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Top 20 Chart Patterns Cheat Sheet

20 Forex Chart patterns PDF

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
143 views13 pages

Top 20 Chart Patterns Cheat Sheet

20 Forex Chart patterns PDF

Uploaded by

ramoshuncho48
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Top 20 Chart Patterns Cheat

Sheet

What is a Chart Pattern Cheat


Sheet?
A chart pattern cheat sheet is a document or image that contains brief references to
chart patterns, how to identify them, and how to trade them. It’s best for beginner
traders who want to learn to use chart patterns on the fly.

Types of Chart Patterns


There are three types of chart patterns, depending on what the pattern predict

1. Continuation Chart Patterns


Continuation patterns signal that the existing trend is likely to continue. Typically, when
traders spot a continuation chart pattern, it allows them to enter a trade and join the
current trend.

Here are the top continuation patterns:

Pattern Bias Appears During

Bullish Flag Pattern Bullish Bullish Trend

Bearish Flag Pattern Bearish Bearish Trend


Bullish Pennant Bullish Bullish Trend

Bearish Pennant Bearish Bearish Trend

Rising Wedge Bearish Bearish Trend

Falling Wedge Bullish Bullish Trend

Ascending Triangle Bullish Bullish Trend

Descending Triangle Bearish Bearish Trend

Bullish Flag Pattern


A Bullish Flag is a continuation pattern that forms after a strong upward price movement
(the flagpole). This flagpole comes before a brief consolidation phase where price
trends downward or sideways within parallel trendlines (the flag).

Bearish Flag Pattern

A Bearish Flag is a continuation pattern that forms after a sharp downward price
movement (the flagpole). After this flagpole comes a short consolidation phase, often
characterized by low volume, where price trends upward or sideways within parallel
trendlines (the flag).

Bullish Pennant Pattern


A Bullish Pennant is a continuation pattern that forms after a strong upward price
movement (the flagpole). A small symmetrical triangle-like consolidation phase with
converging trendlines then follows this.

Bearish Pennant Pattern

A Bearish Pennant is a continuation pattern that forms after a strong downward price
movement (the flagpole). After this strong movement comes a small symmetrical
triangle-like consolidation phase with converging trendlines.

Ascending Triangle pattern


An Ascending Triangle is a bullish continuation pattern characterized by a horizontal
resistance line and a rising trendline. The pattern forms as the price makes higher lows
while repeatedly testing the resistance level.

Descending triangle pattern

A Descending Triangle pattern is a bearish continuation pattern characterized by a flat


lower support line and a downward-sloping upper resistance line that converge as the
pattern develops. It typically forms during a downtrend as sellers become increasingly
aggressive while buyers remain consistent at a specific price level.

Reversal Chart Patterns


Reversal patterns are chart formations that indicate a change in direction from a bearish
to a bullish market trend and vice versa. These trend reversal patterns appear before a
new trend begins and signal that the price action trading will likely move in the opposite
direction.

These are some of the most commonly used reversal patterns:


Pattern Bias Appears During

Double Top Bearish Bullish Trend

Double Bottom Bullish Bearish Trend

Triple Top Bearish Bearish Trend

Triple Bottom Bullish Bearish Trend

Rising Wedge Bearish Bullish Trend

Falling Wedge Bullish Bearish Trend

Head and Shoulders Bearish Bullish Trend

Inverted Head and Shoulders Bullish Bearish Trend

Diamond Bottom Bullish Bearish Trend

Diamond Top Bearish Bullish Trend

Double Top
The double-top pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that is characterized by the
appearance of two relatively equal highs with a low in between. The pattern comes up
during a bullish trend and prices.

The psychology behind this bearish pattern is that the bulls have failed to break through
resistance from the bears. And as such, the bears are taking over the trend.

Double Bottom

The double bottom is a bullish reversal pattern that appears when the price forms two
relatively equal lows with a peak in between, looking like a “W.” This bullish pattern
forms in a downtrend and suggests that the bears have failed to break through a certain
support level on two tries, which is a sign that the bulls are holding firm. As such, the
bets are on the bulls to take the baton from the bears and push the price upward.

