How to trade the candlestick pattern 3 Black Crows correctly

09/04/2023

The 3 Black Crows candlestick pattern is a candlestick pattern that signals a possible market reversal from an uptrend to a downtrend. This pattern consists of three black (or red) candles that have a long body and close at lower prices than the previous candle.

3 Black Crows correctly
3 Black Crows correctly

Identifying the pattern

Identifying the three black crows pattern is the first step in trading based on this candle pattern. Follow the steps below to identify this pattern correctly:

  • Uptrend: First make sure the market is in an uptrend as this pattern signals a possible reversal from an uptrend to a downtrend.
  • Three red/black candles: Look for three consecutive red (or black) candles with a long body. A long body indicates heavy selling activity and subsequent downward pressure on prices.
  • Lower closing prices: Each of these three red/black candles should close at a lower price than the previous candle. This indicates that sellers continue to dominate the market and downward pressure continues.
  • Context and placement: An important aspect of identifying the three black crows pattern is the context and placement on the chart. The pattern should be significant, i.e. it should be clearly visible and follow a clear upward trend. Otherwise, the pattern may be less reliable.
  • Also, don't forget volume: even if volume is not directly part of the pattern, it is good to look for an increase during the three candles. Increased trading volume can be further confirmation of seller strength and the likelihood of a downtrend.

Once you have successfully identified the Three Black Crows pattern, you can follow the next steps in the trading strategy outlined above, such as confirming the pattern, trade setup, risk management and closing the position.

Confirming the pattern

Confirming the Three Black Crows pattern is an important step when trading this candlestick pattern. Increased trading volume during the formation of these three red-black candles can be a stronger indication of a likely trend change in favour of the sellers.

Increased trading volume means that more market participants are engaging in selling and that downward pressure is more likely. Without increased volume, the three black crows pattern could be less reliable and more indicative of a temporary correction than a permanent trend change.

It is important to combine confirmation of volume with other technical indicators and analytical tools that can provide further clues to the likelihood of a downtrend. For example, you can monitor moving averages, RSI or MACD, which could indicate a loss of momentum on the buy side or an imminent change in trend.

After successful confirmation and verification of the Three Black Crows formation, you can proceed with trade setup, risk management and position closing. Remember that trading based on candlestick formations requires discipline, patience and careful risk management.

Wait for confirmation

It is important to wait for further confirmation before trading based on the Three Black Crows formation. This way you can minimise the risk of false signals and increase the chances of a successful trade. Here are some methods you can use to get further confirmation:

  • Breaking the trend line: watch for the price to break the uptrend line, which could signal the start of a new downtrend.
  • If price breaks key support levels: this could be further confirmation that sellers are dominating the market and a downtrend is more likely.
  • Moving averages: Look out for crossovers of moving averages, e.g. when the short-term average falls below the long-term average, which could indicate a downtrend.
  • Oscillators: Use indicators such as the RSI or MACD to detect a possible weakening of momentum on the buy side or an impending reversal.
  • Watch for the formation of further downward candles: Further downward candles may be further confirmation of an expected decline.
  • Increased trading volume: As mentioned earlier, increased trading volume during the three black crows formation or when a support or trend line is broken can be further confirmation of a trend change.

Waiting for further confirmations will help you improve your trading decisions and minimise the risk of failed trades. When trading based on candlestick formations such as the Three Black Crows formation, it is important to combine multiple technical indicators and analytical tools to carefully manage risk.

Trade setup

Trade setup is an important step that follows the confirmation of the Three Black Crows formation. The following are the steps you should take when setting up a short trade:

  • Entry point: choose a suitable entry point for the short position. This could be, for example, when the price breaks through an important support level or trend line, or when other confirming indicators such as the RSI or MACD appear.
  • Stop Loss: This stop loss placement provides sufficient protection against false signals and allows the market to move according to your expectations.
  • Profit target: The profit target can be based on previous support levels, Fibonacci retracement levels or other technical indicators.
  • Risk management: Make sure your position size matches your risk tolerance and that your stop loss and profit targets reflect your trading objectives and risk tolerance.
  • Trade tracking: Once the trade has started, monitor price movements and other technical or fundamental data that could affect the market. If the market changes, be prepared to adjust the trade as needed.

