IFCCI

Japanese Candlesticks

Dual Candlestick Patterns

2 min readLesson 11 of 49
22%

What’s Better Than Single Candlestick Patterns?

Double candlestick patterns!

These involve two candles and often offer stronger reversal signals than single candlesticks. Let’s explore two of the most well-known dual candlestick patterns:


πŸ”Ή Engulfing Patterns

There are two types:

  • Bullish Engulfing

  • Bearish Engulfing

βœ… Bullish Engulfing

This is a bullish reversal pattern that appears after a downtrend or during a consolidation phase.

  • The first candle is bearish (showing selling pressure).

  • The second candle is bullish and completely engulfs the body of the previous candle.

This signals that buyers have taken control, and a potential upward move could follow.

Think of it as the bulls overpowering the bears in a clear show of strength.


🚫 Bearish Engulfing

The opposite of the bullish pattern, this setup appears after an uptrend.

  • The first candle is bullish.

  • The second candle is bearish and completely engulfs the previous candle's body.

This suggests that sellers have stepped in forcefully, indicating a possible move lower.


πŸ”Ή Tweezer Tops & Bottoms

Tweezer patterns are another type of two-candlestick reversal pattern that often appears after a strong uptrend or downtrend.

These patterns are known as:

  • Tweezer Top (Bearish Reversal)

  • Tweezer Bottom (Bullish Reversal)

They get their name because the two candlesticks resemble the tips of a pair of tweezers!


βœ… Tweezer Bottom (Bullish)

  • Typically found at the end of a downtrend.

  • The first candle is bearish, in line with the downtrend.

  • The second candle is bullish, signaling potential reversal.

  • Both candlesticks have matching (or nearly matching) lowsβ€”a key identifying feature.


🚫 Tweezer Top (Bearish)

  • Typically appears at the end of an uptrend.

  • The first candle is bullish, continuing the uptrend.

  • The second candle is bearish, suggesting a possible reversal.

  • Both candlesticks have matching (or nearly matching) highs.


Key Characteristics of Tweezer Patterns:

  • The first candle aligns with the prevailing trend.

  • The second candle opposes the trend.

  • Equal or nearly equal highs/lows between the two candles reinforce the pattern’s validity.


By recognizing these dual candlestick patternsβ€”Engulfing and Tweezer formationsβ€”you can spot potential market turning points with greater confidence.

Knowledge Check

1. In a bullish engulfing pattern, what must be true about the second candle?