Three Outside Up

Bullish Reversal Pattern
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What is Three Outside Up Pattern?

Three Outside Up is a bullish reversal candlestick pattern that signals a potential shift from a downtrend to an uptrend. It is a three-candle formation based on the bullish engulfing pattern, with the third candle providing confirmation. The pattern reflects a strong transition from selling pressure to buying dominance.

Structure of the Pattern

The Three Outside Up pattern consists of three consecutive candles:

  • Candle 1: A strong bearish candle that continues the existing downtrend, reflecting dominant selling pressure.
  • Candle 2: A strong bullish candle that completely engulfs the body of the first candle, indicating a sudden shift in momentum.
  • Candle 3:** A bullish candle that closes above the high of the second candle, confirming continuation of the upward move.
Three Outside Up Structure
Pattern Structure

Key Conditions for Formation

  • The pattern must form after a clear and sustained downtrend.
  • The second candle must fully engulf the body of the first candle (bullish engulfing).
  • The third candle must be bullish and close above the high of the second candle.
  • The second candle should show strong bullish momentum.
  • The third candle acts as confirmation and should not be weak.

Detailed Explanation

The Three Outside Up pattern represents a strong and decisive shift in market control. The first candle shows continued bearish sentiment, with sellers dominating the market. The second candle completely engulfs the first candle's body, signaling that buyers have entered aggressively and overpowered sellers.

The third candle reinforces this shift by continuing upward and closing above the previous high, confirming that bullish momentum is sustained. This sequence reflects a clear reversal from bearish to bullish conditions.

  • Second candle shows strong buying pressure.
  • Engulfing pattern signals reversal.
  • Third candle confirms bullish continuation.
  • Higher reliability than simple engulfing.
Three Outside Up Chart Example
Chart Example

Market Psychology

This transition from selling pressure to buying strength makes the pattern highly effective.

The psychology behind the Three Outside Up pattern reflects a rapid change in sentiment:

  • Sellers dominate initially (first candle).
  • Buyers step in aggressively and reverse the move (second candle).
  • The engulfing action traps sellers and shifts momentum.
  • The third candle confirms that buyers have taken control.

Trade Interpretation

  • Entry: Traders typically enter a long position after the close of the third bullish candle.
  • Confirmation: A close above the second candle's high confirms continuation of bullish momentum.
  • Stop Loss: Usually placed below the low of the first or second candle.
  • Target: Targets are based on resistance levels or trend continuation strategies.

Timeframe Relevance (Algo Context)

In a 5-minute timeframe environment:

  • The pattern forms over 3 candles (15 minutes total).
  • It becomes active after the third candle closes.
  • It remains valid for the next 1-2 candles.
  • Quick confirmation is important due to short-term volatility.

Role of Volume

Volume enhances the reliability of the pattern:

  • Increased volume during the second candle confirms strong buying interest.
  • Sustained or rising volume during the third candle strengthens continuation.
  • Weak volume reduces the strength of the signal.

Using Indicators for Confirmation

To improve reliability, traders combine the Three Outside Up pattern with technical indicators:

  • RSI: Oversold levels or bullish divergence support reversal.
  • MACD: Bullish crossover strengthens confirmation.
  • Volume: Increasing volume validates the move.

When to Avoid

  • In sideways or choppy markets.
  • When the second candle does not fully engulf the first.
  • When the third candle is weak or lacks follow-through.
  • When there is no prior downtrend.

Precautions

  • Ensure proper engulfing structure in the second candle.
  • Always wait for confirmation from the third candle.
  • Avoid relying solely on the pattern without context.
  • Combine with technical indicators for better accuracy.

Related Patterns

  • Bullish Engulfing
  • Three Inside Up
  • Morning Star
  • Piercing Pattern

Practical Insights

In algorithm-based detection systems:

  • Combine with technical indicators for better accuracy.
  • Confirmation requires the third candle to break the second candle's high.
  • Signals are activated after confirmation and expire within a short time window.
  • Duplicate signals are filtered within short intervals.

Example Scenario

Consider a stock in a downtrend where a bearish candle is followed by a strong bullish candle that completely engulfs it. The next candle continues upward and closes above the previous high. This indicates that buyers have taken control, creating a strong reversal opportunity.

SUMMARY

  • Pattern Type: Bullish Reversal
  • Candles Required: 3
  • Key Signal: Bullish engulfing followed by continuation
  • Best Use Case: End of downtrend
  • Confirmation Needed: Yes
  • Reliability: High when engulfing and follow-through are strong