Learn to read every candle
Explore bullish, bearish and neutral candlestick patterns with accurate illustrations, plain-English explanations and trading context. Search and filter the library, open any pattern for its formation and limitations, then test yourself with the recognition quiz. Built for forex, stock, crypto and gold traders who want to understand candlestick trading patterns properly.
Search, filter and open any pattern, or switch to practice mode.
Candlestick patterns describe past price behaviour and do not predict future results. Your quiz progress is saved only in your own browser, where storage is available, and nothing is sent to a server.
Candlestick patterns are one input in a trade plan. VIP Algos premium trading indicators add chart-based tools to it, with Buy/Sell alerts, trend signals, support and resistance tools, and potential entry, Take Profit and Stop Loss areas.
Indicator features vary by product and platform. Analysis tools do not guarantee profitable trades. This candlestick explorer remains free to use.
Candlestick patterns are shapes formed by one or more candles on a price chart. Each candle summarises one period of trading, whether a minute, an hour or a day, by showing four prices: the open, high, low and close.
Traders study candlestick trading patterns because the shape records the balance between buyers and sellers. A long lower shadow shows sellers were pushed back. A large body that closes near its high shows buyers stayed in control. Patterns group these signals into names that are quick to recognise.
Patterns are usually described as bullish, bearish or neutral, and as reversal, continuation or indecision signals. A pattern has far more value at a meaningful level and in the right trend than it does in the middle of a range.
Knowing the names of candlestick patterns is the easy part. Using candlestick trading patterns well means treating each one as a clue, then checking it against the wider chart before you risk money.
Start on a higher timeframe such as the 4-hour or daily chart to see the trend, then drop to your trading timeframe to find the pattern. A pattern that points the same way as the higher-timeframe trend is usually more convincing than one fighting it. Wait for the candle to close, because a pattern that looks perfect mid-candle can change completely by the close.
Next, look for confirmation. This can be the following candle closing in the pattern's direction, a break of a nearby level, or agreement from an indicator you already use. Confirmation costs you a little entry price but removes many weak setups. Finally, set the Stop Loss beyond the pattern's extreme before you enter, and size the position from that distance, for example with the free lot size calculator.
An honest look at what they can and cannot do.
Studies of candlestick patterns have produced mixed results. Some find modest signals in certain markets and periods, while others find that the edge disappears once spreads and costs are included. Patterns are best seen as a way to read sentiment, not as a standalone system.
Candlestick patterns appear on every timeframe, but 1-minute and 5-minute charts contain far more random noise. Many traders prefer the 1-hour, 4-hour and daily charts, where each candle summarises more trading and patterns tend to carry more weight.
The shapes mean the same in every market, but the markets behave differently. Stocks often gap at the open, so gap-based patterns appear more often. Forex trades nearly around the clock on weekdays, so true gaps are mostly seen after the weekend. Always test a pattern in the market and timeframe you trade.
The same shapes work on forex, stocks, gold and crypto charts.
A hammer after a long fall into support means more than a hammer in a sideways drift. Before trusting any forex candlestick pattern, identify the prevailing trend and nearby support, resistance and round numbers.
Many traders wait for the next candle to close in the pattern's direction before acting. This can reduce false signals, at the cost of a later entry and a wider stop. Neither approach removes risk.
The extreme of the pattern is often used as a reference for a Stop Loss, because price moving beyond it invalidates the idea. Decide position size from that distance, not from how convincing the pattern looks.
Reversal patterns, such as the engulfing, morning star and hammer, suggest the current move may be losing strength. Continuation patterns, such as rising and falling three methods, suggest a pause before the trend resumes. Indecision patterns, such as the doji and spinning top, show balance and need the next candle to give direction.
No candlestick pattern is reliable on its own. Results vary by market, timeframe and the surrounding structure, and published success rates differ widely between studies. Treat patterns as a way to read sentiment, then combine them with trend, levels and risk management.
How each one forms and how traders use it. Updated November 2026.
Bullish · Reversal · Single · usually after: downtrend
A small body near the top of the range with a lower shadow at least twice the body and little or no upper shadow. Sellers pushed price down, but buyers recovered most of the move by the close.
In practice: Most meaningful after a decline at support. Many traders wait for the next candle to close above the hammer high. It is weak in a sideways market.
Bullish · Reversal · Single · usually after: downtrend
A small body near the bottom with a long upper shadow, appearing after a decline. Buyers tried to push higher, showing early interest even though price faded.
