Technical Definition
A three-candle bearish continuation pattern where a falling gap is tested by a bullish candle but not closed, signaling that sellers are defending the gap and the downtrend remains strong.
Price gaps down in a downtrend, buyers try to fill the gap, but sellers defend the gap and continue lower.
Sellers create a gap with authority.
Market Psychology
Context
Market in a clear downtrend Selling pressure is dominant Sentiment is negative
Trend
Sellers maintain control Downtrend structure remains intact
Drop
Strong supply forces price sharply lower Buyers unavailable to respond Market shows urgency
Defense
Buyers attempt to fill the gap Sellers step in before gap is closed Gap remains open and respected
Pattern Anatomy
First Candle (Bearish)
Bearish real body, part of an ongoing downtrend.
Second Candle (Gap Down)
Opens below first close, creates a clear downside gap, confirms selling pressure.
Third Candle (Bullish Test)
Opens within second body, fails to close the gap fully.
Pattern Rules
Appears within an established downtrend
Continuation requirement.
First candle is bearish
Trend alignment.
Second candle is bearish and gaps down
Momentum drop.
Third candle is bullish
Pullback attempt.
Third candle opens within second body
Controlled buying.
Third candle does not fill gap fully
Gap defense.
Gap remains partially open
Bearish resistance.
Signal Confirmation
- Price holding below the gap area
- Bearish follow-through after the pattern
- Alignment with trend structure
- Resistance formed by the gap