Chart Patterns ranked by reliability (1-8)Chart Patterns as a Strategy (Not a System)
In the world of technical analysis, chart patterns are often marketed as stand-alone trading systems. In reality, their real edge comes from probabilistic structure recognition, not prediction.
The key insight from my large-sample testing (10 years, 200,000+ patterns (Futures, FX)) is this:
Patterns don’t predict direction — they quantify structural bias once price has already revealed intent.
That distinction is what separates profitable traders from pattern collectors.
How These Patterns Were Tested (Why the Stats Matter)
All patterns discussed below were:
Only counted once fully completed
Required confirmed breaks of structure (trendline, neckline, or support/resistance)
Measured using objective projection rules, not discretionary targets
TP Rule: Full Head and Shoulder Height, using the Head distance and the right shoulder as the SL.
Full Height of triangles, and a full height for flags as well.
Twice the height of the Channel as TP, and Time TP for Channels, for half of the duration of the it.
Rectangles were Full Box Width as TP, and a time-based TP of 1/4 the Length.
It could be trailed further, but some such as Rectangle TP made great mean-reversion trade.
This removes hindsight bias — a major flaw in most pattern discussions.
Continuation Patterns (Trend Context Is Mandatory).
#8. Bull & Bear Flags (~67%) (Alt. Name: Cups, Volatility Contraction Pattern)
Occur after near-vertical impulse moves, typically the 50 EMA can filter the direction.
Represent temporary pauses, not reversals.
Best when:
Flag is tight
Forms near the extreme of the impulse
Volume contracts during consolidation
Professional takeaway:
Flags are trend health checks, not entries. If a flag fails, momentum is likely exhausted.
#7. Ascending & Descending Triangles (~73%)
Market compresses against a hard level
One side shows aggression, the other absorption
Breakout confirms institutional imbalance
Use them to answer:
“Is price being accumulated or distributed?”
#6. Ascending & Descending Channels (~73%) (Alt. Name: Cups & Handle)
Wide consolidations between parallel trendlines
Stronger than flags due to time + participation
Breakouts often lead to measured trend continuation
Key insight:
Channels are delayed continuation, not indecision.
Reversal Patterns (Confirmation Is Everything)
The Joker: Double Tops & Bottoms (75–79%)
Require structural failure
Completion only occurs after neckline break
Bottoms outperform tops statistically (markets rise faster than they fall)
⚠️ Common mistake:
Anticipating the second top/bottom instead of waiting for confirmation.
The Queen: Triple Tops & Bottoms (77–79%)
Stronger due to repeated rejection
Represent exhaustion of dominant participants
Interpretation:
The market tried three times — and failed.
The King: Rectangle Patterns (~78–80%)
Flat consolidation after a trend, more than 3 touches top and bottom.
Essentially failed reversal attempts.
Breakouts often trap traders positioned against the trend, it's best to enter on retest of breakout or earlier at the Bear-Bull Midline of the Box.
Critical lesson:
Most “double tops” fail — and turn into rectangles.
The Ace: Head & Shoulders (~83%)
Why it works so well:
Clear distribution → failure → confirmation
Captures institutional exit mechanics
Neckline break aligns with order-flow imbalance
Both regular and inverted versions are the most reliable classical patterns when properly confirmed.
⚠️ Common mistake: It's easy to mistake a Head and Shoulders with another pattern like a Double or Triple Bottom if it's neckline is not broken well.
The Trap Pattern: Pennants (~55%)
Despite being taught alongside flags:
Pennants break against trend too often
Over-compression increases randomness
Lack clear structural dominance, Pivot HL are spots where trader's should sell.
Professional rule:
If it looks too tight, it’s probably a coin flip.
It's better to target Equal High and Lows to the left as TP.
How Professionals Actually Use Chart Patterns
We don’t trade patterns — we trade what they imply.
Patterns help answer:
Is the market accepting or rejecting price?
Are participants trapped or in control?
Is this continuation, transition, or reversal?
They work best when combined with:
Market structure (HH/HL, LH/LL)
Time-of-day context
Volume or order-flow
Higher-timeframe bias
Final Truth About Pattern Accuracy
Pattern Type Role Best Use
Flags / Channels Continuation Trend validation
Triangles Pressure build Breakout bias
Double / Triple Reversal Failure detection
Rectangles Continuation Trap identification
Head & Shoulders Reversal Distribution confirmation
Pennants ❌ Avoid