In practice: Needs bullish confirmation on the next candle, since the long upper shadow also shows sellers rejecting higher prices.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
A small bearish candle followed by a larger bullish candle whose body fully covers the previous body. Buyers overwhelm the prior selling.
In practice: Stronger at support after a clear downtrend and when the second candle is large. Weak in tight ranges.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
A large bearish candle followed by a small bullish candle contained inside its body. Selling momentum is slowing.
In practice: A signal of hesitation more than reversal. Many traders wait for a close above the first candle body.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
A bearish candle followed by a bullish candle that opens lower and closes above the midpoint of the first body, without engulfing it.
In practice: Strongest at support. The deeper the close into the first body, the more it is respected.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
Two candles with matching lows: a bearish candle followed by a bullish one. The matching lows show a level that sellers could not break.
In practice: Best near support. Treat it as a hint of a floor, not a guarantee.
Bullish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
Three candles: a large bearish candle, a small-bodied star that gaps or stays below it, then a large bullish candle closing well into the first body.
In practice: A widely followed bottoming pattern. Strongest when the third candle closes above the midpoint of the first.
Bullish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
Three consecutive bullish candles, each opening within the previous body and closing near its high, making higher closes.
In practice: Shows steady buying pressure after a decline. Very long candles can mean the move is already stretched.
Bullish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
A bullish harami followed by a third bullish candle that closes above the first candle body, confirming the reversal.
In practice: Because the third candle provides confirmation, it is often considered more dependable than the harami alone.
Bullish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
A bullish engulfing pattern followed by a third bullish candle that closes higher, confirming the move.
In practice: Combines the engulfing signal with follow-through. Look for it at support.
Bullish · Continuation · 5-candle · usually after: uptrend
A long bullish candle, three small bearish candles that stay within its range, then another long bullish candle closing above the first. The trend pauses, then resumes.
In practice: A continuation pattern: the pullback is shallow and orderly. If the small candles break the first candle low, the idea is weakened.
Bullish · Reversal · Single · usually after: downtrend
A doji with open, high and close near the top and a long lower shadow. Sellers pushed price down, but buyers returned it to the open.
In practice: After a decline at support it can hint at a reversal. It needs confirmation.
Bullish · Continuation · Single · usually after: any trend
A long bullish candle with no or almost no shadows. Buyers controlled the whole period from open to close.
In practice: Shows strong buying conviction. It can support a continuation view, but a very large candle may also mean an extended move.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
A bearish candle followed by a bullish candle that gaps up above the previous open, completely reversing sentiment.
In practice: Often follows a surprise such as news. Gaps are less common on 24-hour forex charts than on stock charts.
Bullish · Reversal · Single · usually after: downtrend
A long bullish candle that opens at or near its low and closes near its high, with almost no lower shadow, after a decline. Buyers took control from the open.
In practice: Stronger at support and when the candle is large compared with recent ones. It is a single candle, so many traders wait for confirmation.
Bullish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
A variation of the morning star in which the middle candle is a doji. A large bearish candle, a doji below it, then a large bullish candle closing well into the first body.
In practice: The doji shows selling has stalled, which many traders consider a stronger sign of exhaustion than an ordinary small body. It still needs context.
Bullish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
A bearish candle, a doji that gaps fully below it with its shadows clear of both neighbours, then a bullish candle that gaps up. The doji is isolated from the surrounding candles.
In practice: A rare pattern, especially on 24-hour forex charts where true gaps are uncommon. When it does appear at support it is considered a strong reversal sign.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
A bearish candle, then a bullish candle that gaps down but closes at about the same level as the first close. Sellers push lower, then buyers drag price back.
In practice: A mild reversal sign that does not close above the first body, so confirmation from the next candle matters.
Bullish · Continuation · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
Two bullish candles separated by a gap, followed by a bearish candle that opens inside the second body and closes inside the gap without filling it. The gap holds.
In practice: A continuation pattern. If the third candle closes the whole gap, the bullish idea is weakened.
Bullish · Continuation · 4-candle · usually after: downtrend
Three bearish candles with lower closes, then one large bullish candle opening below the third close and closing above the first open. It erases the whole decline.
In practice: Traditionally read as a continuation of the prior trend, yet many traders treat it as a reversal warning. Its interpretation varies, so use context.
Bullish · Continuation · 5-candle · usually after: uptrend
A long bullish candle, a gap up into a small bearish candle, a short pullback that holds above the first candle low, then a long bullish candle closing above the earlier highs. It is a rare cousin of rising three methods.
In practice: Shows an orderly pause in an uptrend. It is uncommon, so do not expect to see it often.
