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Technical Analysis

41 Candlestick Patterns Every Trader Must Know in 2025

Written by Nathalie Okde

Fact checked by Rania Gule

Updated 7 November 2025

candlestick-patterns

Table of Contents

    Candlestick patterns are structured visual representations of price movement that reflect the interaction between buying and selling forces over a given time period.

    Each pattern captures a specific market condition, such as reversal, continuation, or indecision, and helps traders interpret short-term sentiment shifts within broader trends.

    This article outlines 41 types of candlestick patterns commonly used in technical analysis. Grouped into bullish and bearish, these patterns can support more informed trade evaluations when analyzed alongside other market data.

    Key Takeaways

    • Candlestick patterns visually capture market psychology, helping traders identify potential reversals, continuations, and moments of indecision with greater accuracy.

    • Reliability scores, such as 9/10 for the Bullish Engulfing or Bearish Kicker, help traders prioritize high-probability setups across different timeframes.

    • Combining candlestick patterns with technical indicators, trendlines, and volume analysis significantly enhances confirmation and reduces false trading signals.

       

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    What Is a Candlestick Pattern?

    A candlestick pattern visually represents price movement within a set period, illustrating how buyers and sellers shaped the market.

    Each candle shows four data points open, high, low, and close —forming a snapshot of price behavior.

    At its core, every candlestick pattern captures the ongoing battle between bulls and bears:

    • A long bullish candle shows strong buying momentum.

    • A long bearish candle reveals heavy selling pressure.

    • Small-bodied candles with long wicks (like a Doji) reflect indecision or equilibrium.

     

    Anatomy of a Candlestick Pattern

    A candlestick pattern is made up of several key components that reveal how the price behaved during a specific time frame. Understanding the candlestick structure helps traders interpret shifts in market sentiment and recognize valuable candlestick formations for decision-making.

    anatomy-of-candle

    Each candlestick consists of three main elements:

    • Body: The rectangular portion between the open and close prices.

      • A long body indicates strong momentum in one direction.

      • A short body suggests indecision or weak activity.

    • Wicks (or Shadows): The thin lines extending above and below the body, showing the highest and lowest prices reached during the session.

      • Long upper wick: Buyers pushed prices up but couldn’t hold the level, creating potential selling pressure.

      • Long lower wick: Sellers drove prices down, but buyers regained control, a possible bullish signal.

    • Color: The visual cue that distinguishes sentiment.

      • Green or white candles (close > open) represent bullish movement.

      • Red or black candles (open > close) indicate bearish movement.

    Example:

    • A bullish candle opens at 100, closes at 110, with a high of 115 and a low of 95.

    • A bearish candle opens at 110, closes at 100, with a high of 115 and a low of 95.

     

    Types of Candlestick Patterns

    Candlestick patterns fall into two primary categories: bullish candlesticks and bearish candlesticks.

     

    Bullish Candlestick Patterns

    Bullish Candlestick Patterns indicate potential upward movement, usually forming after a downtrend. These types of candlesticks show that buyers are gaining strength, reversing previous selling pressure, and hinting at a possible price increase.

     

    Bearish Candlestick Patterns

    Bearish Candlestick Patterns signal potential downward movement after an uptrend. These types of candlesticks suggest sellers are taking control, overpowering buyers, and increasing the likelihood of a decline in price.

     

     

    List of Top 41 Candlestick Patterns in 2025

    Traders highly rely on candlestick patterns and often use a candlestick patterns cheat sheet to spot the pattern directly. This table provides an overview of the 41 most useful candlestick patterns for traders.

     

