1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (2024)

123 reversal setup is a basic on-chart formation, that warns about upcoming trend reversal.

Setup

The 123-chart pattern is a three-wave formation, where every move reaches a pivot point. This is where the name of the pattern comes from, the 1-2-3 pivot points.

Here is how the pattern looks like:

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (1)

123 pattern works in both directions. In the first case, a bullish trend turns into a bearish one. And the second picture presents the opposite, a bearish trend turns into a bullish one.

The structure of 123 chart pattern

The pattern appears after three price movements, which form three pivot points and a confirmation level.

Pivot point 1.

This is a turning point that the price formed during the trend. If a price breaks the previous trendline after it formed pivot point 1, the pattern will be more reliable.

Pivot point 2.

The next turning point is very likely to form outside of the previous trendline or channel. This is a good indication that the trend might be ready to end and reverse.

Pivot point 3.

Pivot point 3 is crucial for 123 reversal chart patterns. The point must not exceed the pivot point 1 (in the worst case it might be on the same level) for the pattern to be valid.

Confirmation level

The confirmation level is our entry point in the market. It is located at the same level as pivot point 2. When price breaks through this level open the trade.

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (2)

Target level

To set the target trader needs to connect 1 and 3 pivot points with a line. The size of your 123 pattern equals the vertical distance between Line 2 (which is a horizontal line at the level of 2 pivot point) and the midpoint of Line 1.

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (3)

123 chart pattern stop loss setup

It is highly important to use stop loss when trading the 123 chart pattern. The stop loss should be set under pivot point 3 in the bullish trend reversal, and above in the bearish one. In the condition of high market volatility, the price might get pushed beyond the 2 pivot point for a while. That’s why it will be a good idea to set stop-loss slightly beyond the 3 pivot point, as this will prevent stop loss from being activated.

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Continuation 123 pattern setup

123 pattern also might work as a continuation pattern. In other words, it could give a signal that the trend is not going to reverse.

In this case, the price does not break the “confirmation level” at pivot point 2. On the contrary, it returns to the pivot point 3 level and breaks it through. This setup gives a signal that the trend will continue.

Stop-loss in continuation pattern formation

If you are trading the 123 pattern as a continuation formation, then your stop-loss order should go beyond Pivot Point 2.

The target level of 123 continuation pattern

The target of the “continuation 123 pattern” measures the same way as usual. The only exception is that in this case, you should take pivot point 3 as a starting one of your target.

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Example

If you would only know about 1-2-3 patter in May 2021. That would be the greatest short trade ever! Let’s look at the perfect example of this pattern!

Daily Bitcoin chart

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After the Bitcoin chart has formed 1 pivot point the price dropped behind the trend line, where the 2 pivot point occurred. Then the price bounced back and the 3 pivot point and a potential stop loss level appeared. After the price broke the confirmation level it dropped and reached the pattern target.

Conclusion

123 pattern is a common pattern that usually appears at the beginning of many price reversals. Sometimes, it might give a signal about trend continuation as well. To get higher quality signals it is better to use the 123 pattern in a tandem with an oscillator (for example RSI). At the moments of RSI extremes, 123 pattern will provide the most accurate signals.

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1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (7)

Author: FBS Analyst Team

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1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (2024)

FAQs

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy? ›

It consists of three price swings with three swing points, suggesting a change in market direction. Trading the 123 pattern involves entry at the breakout of point 2, stop loss placement below (for bullish setup) or above (for bearish setup) point 3, and setting a profit target by measuring the pattern itself.

What is the pattern of 1-2-3 reversal points? ›

The 123-chart pattern is a three-wave formation, where every move reaches a pivot point. This is where the name of the pattern comes from, the 1-2-3 pivot points. 123 pattern works in both directions. In the first case, a bullish trend turns into a bearish one.

What is the 1-2-3 strategy in trading? ›

The classical approach to pattern 1-2-3 involves opening short positions at the break of the correctional low. The buyers who seriously expect the upward trend to be restored are most likely to have set their stop orders there. Their avalanche triggering allows you to see a sharp downward movement in the chart.

What is the most accurate reversal pattern? ›

Head and shoulders patterns are usually formed at the end of an uptrend with a reversal aspect, hence, can work as one the best trend reversal patterns for traders. This pattern is formed with three highs during an uptrend or three lows during a downtrend that forms a left shoulder, right shoulder, and head.

What is the 1234 pattern in trading? ›

Traders look for this chart pattern on 1-day chart. For a 1-2-3-4 chart pattern to occur there must be at least 3 subsequent lower lows in parallel with at least 3 subsequent lower highs. A position is bought when the market price trades above the high of the last candlestick in the pattern.

What is the 1 2 3 pattern indicator? ›

The 1-2-3 pattern is used to spot trend reversals. The pattern indicates that a trend is coming to an end and a new one is forming. The information contained in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities of any type.

What is the 123 breakout strategy? ›

It consists of three price swings with three swing points, suggesting a change in market direction. Trading the 123 pattern involves entry at the breakout of point 2, stop loss placement below (for bullish setup) or above (for bearish setup) point 3, and setting a profit target by measuring the pattern itself.

Which indicator is best for reversal? ›

The Mass Index Indicator is primarily used to identify potential trend reversals by monitoring changes in the price range. When the indicator's value rises above a specific threshold, usually 27, it is considered a sign that the price range is widening, and a reversal may be imminent.

What is the reversal pattern strategy? ›

The price first breaks out of the channel and below the trendline, signaling a possible trend change. The price then also makes a lower low, dropping below the prior low within the channel. This further confirms the reversal to the downside. The price then continues lower, making lower lows and lower highs.

Which stock pattern has the highest accuracy? ›

Head and Shoulders Pattern: The head and shoulders pattern is considered one of the most reliable chart patterns and is used to identify possible trend reversals.

What is the Elliott wave strategy? ›

Key Takeaways. The Elliott Wave Theory is a form of technical analysis that looks for recurrent long-term price patterns related to persistent changes in investor sentiment and psychology. The theory identifies impulse waves that set up a pattern and corrective waves that oppose the larger trend.

Why is pattern trading illegal? ›

As a result, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the FINRA were led to enact the Pattern Day Trading Rule. This is also known as Rule 2520. The goal was to prevent traders from being too over-leveraged and to maintain a considerable amount of funds to protect themselves from margin calls.

Why do pattern day traders need 25k? ›

Why Do I Have to Maintain Minimum Equity of $25,000? Day trading can be extremely risky—both for the day trader and for the brokerage firm that clears the day trader's transactions. Even if you end the day with no open positions, the trades you made while day trading most likely have not yet settled.

What is the number pattern 1 2 3? ›

The Fibonacci number pattern is a series of Fibonacci numbers. Starting with 0 and 1, the next number in the Fibonacci series is the sum of the last two numbers. The Fibonnaci series is 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34…

What is the pattern of reversal? ›

What are reversal patterns? Reversal patterns might signal that either the bulls or bears have lost control and that there might be a change of trend imminent. The current trend will see a pause and then the price will move in a new direction from the other side (bull or bear).

How do you find the reversal point? ›

Moving averages may aid in spotting both the trend and reversals. If the price is above a rising moving average then the trend is up, but when the price drops below the moving average that could signal a potential price reversal. Trendlines are also used to spot reversals.

What is the math pattern for 1 1 2 3 5 8? ›

The Fibonacci sequence is the series of numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34... In this series, the next number is found by adding the two numbers before it. Hence, the next term in the series is 8 + 13 = 21.

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