Bullish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: downtrend
Two bearish candles that close at the same price, suggesting buyers defended that level twice.
In practice: A weak signal on its own. It is most useful as a hint of support near a level you already identified.
Bearish · Reversal · Single · usually after: uptrend
A small body near the bottom of the range with a long upper shadow and little lower shadow, after an advance. Buyers pushed price up, then sellers took it back.
In practice: Strongest at resistance after a clear rally. A close below the shooting star low is a common confirmation.
Bearish · Reversal · Single · usually after: uptrend
Looks like a hammer but appears after an advance: a small body at the top with a long lower shadow. It warns that sellers are starting to appear.
In practice: Treated cautiously, as it needs bearish confirmation on the next candle. The shape alone does not mean a top.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
A small bullish candle followed by a larger bearish candle whose body fully covers the previous body. Sellers take control.
In practice: Stronger at resistance after an advance. Check that the second candle is large compared with recent ones.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
A large bullish candle followed by a small bearish candle inside its body. Buying momentum is slowing.
In practice: Often a warning to tighten risk rather than a stand-alone sell signal. Look for confirmation below the second candle.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
A bullish candle followed by a bearish candle that opens higher and closes below the midpoint of the first body.
In practice: The bearish counterpart of the piercing line. Most useful at resistance after a rally.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
Two candles with matching highs: a bullish candle followed by a bearish one. The matching highs show a price level that buyers failed to break twice.
In practice: Matching highs need not be exact. It carries more weight at a known resistance level.
Bearish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
Three candles: a large bullish candle, a small-bodied star above it, then a large bearish candle closing well into the first body.
In practice: The topping counterpart of the morning star. Strongest at resistance after a sustained rise.
Bearish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
Three consecutive bearish candles, each opening within the previous body and closing near its low, making lower closes.
In practice: Shows steady selling after an advance. Check for nearby support before assuming further downside.
Bearish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
A bearish harami followed by a third bearish candle closing below the first candle body, confirming the reversal.
In practice: The confirming third candle makes it more actionable than a harami on its own.
Bearish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
A bearish engulfing pattern followed by a third bearish candle that closes lower, confirming the move.
In practice: The follow-through reduces some uncertainty, but the entry is later and further from the level.
Bearish · Continuation · 5-candle · usually after: downtrend
A long bearish candle, three small bullish candles within its range, then another long bearish candle closing below the first. The downtrend pauses, then resumes.
In practice: A continuation pattern. A rally that breaks above the first candle high invalidates it.
Bearish · Reversal · Single · usually after: uptrend
A doji with open, low and close near the bottom and a long upper shadow. Buyers pushed price up, but sellers returned it to the open.
In practice: After a rally at resistance it can hint at a reversal. It needs confirmation.
Bearish · Continuation · Single · usually after: any trend
A long bearish candle with no or almost no shadows. Sellers controlled the whole period from open to close.
In practice: Shows strong selling conviction. At support, a large selling candle can also be an exhaustion move.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
A bullish candle followed by a bearish candle that gaps down below the previous open, completely reversing sentiment.
In practice: Often follows unexpected news. Check whether the gap is a real shift or an overreaction.
Bearish · Reversal · Single · usually after: uptrend
A long bearish candle that opens at or near its high and closes near its low, with almost no upper shadow, after an advance. Sellers took control from the open.
In practice: Stronger at resistance. As a single candle it is usually treated as a warning rather than a stand-alone signal.
Bearish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
A variation of the evening star with a doji in the middle. A large bullish candle, a doji above it, then a large bearish candle closing well into the first body.
In practice: Most useful at resistance after a sustained rise. As with all stars, the third candle provides the confirmation.
Bearish · Reversal · 3-candle · usually after: uptrend
A bullish candle, a doji that gaps fully above it, then a bearish candle that gaps down. The doji is isolated from the candles on either side.
In practice: Also rare. Because forex rarely gaps within the week, it is mostly seen on stock charts or around the weekend open.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
A bullish candle, then a bearish candle that gaps up but closes at about the same level as the first close. Buyers push higher, then sellers drag price back.
In practice: A mild reversal sign. A close below the second candle low strengthens the case.
Bearish · Continuation · 3-candle · usually after: downtrend
Two bearish candles separated by a gap, followed by a bullish candle that opens inside the second body and closes inside the gap without filling it. The gap holds.
In practice: A continuation pattern. A close that fills the gap suggests the selling pressure is fading.