    #

    Pattern Name

    Type

    Reliability Score

    Best Timeframe

    Candles

    Confirmation

    1

    Hammer

    Bullish Reversal

    9/10

    All

    1

    Yes

    2

    Inverted Hammer

    Bullish Reversal

    8/10

    H1–H4

    1

    Yes

    3

    Bullish Engulfing

    Bullish Reversal

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    Yes

    4

    Piercing Line

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    Yes

    5

    Bullish Marubozu

    Bullish Continuation

    9/10

    All

    1

    No

    6

    Three White Soldiers

    Bullish Continuation

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    3

    No

    7

    Three Inside Up

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H4–Daily

    3

    Yes

    8

    Bullish Harami

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H1–H4

    2

    Yes

    9

    Tweezer Bottom

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    All

    2

    Yes

    10

    Bullish Counterattack

    Bullish Reversal

    6/10

    H1–H4

    2

    Yes

    11

    Bullish Kicker

    Bullish Reversal

    10/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    No

    12

    Bullish Abandoned Baby

    Bullish Reversal

    9/10

    Daily

    3

    No

    13

    Morning Star Doji

    Bullish Reversal

    9/10

    Daily–Weekly

    3

    No

    14

    Dragonfly Doji

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    All

    1

    Yes

    15

    Bullish Tri-Star

    Bullish Reversal

    6/10

    Daily

    3

    Yes

    16

    Bullish Hikkake

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H1–H4

    3

    Yes

    17

    Concealing Baby Swallow

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H4–Daily

    4

    Yes

    18

    Unique Three Rivers

    Bullish Reversal

    6/10

    H4–Daily

    3

    Yes

    19

    Rounding Bottom

    Bullish Continuation

    9/10

    Daily–Weekly

    Multi

    No

    20

    Bullish Belt Hold

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H1–H4

    1

    Yes

    21

    Mat Hold (Bullish)

    Bullish Continuation

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    5

    No

    22

    Rising Three Methods

    Bullish Continuation

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    5

    No

    23

    Homing Pigeon

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    Yes

    24

    Stick Sandwich

    Bullish Reversal

    7/10

    Daily

    3

    Yes

    25

    Hanging Man

    Bearish Reversal

    9/10

    All

    1

    Yes

    26

    Dark Cloud Cover

    Bearish Reversal

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    Yes

    27

    Bearish Engulfing

    Bearish Reversal

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    Yes

    28

    Bearish Marubozu

    Bearish Continuation

    9/10

    All

    1

    No

    29

    Three Black Crows

    Bearish Continuation

    9/10

    H4–Daily

    3

    No

    30

    Three Inside Down

    Bearish Reversal

    7/10

    H4–Daily

    3

    Yes

    31

    Bearish Harami

    Bearish Reversal

    7/10

    H1–H4

    2

    Yes

    32

    Shooting Star

    Bearish Reversal

    9/10

    All

    1

    Yes

    33

    Tweezer Top

    Bearish Reversal

    7/10

    All

    2

    Yes

    34

    Bearish Counterattack

    Bearish Reversal

    6/10

    H1–H4

    2

    Yes

    35

    Bearish Spinning Top

    Bearish Reversal

    6/10

    All

    1

    Yes

    36

    Bearish Kicker

    Bearish Reversal

    10/10

    H4–Daily

    2

    No

    37

    Evening Star Doji

    Bearish Reversal

    9/10

    Daily–Weekly

    3

    No

    38

    Bearish Abandoned Baby

    Bearish Reversal

    9/10

    Daily

    3

    No

    39

    Gravestone Doji

    Bearish Reversal

    7/10

    All

    1

    Yes

    40

    Bearish Tri-Star

    Bearish Reversal

    6/10

    Daily

    3

    Yes

    41

    Deliberation

    Bearish Reversal

    7/10

    Daily–Weekly

    3

    Yes

     

    Download Your Free Candlestick Patterns PDF

    Get your hands on the Candlestick Patterns PDF 2025, the ultimate visual trading reference for both new and experienced traders.

    This all-in-one candlestick patterns PDF for offline trading includes every major bullish and bearish setup used by professional analysts to read market sentiment and time entries with confidence.

    Download candlestick patterns PDF

    What’s Inside the PDF:

    • 40+ fully illustrated candlestick formations – including Hammer, Engulfing, Morning Star, Evening Star, and Three Black Crows.

    • Reliability scores (1–10) to quickly assess which setups perform best in different market conditions.

    • Color-coded diagrams showing the full candlestick structure (body, wicks, and direction).

    • Detailed classifications for bullish, bearish, reversal, and continuation patterns.

    • Quick-reference cheat sheet summarizing all patterns with type, key signal, and reliability.

    • Practical usage tips on confirmation, volume context, and timeframe selection.

