Technical Definition
A five-candle bearish continuation pattern representing a brief, controlled consolidation where buying attempts fail, followed by a strong resumption of the downtrend.
The market pauses during a fall, buyers try — and fail — to reverse the trend, then sellers resume control decisively. This pattern confirms trend strength, not a reversal.
Sellers remain in control.
Market Psychology
Context
Market in a clear downtrend Sellers are confident Countertrend rallies are expected
Strength
Sellers push price sharply lower Downtrend strength is established
Calculated Pause
Short-covering and bargain buying appear Buying pressure is weak and contained Sellers do not panic
Resumption
Sellers re-enter aggressively Buyers retreat Downtrend resumes decisively
Pattern Anatomy
First Candle (Bearish)
Long bearish real body, confirms strong downward momentum.
Middle Candles (Small)
Brief pullback, prices stay within range of the first candle.
Fifth Candle (Bearish)
Strong bearish real body breaking below the low of the first, signaling trend continuation.
Pattern Rules
Appears within an established downtrend
Continuation context is required.
First candle is long and bearish
Shows trend strength.
Next 3 candles are small
Controlled consolidation.
Middle candles stay within first candle range
No trend damage.
Fifth candle is bearish and strong
Resumption signal.
Fifth candle closes below first candle low
Confirms breakout.
Signal Confirmation
- Strength of the breakdown candle
- Price acceptance below consolidation
- Alignment with broader trend structure
- Volume expansion on the breakdown