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Three Outside Down

Three Outside Down

IntermediateCandlestick PatternsBearish (Down)Reliability 63%

Pattern Formation

8 / 8 candles
1,0871,0481,00996993089101/0101/0201/0301/0401/0501/0601/0701/08
Speed

Statistics

Target Hit Rate
61%
Average Move
12%
Failure Rate
16%
Avg Formation Days
3 days
Volume Confirmation Boost
+15%

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

A confirmation pattern for the bearish engulfing. After a large bearish candle completely engulfs a small bullish candle, the third bearish candle closes at an even lower level to confirm the reversal. More reliable than a standalone engulfing pattern, it serves as a powerful sell signal at tops.

Formation Conditions

  • A preceding uptrend must be in place
  • The first candle must be a small bullish candle
  • The second candle must be a large bearish candle completely engulfing the first (engulfing)
  • The second candle's open must be at or above the first's high, and its close at or below the first's low
  • The third candle must be bearish, closing below the second candle's close

Entry Condition

Enter short at the next candle's open after the third bearish candle closes below the second candle's low. Confirm the third candle clearly closes below the second.

Target Calculation

Project the second engulfing candle's range downward from the third candle's close. Or target the nearest support line.

Stop Loss Rule

Place a stop-loss slightly above the second engulfing candle's high. Or above the entire pattern's high.

Volume Profile

Ideally, volume increases significantly on the second engulfing candle and remains high on the third. Volume increase indicates genuine seller participation.

False Signal Detection

  • If the second candle does not completely engulf the first, the pattern is invalid
  • If the third candle fails to close below the second, the signal is weak
  • During a very strong uptrend, it may remain a temporary pullback
  • Declining volume on the second and third candles indicates weak reversal strength
  • Near a major support line, downside may be limited

Related Indicators

VolumeRSIMoving averagesMACD

Related Patterns

Bullish EngulfingBearish EngulfingDojiThree White Soldiers

Learn More

View in Cheatsheet →View Glossary →