Introduction to Candlestick Patterns

Candlestick patterns are powerful tools in technical analysis that help traders understand market sentiment and make informed trading decisions. By examining the shape and formation of candlesticks, traders can spot potential reversals, continuations, or periods of indecision in the market. In this post, we’ll explore the most common and useful candlestick patterns, each explained briefly and accompanied by an image for clarity. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting out, understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights into price action and improve your trading performance. Let’s dive into the list and start mastering candlestick analysis!

 

Doji candlestick pattern

Doji

The Doji candlestick pattern is a signal in technical analysis that reflects market indecision. This pattern forms when the opening and closing prices are nearly identical, resulting in a small or non-existent body. The Doji is typically characterized by long upper and lower wicks, signifying that price moved both higher and lower during the session but closed near its opening price. This pattern often signals a potential reversal or pause in the prevailing trend, making it important to monitor subsequent candles for confirmation.

Hammer candlestick pattern

Hammer

The Hammer candlestick pattern is a bullish reversal pattern that typically appears at the end of a downtrend. It signals that a stock may be nearing its bottom, suggesting that the sellers have exhausted their strength and buyers are starting to take control. The Hammer is characterized by a small real body at the top of the candlestick, with a long lower shadow at least twice the length of the body, indicating that the price initially dropped significantly during the session but recovered by the close, signaling potential upward momentum. Traders use this pattern to identify potential buying opportunities when the market has been declining.

Inverted hammer candlestick pattern

Inverted Hammer

The Inverted Hammer candlestick pattern is a bullish reversal signal that typically forms at the bottom of a downtrend. It features a small real body at the bottom, with a long upper shadow that is at least twice the length of the body. This pattern indicates that, although sellers initially pushed the price lower, buyers stepped in later in the session to drive the price up. This shift from selling to buying pressure signals a potential reversal, where the downward momentum may be weakening, and an upward trend could emerge.

Bullish engulfing candlestick pattern

Bullish Engulfing

A Bullish Engulfing candlestick pattern is a two-candlestick formation that signals a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. It occurs when a small bearish candle is followed by a larger bullish candle, which “engulfs” the body of the previous candle. This pattern suggests that buyers have taken control, indicating a possible shift in market sentiment from bearish to bullish.

Bearish engulfing candlestick pattern

Bearish Engulfing

The Bearish Engulfing candlestick pattern is a two-candle reversal pattern that typically signals a bearish trend following an upward movement. It forms when a smaller bullish (upward) candle is immediately followed by a larger bearish (downward) candle, which “engulfs” the previous candle’s body. This pattern suggests that selling pressure has overwhelmed buying pressure, indicating potential further downside. It’s commonly used by traders to anticipate reversals in uptrending markets, and it’s seen as a strong signal when it occurs at the top of an uptrend or resistance level.

Morning star candlestick pattern

Morning Star

The Morning Star candlestick pattern is a three-candle formation that signals a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. It consists of a large bearish candle followed by a small-bodied candle (can be a bullish or bearish) showing indecision in the market and finally a strong bullish candle which confirms reversal pattern by closing well above the midpoint of the first candle. Traders use the morning star pattern to identify potential trend change from bearish to bullish sentiment.

Evening star candlestick pattern in stock trading

Evening Star

The Evening Star candlestick pattern is a three-candle bearish reversal pattern that can signal the top of an uptrend. It indicates bullish momentum is fading, and sellers might be about to take control of potential reversals. It consists of a strong bullish (green) candle indicating buying pressure, followed by a small-bodied (green or red) candle which represents indecision and finally a large red bearish candle, closing well into the first candle’s body or below. It acts as a sign that the uptrend may be ending and that a price drop could follow.

The Shooting Star candlestick pattern: A bearish reversal signal appearing after an uptrend.

Shooting Star

The Shooting Star candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal that appears after an uptrend, warning traders that bullish momentum is fading. It has a small body near the low, a long upper wick, and little to no lower wick, showing that buyers initially pushed prices higher but were overpowered by sellers before the close. This pattern suggests that sellers are gaining control, increasing the likelihood of a downtrend or correction. However, confirmation from the next few candles is essential before making trading decisions. Incorporating risk management and technical analysis tools enhances its effectiveness.