Triple Top

The triple-top is a bearish reversal pattern that appears during a bullish trend. It is
characterized by three relatively equal highs with two lows in between consecutive
highs. This is a strong pattern that suggests that the bulls are unable to push the price
past a certain point before getting exhausted and surrendering control to the bears.

Triple Bottom

A triple bottom is a bullish reversal pattern that forms after a downtrend. It features
three distinct lows at a relatively equal price level, separated by minor peaks. You get
the confirmation of the pattern when the price breaks above the resistance formed by
the peaks, signaling a potential uptrend.

Rising Wedge
A rising wedge is a bearish reversal pattern that forms when the price moves upward
within converging trendlines. The highs and lows both trend higher, but the slope of the
lows is steeper, indicating weakening momentum.

The pattern signals a potential downtrend, and you can look to trade it once the price
breaks out of the wedge from the bottom.

Falling Wedge

A falling wedge is a bullish reversal pattern that forms when the price moves downward
within converging trendlines. The highs and lows both trend lower, but the slope of the
highs is steeper, indicating a weakening bearish momentum.

There’s something interesting about the wedge patterns, and it has to do with the
prevalent trend before their appearance. If the trend rising wedge appears in a bullish
trend, it is a reversal pattern. But if it occurs during a bearish trend, it’s a continuation
pattern. Similarly, if the falling wedge appears during a bullish trend, it’s a continuation
pattern. But if it appears during a downtrend, it’s a reversal pattern.

Head and Shoulders


A Head and Shoulders pattern is a bearish reversal formation consisting of three peaks,
with the middle peak (head) higher than the two surrounding peaks (shoulders). The
pattern forms after an uptrend and signals a potential trend reversal.

Inverted Head and Shoulders

An Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern is a bullish reversal formation consisting of


three troughs, with the middle trough (head) lower than the two surrounding troughs
(shoulders). The pattern forms after a downtrend and signals a potential trend reversal.
Diamond Bottom

A Diamond Bottom is a bullish reversal pattern that forms after a downtrend. It begins
with a widening price action and then a narrowing movement. This then creates a
diamond-like shape. The bullish breakout of the pattern after this broadening and
narrowing is what you’ll look to trade.

Diamond Top

A Diamond Top is a bearish reversal pattern that forms after an uptrend. It starts with a
widening price action, followed by a narrowing movement, creating a diamond-like
shape. You may look to trade it when the price breaks below the lower support line on
the narrowing half.
How to Use a Chart Pattern Cheat
Sheet
Now that you know these chart patterns, how do you use this
cheat sheet to your advantage? Follow the following steps:

1. Compare and Contrast

Whenever you see something that looks like a pattern forming on


your chart, go to your cheat sheet to see if any pattern matches
what’s on your chart.

2. Identify the trend

Next, identify the trend of the pattern on your chart. This is


important because this may determine whether you’ll have a
bullish or bearish bias. Now, compare again with what you have on
your cheat sheet. If the cheat sheet says the pattern should form in
a bearish trend, but your chart has the pattern forming in a bullish
trend, don’t take the trade.

3. Confirm Broader market context

The broader market context will always hold a significant influence


on the ultimate direction of the price. So, in a bullish market, only
try to go for bullish continuation and reversal patterns, and vice
versa for a bearish market.

This is not to say, however, that you can’t trade against a prevalent
trend. You can, but this takes a little more expertise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When
Using Chart Patterns
Many traders make these mistakes when trading chart patterns:

1. Neglecting the Larger Market Context


Chart patterns appear anywhere and everywhere. However, what
confirms them is the larger market context in which they appear. If
the market has been bullish on a higher timeframe, for instance, it
can be dangerous to try to trade a bearish reversal pattern. Of
course, it is still possible to be profitable with this counter-trend
trade, but it takes a lot of practice.

2. Ignoring volume
Chart patterns form due to the tussle between the bulls and the
bears. And the volume chart represents the strength with which
each side is fighting. When you ignore volume, you cannot tell the
force or magnitude behind each move, and that could leave your
strategy bereft of trading depth.

