to others. His trading style includes both technicals and fundamentals.

He has tried all sorts of methods and systems, discerning what works from what doesn't. He presently trades a managed account as well as his own funds.

He follows the news using such professional resources as financialsource.io and Bloomberg. He combines the daily sentiment and his extensive knowledge of technical indicators to make consistent profits in the markets.

He publishes his articles on trading regularly on both the blog and youtube.
These articles are structured using AI, fact checked and then humanized using his professional experience.

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