The Hanging Man candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal that appears after an uptrend

Hanging Man

The Hanging Man candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that appears after an uptrend. It has a small real body near the top of the candle, a long lower wick, and little to no upper wick. This tells traders that buyers pushed the stock price up, but selling pressure comes in aggressively, forcing the closing price lower before a slight recovery by the close. The Hanging Man suggests weakness in the uptrend, but it needs confirmation from the next candle before traders take action.

Piercing Pattern Candlestick Illustration

Piercing Pattern

The Piercing Pattern candlestick is a bullish reversal signal that appears after a downtrend, indicating that buying pressure is increasing. It consists of two candles: a bearish first candle followed by a bullish second candle that opens lower but closes above the midpoint of the previous candle’s body. This shift in sentiment suggests that sellers are losing control and buyers are stepping in aggressively. However, traders should seek confirmation from the next few candles and use technical indicators like volume analysis to validate the reversal before entering trades.

The Dark Cloud Cover candlestick pattern.

Dark Cloud Cover

The Dark Cloud Cover candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal that appears after an uptrend, warning that selling pressure is increasing. It consists of two candles: a bullish first candle, followed by a bearish second candle that opens higher but closes below the midpoint of the previous candle. This shift suggests that buyers are losing control, and sellers are stepping in aggressively. However, traders should wait for confirmation from the next few candles before acting and use technical indicators to strengthen their analysis before taking a short position.

Three white soldiers candlestick pattern

Three White Soldiers

The Three White Soldiers candlestick pattern structure is a bullish candlestick formation that appears after a long-term downtrend. It consists of three consecutive bullish candlesticks, each opening within the previous candlestick’s body and closing near its high. This structure signals strong buying pressure and a possible shift in market conditions from bearish to bullish.

The Three Black Crows candlestick pattern.

Three Black Crows

The Black Crows candlestick pattern is a three-line bearish reversal candlestick pattern that appears after an uptrend. It consists of three consecutive trading sessions with black (or red) candles, each opening within the previous candlestick’s body and closing near its low. This structure signals downward pressure and a possible shift from bullish to bearish patterns. The pattern can also be used as a mean reversion entry signal into volatile stocks during an unbroken uptrend.

Dragonfly Doji Candlestick Pattern

Dragonfly Doji

The Dragonfly Doji candlestick pattern is a powerful indicator of market sentiment, often signaling a potential trend reversal. This single-candlestick formation features a long lower wick, little to no upper wick, and an open-close price near the same level, highlighting a shift from selling pressure to strong buying interest. While the Dragonfly Doji can suggest a bullish reversal at the bottom of a downtrend, its effectiveness depends on confirmation from subsequent candlesticks and additional technical analysis tools. Traders should always validate the pattern with volume analysis and market conditions before making trading decisions.

Gravestone Doji Candlestick Pattern

Gravestone Doji

The Gravestone Doji candlestick pattern is a key signal traders watch for potential bearish reversals. It forms when buyers push prices higher, but sellers regain control, forcing the price back to the opening level. This rejection of higher prices indicates weakening bullish momentum and growing bearish sentiment. Traders use this pattern in combination with confirmation signals, such as a lower close on the next candle, to validate a trade setup. Understanding how to trade the Gravestone Doji with proper risk management and backtesting can improve decision-making and reduce reliance on emotions.

Spinning Top Candlestick Pattern

Spinning Top

The Spinning Top candlestick pattern signals market indecision, appearing when buyers and sellers battle for control but fail to establish dominance. It has a small real body with long upper and lower wicks, indicating that price fluctuated significantly but closed near its opening level. While the pattern alone does not confirm a reversal, it suggests that the current trend may be losing momentum. Traders look for confirmation from the next few candles before acting. Incorporating additional technical indicators and risk management strategies enhances the reliability of this pattern in trading decisions.

Marubozu Candlestick Pattern

Marubozu

The Marubozu candlestick pattern signals strong market momentum, with price moving decisively in one direction without wicks. A Bullish Marubozu indicates aggressive buying, often confirming an uptrend, while a Bearish Marubozu suggests dominant selling, potentially marking a downtrend. Traders use this pattern to identify trend strength but typically seek additional confirmation before acting. By incorporating the Marubozu into a systematic trading strategy, traders can improve consistency and confidence, making decisions based on clear signals rather than emotion.

Tweezer top candlestick pattern

Tweezer Top

The Tweezer Top candlestick pattern signals a potential bearish reversal after an uptrend. It consists of two consecutive candles with nearly identical highs, showing strong resistance where buyers struggle to push prices higher. The first candle is typically bullish, followed by a bearish candle that rejects further gains. This pattern reflects a shift in market sentiment, indicating that sellers are gaining control. However, traders often wait for confirmation from the next few candles before making a move. Proper risk management—such as setting a stop-loss above the high—helps avoid false signals when trading this pattern.

