Introduction to Single Candle Patterns
Explore the most important single-candle patterns -- hammer, doji, marubozu, and more -- and learn to spot them on any chart.
Introduction to Single Candle Patterns
Single-candle patterns are the building blocks of candlestick analysis. Each pattern consists of just one candle whose shape, size, and context convey a specific message about market sentiment. They are the fastest signals you can act on but demand the most contextual awareness.
The Hammer
The hammer appears after a downtrend and signals a potential bullish reversal. Structure: small body near the top, long lower shadow (at least 2x body length), little or no upper shadow. Body can be green or red. Psychology: sellers pushed price down sharply but buyers surged in at lower prices, recovering near the open. Only valid after a downtrend.
The Shooting Star
Bearish mirror appearing after an uptrend. Small body near the bottom, long upper shadow, little lower shadow. Buyers pushed higher but sellers rejected the advance, driving price back to the open.
The Doji Family
Standard doji: Open and close are equal, moderate shadows. Pure indecision. After a trend, signals momentum has stalled.
Dragonfly doji: Open, close, and high are at the same level with a long lower shadow. Very bullish at support after a downtrend.
Gravestone doji: Open, close, and low at the same level with a long upper shadow. Very bearish at resistance after an uptrend.
Long-legged doji: Exceptionally long shadows both directions. Extreme volatility paired with total indecision. Appears at major turning points.
The Marubozu
Full body, no shadows. Bullish marubozu: open is the low, close is the high -- total buyer dominance. Bearish marubozu: open is the high, close is the low -- total seller dominance. These are the strongest possible one-directional candles.
The Spinning Top
Small body in the middle with roughly equal shadows on both sides. Represents indecision. After a strong trend, suggests the trend may be losing steam.
The Hanging Man
Identical to the hammer structurally but appears after an uptrend. The intra-period selloff warns that sellers are becoming active. Requires bearish confirmation on the next candle.
The Inverted Hammer
Appears after a downtrend with a small body near the bottom and long upper shadow. Buyers tried to push higher during a decline -- demand is beginning to appear. Needs bullish confirmation.
Trading Rules for Single Candle Patterns
> Key Takeaway: Single-candle patterns are the vocabulary of candlestick trading. Each shape tells a micro-story about buyer-seller dynamics. Learn them fluently, but always demand context and confirmation before risking capital.