    Get all candlestick patterns PDF free download

     

    Bullish Candlestick Patterns (Signaling an Upward Move)

    Bullish candlestick patterns typically form during a downtrend and indicate a potential reversal to the upside.

    They appear when selling momentum weakens and buyers start to regain control of the market.

    Each pattern below follows a consistent layout for clarity and quick recognition.

     

    Hammer Candlestick Pattern

    The Hammer candlestick pattern is a bullish reversal formation that emerges after a decline in price. It features a small body with a long lower shadow and little to no upper wick.

    This structure shows that sellers initially pushed prices lower, but buyers stepped in with strong demand, driving the price back up. Traders view this candlestick pattern as a sign of potential reversal near key support zones.

    hammer-candlestick-formation

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A single candle with a small body and long lower shadow, showing strong rejection of lower prices.

    • Key Insight: Most effective when it forms after a sharp decline near a key support level.

     

    Inverted Hammer Candlestick Pattern

    The Inverted Hammer candlestick pattern forms after a downtrend and signals that bullish sentiment may be returning. It has a small real body and a long upper shadow, reflecting that buyers attempted to push prices higher during the session but met resistance.

    The appearance of this candlestick pattern suggests buyers are testing strength, and confirmation from the next bullish candle often validates the reversal.

    inverted-hammer-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A candle with a small body and a long upper wick that forms after a downtrend, signaling buying attempts.

    • Key Insight: Confirmation from the next bullish candle increases reliability.

     

    Bullish Engulfing Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Engulfing candlestick pattern occurs when a large bullish candle fully engulfs the previous smaller bearish candle. This demonstrates a complete shift in market sentiment from selling pressure to strong buying momentum.

    The larger the engulfing body, the more powerful the reversal signal, making this candlestick pattern one of the most reliable indicators of an impending uptrend.

    bullish-engulfing-bearish-bullish

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A large bullish candle completely engulfs the previous bearish candle’s body.

    • Key Insight: Often marks a decisive shift in market sentiment when accompanied by high trading volume.

     

    Piercing Line Candlestick Pattern

    The Piercing Line candlestick pattern is a two-candle bullish reversal setup that appears after a downtrend. The second candle opens lower but closes above the midpoint of the first bearish candle’s body.

    This candlestick pattern indicates that buyers are regaining control, especially when accompanied by higher trading volume and strong closing momentum.

    piercing-line-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A two-candle pattern where the second bullish candle closes above the midpoint of the previous bearish candle.

    • Key Insight: Stronger when the second candle opens with a downward gap and closes deep into the prior body.

     

    Morning Star Candlestick Pattern

    The Morning Star candlestick pattern is a variation of the Morning Star that incorporates a doji as the middle candle. It combines a bearish candle, a doji reflecting indecision, and a strong bullish candle confirming the reversal.

    The appearance of this candlestick pattern shows that sellers are losing control while buyers are preparing to regain dominance, especially when supported by high trading volume.

    morning-star-candle-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A three-candle pattern with a large bearish candle, a small indecisive candle, and a large bullish candle.

    • Key Insight: One of the most reliable reversal patterns when confirmed by strong volume.

     

    Three White Soldiers Candlestick Pattern

    The Three White Soldiers candlestick pattern consists of three consecutive long bullish candles with higher opens and closes. It signals sustained buyer dominance and the potential start of a new uptrend.

    When confirmed by increasing volume, this candlestick pattern provides traders with confidence that the bullish movement has strong support.

    three-white-soldiers-candlestick

    • Type: Bullish Continuation

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Three consecutive bullish candles with progressively higher closes.

    • Key Insight: Reflects sustained buying momentum; often appears after a consolidation phase.

     

    Three Inside Up Candlestick Pattern

    The Three Inside Up candlestick pattern is a three-candle formation that confirms a reversal after a downtrend. The first candle is bearish, the second is smaller and contained within the first, and the third is bullish, closing above the first candle’s midpoint.

    This candlestick pattern shows that selling momentum has faded and buyers are gaining strength.

    three-inside-down-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A three-candle sequence confirming reversal after a downtrend.

    • Key Insight: Works best with confirmation from volume or a bullish breakout.

