The kicker pattern is one of the most powerful two-candle reversal signals in candlestick analysis. It forms when the second candle opens at or beyond the open of the prior candle and moves aggressively in the opposite direction, effectively 'kicking' away from the previous sentiment. Kickers often occur after overnight news events or fundamental catalysts that cause an abrupt sentiment shift.
A bullish kicker begins with a bearish candle followed by a bullish candle that opens at or above the prior candle's open. A bearish kicker begins with a bullish candle followed by a bearish candle that opens at or below the prior candle's open. The gap between the two candles' opens is the defining feature of a valid kicker. Volume should be significantly higher on the kicker candle. The pattern signals institutional-grade conviction in the new direction.
Enter immediately after the kicker candle closes with high volume. The open-to-open gap is mandatory for a valid signal. Confirm with a break of the prior candle's high (bullish) or low (bearish). Look for the pattern near major structural levels for added significance.
Stop at the midpoint of the kicker candle's body. Target a minimum of two times the kicker candle's range. Exit if the kicker gap fills within the next two sessions. Trail stops aggressively as momentum typically follows through.
Daily, Weekly
Kicker patterns are among the highest-conviction candlestick signals because they represent a complete sentiment shift in a single session. Never fade a kicker — the follow-through rate is exceptionally high. In crypto, look for kickers after major news releases or protocol upgrades that cause overnight gaps on lower-liquidity exchanges.
The hammer and hanging man are single-candle patterns with small real bodies and long lower shadows (at least 2× the body). A hammer appears at the bottom of a downtrend (bullish), while a hanging man appears at the top of an uptrend (bearish). The long wick indicates that sellers pushed price down but buyers recaptured ground.
Doji and spinning top candles signal indecision between buyers and sellers. A doji has nearly identical open and close prices, while a spinning top has a small body with long wicks on both sides. These patterns are most significant at the end of extended trends where they can foreshadow reversals.
An inside bar is a candle completely contained within the range (high to low) of the previous candle. It represents a contraction of volatility and indecision. Inside bars are used as breakout setups — traders wait for price to break above or below the inside bar's range (or the 'mother bar' range) to enter.
A harami (Japanese for 'pregnant') is a two-candle pattern where a small candle is completely contained within the prior candle's body. A bullish harami appears in downtrends; a bearish harami in uptrends. Haramis signal fading momentum but require confirmation before trading.