Bearish · Continuation · 4-candle · usually after: uptrend
Three bullish candles with higher closes, then one large bearish candle opening above the third close and closing below the first open. It erases the whole advance.
In practice: Like its bullish counterpart, it is read differently by different traders. Wait for the next candle before drawing conclusions.
Bearish · Reversal · 2-candle · usually after: uptrend
Two bullish candles that close at the same price, suggesting sellers capped that level twice.
In practice: A weak signal on its own. It is most useful near resistance you already identified.
Neutral · Indecision · Single · usually after: uptrend
Open and close are almost equal, with shadows on both sides. Neither buyers nor sellers won the period.
In practice: A sign of indecision. Its meaning depends on the trend and the next candle, and it is not a signal alone.
Neutral · Indecision · Single · usually after: any trend
A doji with long shadows on both sides. Price moved far in both directions but settled near the open.
In practice: Shows high indecision and volatility, and often appears before a decisive move in either direction.
Neutral · Indecision · Single · usually after: uptrend
A small body with upper and lower shadows of similar length. It shows a balanced contest between buyers and sellers.
In practice: Often shows momentum slowing within a trend. Its meaning depends on context and the next candle.
Every pattern at a glance. Select a name to jump to its explanation.
| Pattern | Signal | Type | Candles | Usually after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Bullish | Reversal | Single | Downtrend |
| Inverted Hammer | Bullish | Reversal | Single | Downtrend |
| Shooting Star | Bearish | Reversal | Single | Uptrend |
| Hanging Man | Bearish | Reversal | Single | Uptrend |
| Bullish Engulfing | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Bearish Engulfing | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
| Bullish Harami | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Bearish Harami | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
| Piercing Line | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Dark Cloud Cover | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
| Tweezer Top | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
| Tweezer Bottom | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Morning Star | Bullish | Reversal | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Evening Star | Bearish | Reversal | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Three White Soldiers | Bullish | Reversal | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Three Black Crows | Bearish | Reversal | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Three Inside Up | Bullish | Reversal | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Three Inside Down | Bearish | Reversal | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Three Outside Up | Bullish | Reversal | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Three Outside Down | Bearish | Reversal | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Rising Three Methods | Bullish | Continuation | 5-candle | Uptrend |
| Falling Three Methods | Bearish | Continuation | 5-candle | Downtrend |
| Doji | Neutral | Indecision | Single | Uptrend |
| Dragonfly Doji | Bullish | Reversal | Single | Downtrend |
| Gravestone Doji | Bearish | Reversal | Single | Uptrend |
| Long-Legged Doji | Neutral | Indecision | Single | Any trend |
| Spinning Top | Neutral | Indecision | Single | Uptrend |
| Bullish Marubozu | Bullish | Continuation | Single | Any trend |
| Bearish Marubozu | Bearish | Continuation | Single | Any trend |
| Bullish Kicker | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Bearish Kicker | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
| Bullish Belt Hold | Bullish | Reversal | Single | Downtrend |
| Bearish Belt Hold | Bearish | Reversal | Single | Uptrend |
| Morning Doji Star | Bullish | Reversal | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Evening Doji Star | Bearish | Reversal | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Bullish Abandoned Baby | Bullish | Reversal | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Bearish Abandoned Baby | Bearish | Reversal | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Bullish Counterattack Lines | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Bearish Counterattack Lines | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
| Upside Tasuki Gap | Bullish | Continuation | 3-candle | Uptrend |
| Downside Tasuki Gap | Bearish | Continuation | 3-candle | Downtrend |
| Bullish Three Line Strike | Bullish | Continuation | 4-candle | Downtrend |
| Bearish Three Line Strike | Bearish | Continuation | 4-candle | Uptrend |
| Mat Hold | Bullish | Continuation | 5-candle | Uptrend |
| Matching Low | Bullish | Reversal | 2-candle | Downtrend |
| Matching High | Bearish | Reversal | 2-candle | Uptrend |
Signals describe what a pattern suggests, not what will happen. Always confirm with trend, levels and risk management.
All 46 patterns in the explorer, grouped by what they suggest.
Hammer, Inverted Hammer, Bullish Engulfing, Bullish Harami, Piercing Line, Tweezer Bottom, Morning Star, Morning Doji Star, Bullish Abandoned Baby, Three White Soldiers, Three Inside Up, Three Outside Up, Bullish Belt Hold, Bullish Counterattack Lines, Matching Low, Dragonfly Doji, Bullish Kicker, Bullish Marubozu, Rising Three Methods, Upside Tasuki Gap, Mat Hold and Bullish Three Line Strike.