     

    Bullish Harami Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Harami candlestick pattern appears when a small bullish candle is completely contained within a preceding large bearish candle. It signals indecision and potential reversal, suggesting that selling pressure has weakened.

    Traders often look for confirmation from the following bullish candle before acting on this candlestick pattern.

     

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A small bullish candle forms within the previous larger bearish body.

    • Key Insight: Suggests indecision and weakening of downward pressure.

     

    Tweezer Bottom Candlestick Pattern

    The Tweezer Bottom candlestick pattern is a two-candle setup where both candles share nearly identical lows. It indicates that the market has found strong support at that price level. This candlestick pattern often precedes a bullish reversal as buyers defend the same price zone repeatedly, preventing further declines.

    tweezer-bottom-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Two candles share the same low, signaling strong support.

    • Key Insight: Reinforced when accompanied by a volume spike or momentum divergence.

     

    Bullish Counterattack Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Counterattack candlestick pattern forms when a bearish session is immediately followed by a bullish candle closing near the previous day’s close.

    It shows that buyers have forcefully regained lost ground, but confirmation is still required. This candlestick pattern typically signals short-term exhaustion of the downtrend.

    bullish-counterattack-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Low

    • Description: Prices drop but buyers push back to close near the previous candle’s close.

    • Key Insight: Confirmation is required; works best with a following bullish candle.

     

    Bullish Kicker Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Kicker candlestick pattern is one of the strongest bullish reversal signals in technical analysis. It forms when a bearish candle is followed by a sharp gap up and a long bullish candle that opens above the previous close.

    This sudden shift demonstrates an aggressive change in market sentiment as buyers take full control. The candlestick pattern often appears after major news or strong momentum shifts and rarely fails when confirmed by volume.

    bullish-kicker-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A sudden bullish gap up after a bearish candle, showing a sharp sentiment shift.

    • Key Insight: Often signals major news or strong buying interest; rarely fails.

     

    Bullish Abandoned Baby Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Abandoned Baby candlestick pattern is a rare but highly reliable three-candle reversal formation. It begins with a long bearish candle, followed by a doji that gaps down, and ends with a bullish candle that gaps up.

    The separation between the candles reflects complete exhaustion of selling pressure. This candlestick pattern typically marks a major turning point in the market, signaling the end of a prolonged downtrend.

    bullish-abandoned-baby-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A doji appears below a downtrend, separated by gaps from both sides.

    • Key Insight: Extremely rare but powerful—shows market capitulation and reversal.

     

    Bullish Marubozu Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Marubozu candlestick pattern is a single, long-bodied candle with no upper or lower shadows. It reflects uninterrupted buying pressure from open to close, revealing full control by the bulls. This candlestick pattern often marks the beginning of a strong upward trend or continuation of existing bullish momentum.

    bullish-marubozu-candlestick

    • Type: Bullish Continuation

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A long bullish candle with no shadows, indicating strong, decisive buying throughout the session.

    • Key Insight: Demonstrates clear bullish control; often appears at the start of strong upward momentum or breakout.

     

    Dragonfly Doji Candlestick Pattern

    The Dragonfly Doji candlestick pattern represents market rejection of lower prices and signals a potential bullish reversal. It has no upper shadow and a long lower wick, indicating that sellers pushed prices down but buyers managed to pull them back to the opening level.

    When this candlestick pattern appears near a support level, it often marks the beginning of an upward movement.

    dragonfly-doji-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A doji with a long lower shadow and no upper shadow, signaling rejection of lower prices.

    • Key Insight: Best observed near support zones with confirmation from subsequent bullish candles.

     

    Bullish Tri-Star Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Tri-Star candlestick pattern consists of three consecutive dojis appearing at the bottom of a downtrend. It represents market indecision and the possible transition from bearish to bullish sentiment.

    Although this candlestick pattern is rare, its appearance warns traders that selling pressure is fading and a reversal could soon develop.

    bullish-tri-star-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Low

    • Description: Three consecutive dojis appear during a downtrend, suggesting reversal.

    • Key Insight: Rare; interpret cautiously with additional signals.

     

    Bullish Hikkake Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Hikkake candlestick pattern forms when a false breakout occurs within an inside bar setup, followed by a move in the opposite direction. Initially, traders are trapped on the wrong side of the market, but a reversal quickly follows as prices move higher.