If you set up a short trade based on a confirmed Three Black Crows patent and manage your risk carefully, you can take advantage of the opportunity to profit from an expected market decline.

Risk management

Risk management is an important aspect of successful trading, especially when trading based on candlestick formations such as the Three Black Crows. Below are some recommendations for effective risk management:

  • Position size: make sure your position size matches your risk tolerance and total capital. In general, you should not risk more than 1-2% of your trading capital per trade.
  • Stop Loss: In the case of the Three Black Crows pattern, the stop loss should be placed above the highest point of the last candle of the pattern.
  • Profit target: Set a realistic profit target that is consistent with your trading strategy and historical price movements. The profit target should reflect your trading objectives and risk tolerance.
  • Diversification: Diversify your trades and investments across different financial instruments, time frames and strategies to minimise overall risk.
  • Trading plan: Create a clear trading plan that includes entry and exit rules, risk management and a capital management strategy. Stick to your plan and follow logic and discipline, not emotion.
  • Ongoing evaluation: Evaluate your trades and strategies regularly to see what is working and what is not. Learn from your successes and failures and constantly strive to improve your skills and knowledge.

Remember that no model is 100% reliable and the market can turn at any time. Risk management is the key to successful trading and helps minimise losses and maximise profits.

Closing a position

Monitoring the market and closing positions in a timely manner are important for successful trading. Below are some methods to help you determine the right time to close a position:

  • Oppositional candlestick patterns: when an oppositional candlestick pattern occurs, such as bullish engulfing or hammering, this may indicate that the downtrend has ended and the market is reversing.
  • Key support and resistance levels: Reaching key support or resistance levels can indicate a trend reversal. When price breaks through a key resistance level, it may indicate a return to an uptrend.
  • Crossing moving averages: When the short-term moving average crosses the long-term moving average, this can be a signal to exit a short position as it can indicate the beginning of an uptrend.
  • RSI and MACD: Look to indicators such as the RSI and MACD for signs that the trend is coming to an end. For example, if the RSI starts to show oversold conditions or the MACD starts to show a bullish divergence, this may be a good time to close a position.
  • Profit target: When the market reaches your profit target, this can be a good time to close your position and realise a profit.

It is important to monitor the market and combine several technical indicators and analytical tools to get as much information as possible to make a decision to close a position. By closing a position early, you can minimise losses and maximise profits when trading the Three Black Crows pattern or any other trading pattern.

Overview and Analysis

Overview and analysis of trades are key to improving your trading skills and success. Below are some tips for reviewing and analysing trades:

  • Evaluate the outcome: before you start trading, note the outcome of the trade, profit or loss, and compare it with your expectations.
  • Analyse the entry and exit points: how well you followed the trading strategy and whether you correctly identified and confirmed the three black crows pattern.
  • Risk management: Assess how well you managed the risk, whether you set the stop loss correctly and whether you kept to your risk tolerance.
  • Emotions and discipline: Think about what emotions you experienced during the trade and whether they influenced your decision making. Think about how you followed your trading plan and whether you were disciplined during the trade.
  • Improve and adjust: Identify the areas where you are successful and the areas where you need to improve. Use this information to adjust and refine your trading strategy and practices.
  • Record trades: Create a trading diary in which you record all your trades, including details of entry, exit, risk management and results. This diary will give you valuable insights into your trading and help you identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Regularly reviewing and analysing your trades will help you better understand your strengths and weaknesses as a trader and provide you with valuable information that will help you improve your trading skills and decision making in the future.

Remember that trading based on candlestick formations such as the three black crows requires discipline, patience and risk management. It is important to combine this method with other technical indicators and analytical tools to increase your chances of success in the market.

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