Technical Definition
A three-candle bullish continuation pattern where a rising gap is tested by a bearish candle but not closed, signaling that buyers are defending the gap and the uptrend remains strong.
Price gaps up in an uptrend, sellers try to fill the gap, but buyers defend the gap and continue higher.
Buyers create a gap with strength.
Market Psychology
Context
Market in a clear uptrend Buying pressure is strong Momentum favors higher prices
Trend
Buyers maintain control Trend structure remains bullish
Surge
Strong demand causes price to jump higher Sellers unavailable to respond Market shows urgency
Defense
Sellers try to fill the gap Buyers step in before gap is closed Gap remains open and respected
Pattern Anatomy
First Candle (Bullish)
Bullish real body, part of an ongoing uptrend.
Second Candle (Gap Up)
Opens above first close, creates a clear upside gap, confirms momentum.
Third Candle (Bearish Test)
Opens within second body, fails to close the gap fully.
Pattern Rules
Appears within an established uptrend
Continuation requirement.
First candle is bullish
Trend alignment.
Second candle is bullish and gaps up
Momentum surge.
Third candle is bearish
Pullback attempt.
Third candle opens within second body
Controlled selling.
Third candle does not fill gap fully
Gap defense.
Gap remains partially open
Bullish support.
Signal Confirmation
- Price holding above the gap area
- Follow-through bullish candles
- Alignment with trend structure
- Moving average support