    This candlestick pattern is widely used by price action traders to identify traps and capitalize on failed breakouts.

    bullish-hikkake-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Occurs after a false breakout of an inside bar pattern, followed by reversal upward.

    • Key Insight: Commonly used by price action traders to trap early sellers.

     

    Concealing Baby Swallow Candlestick Pattern

    The Concealing Baby Swallow candlestick pattern is a rare four-candle bullish setup signaling aggressive buying after a strong decline.

    The first two candles are large bearish ones, followed by two bullish candles that engulf them, “swallowing” the bearish move. This candlestick pattern indicates the market has absorbed all selling pressure and is ready to reverse upward.

    concealing-baby-swallow-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A four-candle pattern where two strong bearish candles are followed by engulfing bullish action.

    • Key Insight: Indicates aggressive absorption of selling pressure.

     

    Unique Three Rivers Candlestick Pattern

    The Unique Three Rivers candlestick pattern is a less common bullish reversal signal composed of three candles. It starts with a long bearish candle, followed by a small bullish candle, and ends with another candle confirming the reversal.

    This candlestick pattern typically forms near major support levels and suggests that selling exhaustion has occurred.

    unique-three-rivers-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Low

    • Description: A rare three-candle pattern showing deep selling exhaustion and rebound.

    • Key Insight: Should appear near key historical support for validity.

     

    Rounding Bottom Candlestick Pattern

    The Rounding Bottom candlestick pattern is a long-term formation showing a gradual transition from bearish to bullish sentiment. Prices form a curved base as sellers slowly lose control and buyers begin to dominate.

    This candlestick pattern indicates sustained accumulation and is often followed by a significant uptrend once resistance is broken.

    rounding-bottom-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Continuation

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A long-term curved base showing a gradual shift from sellers to buyers.

    • Key Insight: Confirms sustained accumulation; often precedes extended uptrends.

     

    Bullish Belt Hold Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Belt Hold candlestick pattern consists of a long bullish candle that opens at or near the session’s low and closes near the high.

    It reflects strong intraday buying momentum and suggests that bulls have taken control. This candlestick pattern gains higher reliability when it appears after an extended downtrend or near oversold technical readings.

    bullish-belt-hold-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A long bullish candle that opens at the low and closes near the high.

    • Key Insight: Best used when aligned with an oversold RSI or stochastic reading.

     

    Bullish Mat Hold  Candlestick Pattern

    The Bullish Mat Hold candlestick pattern is a continuation setup that occurs during an ongoing uptrend.

    It starts with a strong bullish candle, followed by several smaller candles that temporarily move downward, and ends with another strong bullish candle confirming the trend. This candlestick pattern shows a brief consolidation before the next upward wave.

    bullish-mat-hold-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Continuation

    • Reliability: High
      Description: A pattern showing a brief pause in an ongoing uptrend before resumption.

    • Key Insight: Continuation pattern ideal for trend-following traders.

     

    Rising Three Methods Candlestick Pattern

    The Rising Three Methods candlestick pattern demonstrates a pause in an existing uptrend before continuation. It consists of a long bullish candle, several smaller bearish candles that stay within its range, and another bullish candle that breaks higher.

    This candlestick pattern confirms that bulls remain in control and that the pullback was merely corrective.

    rising-three-method

    • Type: Bullish Continuation

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Series of small bearish candles followed by a strong bullish candle.

    • Key Insight: Indicates controlled pullback within an established uptrend.

     

    Homing Pigeon Candlestick Pattern

    The Homing Pigeon candlestick pattern is a two-candle bullish reversal setup where the second candle’s body fits entirely within the first. It signals stabilization in price action and a potential end to bearish momentum. Traders often use this candlestick pattern as a warning of exhaustion before a reversal occurs.

    homing-pigeon-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Two candles where the second fits within the first’s body, showing stabilizing price action.

    • Key Insight: Strengthens if confirmed by a higher close in the next session.

     

    Stick Sandwich Candlestick Pattern

    The Stick Sandwich candlestick pattern is a three-candle formation where two bearish candles share the same closing price with a bullish candle between them. This configuration highlights strong support at a specific level.

