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Island Reversal

Island Reversal / 離れ小島

AdvancedReversal PatternsNeutralReliability 80%

Pattern Formation

31 / 31 candles
1,1231,0901,0571,02499195801/0101/0401/0701/1001/1301/1601/1901/2201/2501/2801/31
Speed

Statistics

Target Hit Rate
75%
Average Move
25%
Failure Rate
8%
Avg Formation Days
12 days
Volume Confirmation Boost
+20%

Reference values based on Bulkowski's "Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns". Data is primarily from U.S. markets and may differ for other markets.

A powerful reversal pattern where a price zone is isolated from surrounding price action by gaps, forming an "island." First, a gap opens in the trend direction, followed by several days of trading, then a gap opens in the opposite direction, creating the island. At tops it is bearish; at bottoms it is bullish.

Formation Conditions

  • An exhaustion gap must open in the trend direction
  • Several days to weeks of consolidation must follow the gap
  • A breakaway gap must open in the opposite direction
  • The two gaps must not overlap in price (the island must be isolated)
  • The gaps should be accompanied by volume increases

Entry Condition

Enter when the second gap (opposite direction) is confirmed. Short for top island reversals, long for bottom ones. Confirm that the second gap is not filled.

Target Calculation

Project 2-3 times the island's height (highest to lowest within the island) from the second gap in the reversal direction. Nearby support/resistance lines are also effective targets.

Stop Loss Rule

Place a stop-loss inside the island. For a top island reversal, place slightly above the island's high.

Volume Profile

Ideally, volume surges on both gaps. A particularly large volume on the second gap (reversal direction) enhances pattern reliability.

False Signal Detection

  • If the two gaps' price ranges overlap, it is not a true island reversal
  • If the second gap is filled, the pattern fails
  • Gaps without volume have low reliability
  • An excessively long island period diminishes the pattern's significance
  • Consider the broader market environment; do not judge by island reversal alone

Related Indicators

VolumeGap analysisRSIMACD

Related Patterns

Double TopDouble BottomHead and ShouldersInverse Head and Shoulders

Learn More

View in Cheatsheet →View Glossary →