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.

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (4)

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.

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (5)

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!

See Also
80% Rule

Daily Bitcoin chart

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (6)

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.

education

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (7)

Author: FBS Analyst Team

More by this author

Similar

What to choose: full-time or part-time trading in 2023?

Struggling to choose between part-time and full-time trading? Then this article is for you!

How to Trade Triangle Chart Patterns?

A triangle chart pattern is a consolidation pattern that involves an asset price moving within a gradually narrowing range.

Inflation: definition, explanation, and examples

Nowadays, every news resource is talking about inflation, economic articles are yelling about it. More and more people are getting confused with all the published information.

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy (2024)

FAQs

1-2-3 Reversal pattern strategy? ›

The 123 pattern reversal starts with the price swing not making the expected higher high (in an uptrend) or lower low (in a downtrend) and then breaking below or above a support or resistance level as the case may be. This change in price structure can help predict a potential reversal.

What is the 1/2/3 trading method? ›

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: 123 pattern works in both directions. In the first case, a bullish trend turns into a bearish one.

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? ›

A 1-2-3-4 reversal chart pattern is build up of 4 definable points, known as point 1, 2 , 3 and 4. A typical 1-2-3-4 chart pattern is best traded after a strong currency pair up - or downtrend and can be defined by an easy set of trading rules.

What is the reversal pattern strategy? ›

Following a downtrend, a reversal would be to the upside. Reversals are based on overall price direction and are not typically based on one or two periods/bars on a chart. Certain indicators, such a moving average, oscillator, or channel, may help in isolating trends as well as spotting reversals.

What is the 3 5 7 rule in trading? ›

The strategy is very simple: count how many days, hours, or bars a run-up or a sell-off has transpired. Then on the third, fifth, or seventh bar, look for a bounce in the opposite direction. Too easy? Perhaps, but it's uncanny how often it happens.

What is the 70 30 trading strategy? ›

The strategy is based on:

Portfolio management with 70% hedge and 30% spot delivery. Option to leave the trade mandate to the portfolio manager. The portfolio trades include purchasing and selling although with limited trading activity.

What is the bullish reversal pattern? ›

What Is a Bullish Reversal Candlestick Pattern? A bullish reversal candlestick pattern signals a potential change from a downtrend to an uptrend. It's a hint that the market's sentiment might be shifting from selling to buying.

What are the major reversal patterns? ›

Types of Reversal Patterns

Examples include hammer, inverse head and shoulders, and double bottom patterns. Bearish Reversal Patterns: Suggest a potential shift from an uptrend to a downtrend. Examples include shooting star, head and shoulders, and double top patterns.

Which is classic reversal pattern? ›

One of the classic reversal patterns – the Head and Shoulder pattern gets its name from the shape it forms on the price chart. The Head and Shoulder pattern has three peaks with the middle one representing the head – which is also tallest among the three peaks.

What is the most powerful pattern in trading? ›

Head and shoulders

The head-and-shoulders pattern is formed of three highs: The central high is the greatest, forming the head of the pattern. It's flanked by two lower points, which make up the shoulders.

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.

What is the 1-2-3 pattern indicator? ›

When the pattern is discovered, the 1-2-3 Pattern (Expo) Indicator notifies you via its built-in alert feature! Catching the upcoming big move can't be that much simpler. 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.

Is reversal trading profitable? ›

Reversal trading strategies can be profitable if executed with proper analysis and risk management. Here are a few key points to consider: 1. Identify strong reversal signals: Look for technical indicators, chart patterns, or candlestick formations that suggest a potential trend reversal.

What is the 5 minute reversal strategy? ›

Common 5-Minute Chart Trading Strategies

Reversal Trading: Reversal traders seek signs of trend exhaustion or potential trend reversal on the 5-minute chart, often using technical indicators to confirm the reversal signal.

What is an example of a reversal pattern? ›

The inverse head and shoulders – or 'head and shoulders bottom' – is a reversal chart pattern similar to the head and shoulders, except it is inverted. The pattern contains three successive lows with the middle low (the head) being deeper than the two outside lows (the shoulders), which are shallower.

What is the 5 3 1 rule in trading? ›

Clear guidelines: The 5-3-1 strategy provides clear and straightforward guidelines for traders. The principles of choosing five currency pairs, developing three trading strategies, and selecting one specific time of day offer a structured approach, reducing ambiguity and enhancing decision-making.

What is the 1-2-3 setup in stocks? ›

Enter the 1-2-3 pattern. Or, A-B-C pattern, to your liking. This pattern is comprised of a low, a higher high, a higher low, and a break of the higher high (in case we are going long). In the picture above, at the break of point B we are going long, stops go below point C.

What is the 3 trade rule? ›

Essentially, if you have a $5,000 account, you can only make three-day trades in any rolling five-day period. Once your account value is above $25,000, the restriction no longer applies to you. You usually don't have to worry about violating this rule by mistake because your broker will notify you.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 6253

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.