    The candlestick pattern indicates that buyers are stepping in to defend the price, setting the stage for a rebound.

    bullish-stick-sandwich-pattern

    • Type: Bullish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A bearish-bullish-bearish sequence where the outer candles close at the same price.

    • Key Insight: Suggests support holding firm; can precede short-term rebounds.

     

    Bearish Candlestick Patterns (Signaling a Downward Move)

    Bearish candlestick patterns appear during an uptrend and warn of a potential reversal to the downside.

    They signal that buying momentum is weakening and sellers are gaining control.

    Each pattern below follows a uniform layout for consistency and quick chart analysis.

     

    Hanging Man Candlestick Pattern

    The Hanging Man candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal that typically appears after an uptrend. It has a small body positioned at the top of the price range with a long lower shadow.

    This formation suggests that sellers attempted to drive prices down during the session, but buyers managed a partial recovery. When this candlestick pattern appears near resistance and is followed by a bearish candle, it confirms weakening bullish momentum and potential trend reversal.

    hanging-man-chart-pattern

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Small body with a long lower wick forming after an uptrend, signaling fading buying pressure.

    • Key Insight: Needs confirmation with a bearish candle in the next session.

     

    Dark Cloud Cover Candlestick Pattern

    The Dark Cloud Cover candlestick pattern is a two-candle bearish reversal formation seen at the top of an uptrend. The first candle is bullish, while the second opens above it but closes below the midpoint of the first candle’s body.

    This shift indicates that sellers are overpowering buyers. Traders interpret this candlestick pattern as an early warning that the trend may soon turn downward, especially if confirmed by volume or further bearish price action.

    dark-cloud-cover-chart-pattern

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Bearish candle closes below the midpoint of the previous bullish candle.

    • Key Insight: Stronger when the second candle opens higher and then reverses sharply.

     

    Bearish Engulfing Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Engulfing candlestick pattern is one of the most reliable bearish reversal signals. It occurs when a large bearish candle completely engulfs the previous smaller bullish candle.

    This dramatic takeover reflects a decisive shift in market sentiment from buying to selling. When this candlestick pattern appears after a strong rally, it often marks the beginning of a new downtrend.

    bearish-engulfing-pattern

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Large bearish candle completely engulfs the prior bullish candle.

    • Key Insight: Indicates a clear shift in control from buyers to sellers.

     

    Evening Star Candlestick Pattern

    The Evening Star candlestick pattern is a powerful three-candle reversal formation that signifies the end of an uptrend. It consists of a long bullish candle, a small indecisive candle, and a large bearish candle that closes well into the first candle’s body.

    This candlestick pattern represents a clear transition from bullish strength to bearish control and becomes more reliable with declining volume and a close below key support.

    evening-star-doji-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Three-candle pattern showing strong bullish momentum, indecision, and a strong bearish reversal.

    • Key Insight: Reliable when confirmed by declining volume and a close below support.

     

    Three Black Crows Candlestick Pattern

    The Three Black Crows candlestick pattern is a strong bearish continuation setup that appears after a rally.

    It features three consecutive long bearish candles with progressively lower closes. This consistent selling pressure reflects increasing dominance by sellers. The candlestick pattern confirms that a downtrend is underway and is often used to validate trend continuation signals.

    three-black-crows-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Continuation

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Three long bearish candles with progressively lower closes.

    • Key Insight: Reflects sustained selling pressure; often signals a trend continuation.

     

    Three Inside Down Candlestick Pattern

    The Three Inside Down candlestick pattern is a three-candle bearish reversal signal that develops near resistance zones.

    The first candle is bullish, the second is smaller and contained within the first, and the third closes below the first candle’s midpoint. This candlestick pattern indicates weakening buying pressure and growing bearish sentiment.

    three-inside-down-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Confirmation pattern signaling reversal after an inside bar setup.

    • Key Insight: Most effective when forming near a resistance zone.

     

    Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Harami candlestick pattern forms when a small bearish candle appears within the body of a large bullish candle.

    It highlights indecision and a potential change in trend direction. This candlestick pattern suggests that upward momentum is fading and sellers may soon take control, especially if confirmed by a subsequent bearish candle.

    bearish-harami-pattern-structure

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: A small bearish candle appears within the range of a large bullish candle.