Tweezer Bottom Candlestick Pattern

Tweezer Bottom

The Tweezer Bottom candlestick pattern is a bullish reversal signal that appears after a downtrend, indicating strong support and a potential shift in market sentiment. This two-candle pattern forms when sellers push prices lower on consecutive sessions, but buyers step in at the same level both times, preventing further decline. Traders often wait for confirmation from subsequent candles before making a move. Understanding the Tweezer Bottom pattern can help traders spot buying opportunities early and improve decision-making.

Bullish harami candlestick pattern

Bullish Harami

The Bullish Harami candlestick pattern is a two-candle reversal signal that traders use to identify potential trend shifts from bearish to bullish. It forms when a large bearish candle is immediately followed by a smaller bullish candle that remains within the body of the first, indicating that selling pressure is weakening and buyers are stepping in. While the pattern suggests a possible reversal, confirmation from subsequent price action is crucial before entering a trade. This guide explains how to recognize and trade the Bullish Harami effectively, covering market conditions, risk management, and systematic trading strategies to enhance consistency and confidence in decision-making.

Bearish harami candlestick pattern

Bearish Harami

The Bearish Harami candlestick pattern is a potential reversal signal that appears after an uptrend, indicating that buying momentum may be fading. It consists of a large bullish candle followed by a smaller bearish candle contained within the first candle’s body. This formation suggests that buyers are losing control and sellers may be stepping in, but traders should wait for confirmation before acting. The Bearish Harami is most effective when it occurs near resistance levels and is supported by additional bearish signals.

Rising three methods candlestick pattern

Rising Three Methods

The Rising Three Methods candlestick pattern is a bullish continuation signal that indicates a temporary pause in an uptrend before the price resumes its upward movement. This five-candle pattern starts with a strong bullish candle, followed by three small bearish candles that remain within its range, and ends with another strong bullish candle closing above the first candle’s high. The pattern suggests that sellers attempted to push prices lower, but buyers maintained control, confirming the trend’s strength. Traders use this pattern to identify potential buying opportunities in the financial markets.

Falling three methods candlestick pattern

Falling Three Methods

The Falling Three Methods candlestick pattern is a bearish continuation signal that appears during a downtrend, indicating a brief pause before selling pressure resumes. It consists of five candles: a strong bearish candle, three small bullish candles within the first candle’s range, and a final bearish candle that closes below the first candle’s low. This pattern suggests that buyers attempted a weak push upward but lacked momentum, allowing sellers to regain control. Traders use this pattern to confirm trend continuation and identify potential shorting opportunities while managing risk with stop-loss placement above the first candle’s high.

Bullish abandoned baby candlestick pattern

Bullish Abandoned Baby

The Bullish Abandoned Baby candlestick pattern is a powerful reversal signal that indicates a potential shift from a downtrend to an uptrend. This rare three-candle formation consists of a strong bearish candle, a Doji that gaps down, and a strong bullish candle that gaps up, signaling a sudden change in market sentiment. Traders rely on this pattern to identify buying opportunities, especially when confirmed with increased trading volume. Understanding how to trade it effectively—along with proper risk management and backtesting—can help systematic traders gain an edge in the market.

Bearish abandoned baby candlestick pattern

Bearish Abandoned Baby

The Bearish Abandoned Baby candlestick pattern is a rare but powerful bearish reversal signal that appears at the end of an uptrend. It consists of three candles: a strong bullish candle, a Doji that gaps up (indicating indecision), and a strong bearish candle that gaps down, confirming a shift in market sentiment. The pattern suggests that buyers have lost control and sellers are stepping in forcefully, making it a potential entry point for short trades. Traders should confirm the pattern with volume and follow-through price action.

Bullish kicker candlestick pattern

Bullish Kicker

The Bullish Kicker candlestick pattern is one of the strongest bullish reversal signals in technical analysis. It marks a sharp shift in momentum where buyers take control after a bearish period, often due to major news or external catalysts. The pattern consists of two candles: a strong bearish candle followed by a bullish candle that gaps up with no overlap, signaling an abrupt sentiment change. Traders watch for high volume on the second candle as confirmation, and this setup is often seen before major price breakouts.

