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Hikkake Pattern

Candlestick Neutral

A trap pattern where an inside bar is followed by a false breakout then reversal. Catches traders offside.

Success Probability:
69%

Pattern Visualization

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How to Identify

  • Inside bar (second candle within first range)
  • Third candle breaks one direction
  • Fourth candle reverses other direction
  • Trap pattern

Trading Tips

Trap for breakout traders. Wait for confirmation. Enter on reversal. Stop beyond false break.

Hikkake Pattern is a neutral candlestick pattern that signals market indecision. Neither buyers nor sellers have established control, and the next candle’s direction determines which side wins.

What This Pattern Tells You

This pattern signals that the market cannot decide which direction to take. The balance between buyers and sellers is even, and a resolution is pending. Traders should wait for the next candle to break clearly in one direction before acting.

How to Trade It

Entry: Enter on reversal.

Stop loss: Stop beyond false break.

Target: Aim for a measured move equal to the height of the pattern, or target the next significant support or resistance level.

Confirmation: Do not act on the pattern alone. Require at least one confirming signal such as a follow-through candle, a volume spike, or a supporting oscillator reading before entering.

When Is It Most Reliable

Look for this pattern at significant price levels such as key support, resistance, or round numbers. The signal gains credibility when accompanied by narrowing volatility or a notable shift in volume. Always wait for the following candle to confirm the direction before acting.

How to Identify It

Look for the following characteristics when identifying Hikkake Pattern on a chart:

  • Inside bar (second candle within first range).
  • Third candle breaks one direction.
  • Fourth candle reverses other direction.
  • Trap pattern.

Reliability

With a 69% historical success rate, Hikkake Pattern sits in the solid reliability tier among candlestick patterns. No technical signal is infallible. Always define your maximum acceptable loss before entering a trade, and honour your stop loss without exception.

📚 Educational content only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Full disclaimer