    • Key Insight: Shows indecision before potential bearish confirmation.

     

    Shooting Star Candlestick Pattern

    The Shooting Star candlestick pattern is a bearish reversal signal identified by a small real body and a long upper shadow.

    It shows that buyers drove prices higher but failed to maintain those levels as sellers regained control before the close. When this candlestick pattern appears after a strong uptrend, it indicates that the bullish move may be losing strength.

    shooting-star-candle-pattern

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Candle with a small body and long upper shadow indicating rejection of higher prices.

    • Key Insight: A confirmed bearish close strengthens the pattern.

     

    Tweezer Top Candlestick Pattern

    The Tweezer Top candlestick pattern consists of two candles with nearly identical highs, marking a resistance zone. It reveals that buyers attempted to push prices upward twice but were met with equal selling pressure both times.

    This candlestick pattern signals that the uptrend may have reached its peak and a bearish reversal could follow.

    tweezer-top-pattern-formation

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Two candles with matching highs that highlight strong resistance.

    • Key Insight: More reliable when followed by strong bearish momentum.

     

    Bearish Counterattack Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Counterattack candlestick pattern develops when a bullish session is immediately followed by a bearish candle closing near the previous candle’s close.

    This sharp reversal demonstrates that sellers have quickly regained control. While this candlestick pattern indicates potential short-term weakness, traders often wait for further confirmation before acting.

    bearish-counterattack-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Low

    • Description: Bears push prices back to the previous close after an attempted rally.

    • Key Insight: Requires additional confirmation before action.

     

    Bearish Spinning Top Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Spinning Top candlestick pattern is characterized by a small real body with long upper and lower shadows. It shows a tug-of-war between buyers and sellers, resulting in indecision.

    When this candlestick pattern appears after an extended rally, it often signals market fatigue and an upcoming bearish move.

    bearish-spinning-top-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Low

    • Description: Small body with long wicks showing indecision and potential exhaustion.

    • Key Insight: Often precedes stronger bearish formations.

     

    Bearish Kicker Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Kicker candlestick pattern is a highly reliable bearish reversal signal. It begins with a bullish candle followed by a sharp gap down and a strong bearish candle moving in the opposite direction. This abrupt shift reveals a dramatic change in sentiment and momentum.

    Traders consider this candlestick pattern one of the most decisive indications of a trend reversal.

    bearish-kicker-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: Sudden gap down after a bullish candle showing a sharp sentiment shift.

    • Key Insight: Rarely fails, especially after major news events.

     

    Bearish Marubozu Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Marubozu candlestick pattern consists of a single long bearish candle without any wicks or shadows. It indicates that sellers were in control from open to close, with no significant buying pressure during the session.

    This candlestick pattern often marks the start of a strong downward trend or confirms the continuation of existing bearish momentum.

    bearish-marubozu-candlestick-xs

    • Type: Bearish Continuation

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A long bearish candle with no shadows, showing strong selling pressure from open to close.

    • Key Insight: Indicates complete seller dominance; often marks the beginning of a sharp decline or breakdown.

     

    Bearish Abandoned Baby Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Abandoned Baby candlestick pattern is a rare but powerful reversal formation. It includes a bullish candle, a doji that gaps up, and a bearish candle that gaps down, leaving the doji isolated.

    This structure indicates exhaustion among buyers and the beginning of a downward shift. The candlestick pattern is especially strong when it appears after prolonged bullish rallies.

    bearish-abandoned-baby-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: High

    • Description: A doji forms above the trend, separated by gaps from both sides.

    • Key Insight: Rare but powerful, signaling exhaustion at resistance.

     

    Gravestone Doji Candlestick Pattern

    The Gravestone Doji candlestick pattern has a long upper shadow and no lower shadow, showing that buyers pushed prices higher but sellers quickly drove them back down.

    When found near the top of an uptrend, it serves as a warning that upward momentum is fading. This candlestick pattern often precedes bearish reversals as confidence among buyers weakens.

    gravestone-doji-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Doji with a long upper wick showing rejection of higher levels.

    • Key Insight: Warning sign of reversal after a strong uptrend.

