Triangle Pattern Practice
Triangles are coiling springs — price swings narrow between converging trendlines until it breaks. Train to read the squeeze and wait for the break rather than guessing direction early.
A triangle forms as highs and lows converge. A symmetrical triangle has both trendlines tilting toward each other; an ascending triangle has a flat top and rising lows (often bullish); a descending triangle has a flat bottom and falling highs (often bearish). The trade is the breakout from the apex.
How to spot it
- ✓ Find at least two reaction highs and two lows that form converging lines.
- ✓ Note the type: symmetrical, ascending or descending.
- ✓ Range and volume usually contract into the apex.
- ✓ The signal is a decisive close outside a trendline, ideally on rising volume.
- ✓ Beware the apex — late in the triangle, breaks are weaker.
⚠️ Common mistake
Picking a direction inside the triangle. The whole point is that direction is undecided until the break — trading the middle just gets you chopped up.
FAQ
Which way does a symmetrical triangle break?
It can break either way; the prior trend gives a mild bias but the breakout decides. Wait for the close outside the lines. This page is practice, not advice.
What about false breakouts?
They happen. Many traders wait for a candle to close beyond the line, or for a retest to hold, before committing. Risk management is yours to decide.