Bearish kicker candlestick pattern

Bearish Kicker

The Bearish Kicker candlestick pattern is a powerful bearish reversal signal that suggests an abrupt shift in market sentiment. It consists of two candles: a strong bullish candle followed by a bearish candle that gaps down with no overlap, indicating aggressive selling pressure. This pattern often precedes sharp declines and is most effective after an uptrend or near resistance levels. Traders should confirm the signal with volume spikes and use systematic trading strategies to manage risk. Understanding and backtesting this pattern can help traders identify high-probability shorting opportunities in stocks.

The three inside up candlestick pattern

Three Inside Up

The Three Inside Up candlestick pattern is a powerful bullish reversal signal that traders use to identify potential trend changes after a downtrend. This pattern consists of three candles: a strong bearish candle, followed by a smaller bullish candle within the first candle’s range, and finally, a third bullish candle that breaks above the first candle’s open, confirming the reversal. Traders often look for this pattern near support levels and use additional indicators like volume and RSI for confirmation. Traders can spot early buying opportunities and enter positions with greater confidence.

Three inside down candlestick pattern

Three Inside Down

The Three Inside Down candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal that traders look for at the end of an uptrend. It consists of three candles: a strong bullish candle, followed by a smaller bearish candle within the first, and a final long bearish candle that closes below the first candle’s open, confirming the shift in momentum. This pattern suggests buyers are losing control while sellers step in, increasing the likelihood of a trend reversal. Traders often seek confirmation through volume or additional technical indicators before acting.

Upside gap two crops candlestick pattern

Upside Gap Two Crows

The Upside Gap Two Crows candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal that appears after an uptrend, indicating potential weakness in buying momentum. It consists of three candlesticks: a strong bullish candle followed by two smaller bearish candles that gap up but fail to sustain higher prices. This pattern suggests that initial optimism from buyers fades as sellers take control, often leading to a price decline. While not as common as other bearish reversal patterns, its effectiveness increases when confirmed by volume and resistance levels.

The mat hold candlestick pattern

Mat Hold

The Mat Hold candlestick pattern is a powerful trend continuation signal that helps traders stay in profitable trades despite temporary pullbacks. This five-candle pattern consists of an initial strong move, a controlled pullback contained within the first candle’s range, and a breakout confirming the trend continuation. Unlike reversal patterns, the Mat Hold pattern signals that the dominant trend remains intact, making it particularly useful in high-momentum markets. Traders can improve their strategy by combining this pattern with volume analysis and systematic trading approaches to maximize profitability.

Upside tasuki gap candlestick pattern

Upside Tasuki Gap

The Upside Tasuki Gap candlestick pattern is a bullish continuation signal that appears during strong uptrends, confirming that buyers remain in control despite a brief pullback. This three-candle formation consists of a bullish gap-up followed by a minor retracement that fails to close the gap, indicating the trend is likely to continue. Traders use this pattern to reinforce their confidence in an existing uptrend, especially in high-volume markets where price gaps hold significance. Systematic traders often combine it with technical analysis indicators and risk management strategies to maximize reliability.

Downside tasuki gap candlestick pattern

Downside Tasuki Gap

The Downside Tasuki Gap candlestick pattern is a bearish continuation signal that appears in strong downtrends, indicating that selling pressure remains dominant despite a brief price retracement. This three-candlestick formation consists of a bearish candle followed by another bearish candle that gaps down and a third candle that moves up but fails to close the gap. The inability of buyers to fill the gap suggests that the downtrend is likely to continue.

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Adrian Reid Founder and CEO
Adrian is a full-time private trader based in Australia and also the Founder and Trading Coach at Enlightened Stock Trading, which focuses on educating and supporting traders on their journey to profitable systems trading. Following his successful adoption of systematic trading which generated him hundreds of thousands of dollars a year using just 30 minutes a day to manage his system trading workflow, Adrian made the easy decision to leave his professional work in the corporate world in 2012. Adrian trades long/short across US, Australian and international stock markets and the cryptocurrency markets. His trading systems are now fully automated and have consistently outperformed international share markets with dramatically reduced risk over the past 20+ years. Adrian focuses on building portfolios of profitable, stable and robust long term trading systems to beat market returns with high risk adjusted returns. Adrian teaches traders from all over the world how to get profitable, confident and consistent by trading systematically and backtesting their own trading systems. He helps profitable traders grow and smooth returns by implementing a portfolio of trading systems to make money from different markets and market conditions.