     

    Bearish Tri-Star Candlestick Pattern

    The Bearish Tri-Star candlestick pattern is composed of three consecutive dojis forming at the top of an uptrend. It reflects market hesitation and exhaustion following sustained buying. Traders interpret this candlestick pattern as an early sign of potential reversal, particularly when followed by a strong bearish candle.

    bearish-tri-star

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Low

    • Description: Three dojis form at the top, reflecting market indecision.

    • Key Insight: Wait for a strong bearish candle to confirm the reversal.

     

    Deliberation Candlestick Pattern

    The Deliberation candlestick pattern is a three-candle bearish reversal signal appearing near market tops. The first two candles are bullish, while the third shows hesitation or smaller progress.

    This pattern suggests that the bullish trend is losing momentum, and a gradual transition to bearish control may be underway.

    deliberation-pattern-candle

    • Type: Bearish Reversal

    • Reliability: Medium

    • Description: Three candles where the third weakens, signaling buyer fatigue.

    • Key Insight: Early indicator of a slow but steady reversal.

     

    Conclusion

    Understanding candlestick patterns is one of the most effective ways to interpret price action and anticipate market movement. Each of the 41 candlestick patterns discussed in this guide represents a snapshot of trader psychology. Recognizing these visual cues helps traders make more confident, data-driven decisions.

    Reliability plays a vital role in evaluating candlestick patterns. High-confidence formations such as the Bullish Kicker, Bearish Engulfing, and Three White Soldiers often carry a reliability score of 9 or 10, while others like the Bullish Tri-Star or Bearish Counterattack provide supplementary insights when used with volume, trend lines, or technical indicators.

    Mastering these candlestick patterns equips traders with a structured framework for reading charts and predicting sentiment shifts across forex, stocks, commodities, and crypto markets.

    To explore each formation in detail, with visuals, reliability scores, and confirmation strategies, download the free Candlestick Patterns PDF 2025 and keep this comprehensive trading reference at hand for your next analysis session.

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    Table of Contents

      FAQs

      Before acting on any candlestick pattern, traders should always look for confirmation signals, such as a strong follow-up candle, an increase in volume, or a break of a nearby support or resistance level. This helps filter out false signals and ensures that the pattern aligns with the overall market trend.

      Candlestick patterns help traders spot early signs of reversals or continuations in price trends. By analyzing these formations along with volume and support or resistance levels, traders can improve entry and exit timing for higher-probability trades.

      Some of the most reliable candlestick patterns include the Bullish Engulfing, Bearish Engulfing, Hammer, Shooting Star, and Morning Star. These patterns often have high reliability scores (9/10 or above) and are confirmed by volume or momentum indicators.

      Yes. Candlestick patterns can be applied to forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and crypto markets. Regardless of the asset, each candlestick pattern functions the same way—reflecting market psychology and shifts in price direction.

      Most candlestick patterns work effectively on H1 to Daily charts, but their reliability increases on higher timeframes like H4, Daily, or Weekly. These longer intervals provide stronger signals, while shorter timeframes may show more market noise.

      You can access a full list of all major bullish and bearish candlestick formations, along with images and reliability scores, in the Candlestick Patterns PDF 2025. It’s available for free download and serves as a complete guide for offline trading analysis.

      Nathalie Okde

      Nathalie Okde

      SEO Content Writer

      Nathalie Okde is an SEO content writer with nearly two years of experience, specializing in educational finance and trading content. Nathalie combines analytical thinking with a passion for writing to make complex financial topics accessible and engaging for readers.  

      Rania Gule

      Rania Gule

      Market Analyst

      A market analyst and member of the Research Team for the Arab region at XS.com, with diplomas in business management and market economics. Since 2006, she has specialized in technical, fundamental, and economic analysis of financial markets. Known for her economic reports and analyses, she covers financial assets, market news, and company evaluations. She has managed finance departments in brokerage firms, supervised master's theses, and developed professional analysis tools.

      This written/visual material is comprised of personal opinions and ideas and may not reflect those of the Company. The content should not be construed as containing any type of investment advice and/or a solicitation for any transactions. It does not imply an obligation to purchase investment services, nor does it guarantee or predict future performance. XS, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available and assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment based on the same. Our platform may not offer all the products or services mentioned.

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