Dual Candlestick Patterns in Technical Analysis [Kicking, Harami, and Piercing]

Arjun  Mandal

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Arjun Mandal
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Dual Candlestick Patterns represent potential trend reversals in the market based on the relationship between two adjacent candles. Traders can use these two candlestick patterns to confirm entry and exit points in trades.

Compared to single candlestick patterns, a dual candlestick pattern provides more information, but it requires more time to identify and confirm.

Dual Candlestick Patterns
Types of dual candlestick patterns in financial market technical analysis

What Are Dual Candlestick Patterns?

Dual candlestick patterns are formations consisting of two candlesticks that convey valuable information about price behavior. In technical analysis, their interpretation depends on how the two candles are positioned relative to each other.

Types of Dual Candlestick Patterns

Two candle patterns vary in interpretation based on the type of candles and their alignment. Below are the most common Dual Candlestick Patterns used in market analysis:

  • Bullish Engulfing
  • Bearish Engulfing
  • Kicking (Kicher)
  • Dark Cloud Cover
  • Bullish Harami
  • Bearish Harami
  • Matching Low
  • Piercing Pattern
  • Tweezer Bottoms and Tops

Bullish Engulfing Pattern

The Bullish Engulfing pattern is a reversal pattern usually found at the end of a downtrend. It is often ignored in uptrends.

Characteristics of Bullish Engulfing

This dual candlestick pattern consists of a small bearish candle followed by a large bullish candle that completely engulfs the first one. The shorter the bearish candle and the larger the bullish one, the more valid the signal.

Bullish Engulfing
Formation of a Bullish Engulfing pattern at the bottom of a downtrend

Bearish Engulfing Pattern

The Bearish Engulfing is the opposite of the bullish variation. It typically appears at the end of an uptrend and is often overlooked in downtrends.

Characteristics of Bearish Engulfing

It includes a small bullish candle followed by a strong bearish candle that fully engulfs the former. The smaller the bullish candle and the larger the bearish one, the stronger the pattern.

Bearish Engulfing
Bearish Engulfing pattern appearing at the top of an uptrend on the price chart

Kicking (Kicher) Pattern

The Kicking (or Kicher) pattern is a dual candlestickreversalsetup that can appear in various stages of a trend. It indicates a reversal bearish in an uptrend and bullish in a downtrend.

Characteristics of Kicking

This pattern includes a candle in the direction of the trend followed by a strong opposite-direction candle that gaps significantly up or down. This emotional shift in buying or selling often reflects a potentialreversal, which can catch traders off guard.

Kicking or Kicher Pattern
Kicking or Kicher pattern formed at the bottom of a downtrend

Dark Cloud Cover Pattern

The Dark Cloud Cover is a bearish reversal pattern formed after an uptrend. It is a signal to sell, but is typically ignored in downtrends.

Characteristics of Dark Cloud Cover

The first candle is bullish, and the second opens above the previous close but closes well below the midpoint of the first candle, signaling intensesellingpressure.

Dark Cloud Cover
Dark Cloud Cover formation and trend reversal from bullish to bearish

Bullish Harami Pattern

The Bullish Harami shows market stabilization and potential bullish reversal in a downtrend. It requires confirmation before entering a trade.

Characteristics Bullish Harami

A small bullish candle is contained within the body of a larger bearish candle. The second candle does not exceed the range of the first.

Bullish Harami
Bullish Harami formation and trend shift from bearish to bullish

Bearish Harami Pattern

The Bearish Harami is a reversal signal opposite the bullish version. It's generally ignored in downtrends but is valid at the top of an uptrend.

Characteristics Bearish Harami

This two-candlestick pattern features a large bullish candle followed by a smaller bearish candle entirely within the prior candle’s body.

Bearish Harami
Bearish Harami at the top of an uptrend indicating a price drop

Matching Low Pattern

The Matching Low pattern indicates short-term support and potential price bounce, often forming at market bottoms.

Characteristics of Matching Low

Both candles are bearish, but the second opens higher and closes at the same level as the first. This setup shows buyer support at a key level.

Matching Low Pattern
Matching a Low dual candlestick pattern and an upward price reversal

Piercing Pattern

The Piercing pattern signals a bullish reversal and usually appears at the end of a downtrend.

Characteristics of Piercing

The first candle is bearish. The second opens below the first’s close but closes above the midpoint of the first candle.

  • Second candle open: Below the first candle’s close
  • Second candle close: Above the midpoint of the first candle
Piercing Pattern
Piercing pattern formation on the chart

Tweezer Bottoms and Tops Pattern

Tweezer patterns typically appear at the top or bottom of trends. At the tops, they indicate weakening buyers, while at the bottoms, they reflect growing buyer strength.

Characteristics of Tweezer Bottoms and Tops

The highs or lows of both candles are nearly identical, although the candle types differ; at the tops, it is bullish and then bearish. At the bottom, it is bearish and then bullish.

Tweezer Pattern
Tweezer pattern formation at market top and price drop after its appearance

Pros and Cons of Dual Candlestick Patterns

Proper use of Dual Candlestick Patterns requires awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, such as lower prediction accuracy.

Pros

Cons

Identify potential trend reversals

Lower accuracy in predicting future movement

Improve market analysis and forecasting

Possible misinterpretation

Confirm entry opportunities

Require experience and knowledge

Comparison of Single, Dual, and Triple Candlestick Patterns

Candlestick patterns vary based on the number of candles involved, the information they convey, and their market application.

Comparison of Single-Candlestick, Double-Candlestick, and Triple-Candlestick Patterns:

Parameter

Single Candle

Dual Candlestick

Triple Candlestick

Number of Candles

One

Two

Three

Market Application

Quick trend reversal detection

Trend confirmation and entry points

Identifying potential tops/bottoms

Analysis Speed

High

Medium

Low

Predictive Power

Low

Medium

High

Conclusion

Dual Candlestick Patterns offer valuable insights based on the positioning of two adjacent candles. Traders use them to detect trend reversals at highs and lows.

Bearish reversal patterns within a downtrend are often disregarded. Overall, these patterns suggest shifts in power between buyers and sellers.

FAQs

What is a Dual Candlestick Pattern?

A pattern consisting of two candlesticks that reveals price behavior.

What are common bearish dual candlestick patterns?

  •  Bearish Engulfing
  • Dark Cloud Cover
  • Bearish Harami

What are bullish dual candlestick patterns?

  • Bullish Engulfing
  • Bullish Harami
  • Matching Low

How does the Bullish Harami pattern form?

A bullish candle with a small body form entirely within the previous bearish candle’s range.

Where do Tweezer patterns usually form?

Typically, at market highs and lows.

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