3. Forcing Patterns to Fit


Sometimes, the pattern you’re hoping is forming just isn’t it. You’ll
know you’re already forcing a pattern to fit when you find yourself
constantly adjusting the trendlines to fit perfectly but still can’t find
the right balance.

If the pattern doesn’t fit, don’t force it.

@josh

Common questions

Powered by AI

Identifying the trend type is crucial when analyzing chart patterns, as it helps determine the expected progression of price action. Continuation patterns indicate that the existing trend is likely to persist, while reversal patterns suggest a potential change in direction . If a pattern forms that does not align with the identified trend (e.g., a bearish pattern in a bullish trend), it may indicate the pattern is not valid or reliable, leading to misinformed trading decisions if acted upon without further validation .

The Rising Wedge pattern can serve as both a reversal and continuation pattern depending on its occurrence during market trends . If it forms within a bullish trend, it acts as a bearish reversal pattern, indicating a potential downfall in prices. Conversely, if it occurs during a bearish trend, it suggests continuation of the downward trend . For traders, this dual nature signifies the need for precise trend analysis to determine whether to expect or position for reversals or ongoing trends based on the wedge’s context .

A Bullish Flag pattern is characterized by a strong upward price movement, called the flagpole, followed by a brief consolidation phase where the price trends downward or sideways within parallel trendlines, forming the flag . It typically appears during a bullish trend and signals the continuation of that trend, indicating that the existing upward momentum is likely to persist .

The broader market context is critical in determining the effectiveness of trading decisions based on chart patterns. The larger market trends can validate or invalidate the trade potential of identified chart patterns. Trading against the broader market context (e.g., bullish market while trading bearish reversal patterns) can increase risks, as the prevailing sentiment may overpower the pattern's indications . Neglecting this could lead to unsuccessful trades, as patterns may form that are contrary to the market’s overall trend direction, requiring more expertise and nuanced understanding to counter-trade effectively .

Forcing patterns to fit refers to traders mistakenly identifying a pattern by adjusting trendlines to match preconceived expectations, leading to incorrect pattern identification . This can result in poor trading decisions based on invalid patterns. Avoiding this mistake involves adhering to strict pattern recognition criteria, remaining objective, and seeking validation through additional indicators or market conditions before committing to a trade .

A Double Bottom pattern is characterized by two roughly equal lows with a peak in between, resembling a 'W' shape, and forms during a downtrend . This pattern is distinct in its indication of failure by the bears to break a support level on two occasions, suggesting that bulls are gaining control and a potential upward reversal is imminent . It presents a trading opportunity to enter a bullish position expecting a trend reversal, once confirmation such as a break above the peak occurs .

Trading against the prevailing market trend without adequate expertise can lead to significant risks and financial losses. Chart patterns that contradict the dominant market trend may produce false signals if the broader market sentiment is not considered, as they often require advanced strategy execution and nuanced judgment to countertrade effectively . Inexperienced traders may misinterpret the pattern's signals without aligning them with the market context, resulting in unsuccessful trades and increased exposure to market volatility .

A Head and Shoulders pattern indicates a potential change in market momentum from bullish to bearish. It consists of three peaks with the middle peak (head) higher than the two outer peaks (shoulders), forming during an uptrend . The pattern suggests that the existing upward momentum is weakening, and upon confirmation of the pattern, a reversal to a downward trend is likely . This implies future price action may turn bearish if the pattern completes .

Ascending Triangle patterns reflect bullish sentiment, showing that traders are repeatedly pushing prices to a resistance level while achieving higher lows which suggests the strength and persistence of buyers . Descending Triangle patterns, conversely, indicate bearish sentiment with sellers consistently increasing pressure, suggested by lower highs pushing down towards a support level while buyers resist at specific price levels . These patterns illustrate market participants' efforts and likely resolve, indicating potential breakout directions when the price consolidates enough to breach the respective support/resistance .

Volume plays a crucial role in confirming the strength and reliability of chart patterns in trading. It represents the strength with which market participants (bulls and bears) engage in each price movement, providing an indication of the magnitude and validity of the pattern . Ignoring volume may result in misinterpretation of patterns, as it would overlook the force behind the price movements, potentially leading to unreliable trading strategies .

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