Shooting Star, Hanging Man, Bearish Engulfing, Bearish Harami, Dark Cloud Cover, Tweezer Top, Evening Star, Evening Doji Star, Bearish Abandoned Baby, Three Black Crows, Three Inside Down, Three Outside Down, Bearish Belt Hold, Bearish Counterattack Lines, Matching High, Gravestone Doji, Bearish Kicker, Bearish Marubozu, Falling Three Methods, Downside Tasuki Gap and Bearish Three Line Strike.
Doji, Long-Legged Doji and Spinning Top show a balance between buyers and sellers. They are most informative after a strong move or at a key level, and the next candle usually decides their meaning. Dragonfly and Gravestone Doji are listed above with the reversal patterns because their shadows lean one way.
Once you spot a setup, size and price the trade with these free calculators.
Straight answers on reading candlestick patterns, their reliability and how to practise them.
Created by VIP Algos for educational use only.
Candlestick patterns are shapes made by one or more candles that traders use to read the balance between buyers and sellers. Each candle shows the open, high, low and close for a period, and patterns such as the hammer or engulfing candle give common shapes a name.
No candlestick pattern is reliable on its own. Patterns with larger bodies that form at clear support or resistance, in line with the wider trend, are generally treated as more meaningful. Engulfing patterns, morning and evening stars and pin-bar style hammers are widely watched, but results vary by market and timeframe.
Identify the trend, then look for a pattern at a meaningful level such as support or resistance. Check the candle's size against recent candles, consider waiting for a confirming close, and define a Stop Loss before entering. The same method applies to all forex pairs.
Bullish patterns suggest buyers may be gaining control, and often form after a decline. Bearish patterns suggest sellers may be gaining control, and often form after a rise. Neutral patterns such as the doji show indecision and depend on the next candle.
A reversal pattern suggests the current trend may be ending, as with a bullish engulfing after a downtrend. A continuation pattern suggests a pause before the trend resumes, as with rising three methods in an uptrend.
Traders use them on all timeframes, including day trading charts. Lower timeframes produce more patterns but also more noise, so context, volume where available, and risk management matter even more.
No. Most traders focus on a small set they understand well. Learning what each shape says about buyers and sellers helps you recognise variations, and the quiz in this tool helps build that recognition.
No. They describe what price has just done and suggest what might follow, but they cannot predict it. Treat them as one input alongside trend, levels and risk control.
No. The illustrations are simplified educational diagrams created in your browser. They are not real prices, and no market data or personal information is collected.
There is no official count, because traders name and group patterns differently. This explorer covers 46 widely recognised single-candle and multi-candle candlestick patterns, including the most common bullish, bearish and neutral formations.
Beginners often start with the hammer, shooting star, engulfing patterns, doji, morning star and evening star, because they are easy to identify and widely followed. Learn what each says about buyers and sellers before adding rarer patterns.
No single pattern is best. Forex traders commonly watch engulfing candles, pin bars such as the hammer and shooting star, and star patterns at support and resistance. Gap-based patterns such as the abandoned baby appear less often because forex rarely gaps during the week.
A doji forms when the open and close are almost equal, so the body is very small or flat. It shows indecision. Variations such as the dragonfly and gravestone doji lean bullish or bearish depending on where they form.
No pattern is accurate in every situation, and published figures vary widely by market, timeframe and testing method. Patterns with larger bodies that form at clear support or resistance, in line with the higher-timeframe trend, tend to be treated as more dependable. Always test on your own market.
A bullish candle closes above its open and is usually shown green. A bearish candle closes below its open and is usually shown red. Most platforms let you change these colours, so judge a candle by where it closed relative to where it opened.
A long shadow shows price travelled far in one direction but was pushed back before the candle closed. A long lower shadow suggests buyers rejected lower prices. A long upper shadow suggests sellers rejected higher prices.
There is no single best timeframe. Lower timeframes such as 1 and 5 minutes show more patterns but more noise. Many traders prefer the 1-hour, 4-hour or daily chart for clearer signals, then check the trend on a higher timeframe.
Yes. Many traders confirm patterns with moving averages, RSI, support and resistance or trend indicators. Indicators such as the VIP Algos trading indicators can add trend and level context to the pattern you see. No combination guarantees results.
Focus on what each shape says about buyers and sellers rather than memorising names. Start with a handful of core patterns, use the quiz in this tool to practise recognising them, and review the cheat sheet until each one feels familiar.
Keep practising.Test your recognition, then open any pattern to review how it forms.
Back to the explorer