Ascending and Descending Triangles: How to Trade Both

Triangles with a flat side are among the cleanest patterns because the flat line is a clear, tested level. Buyers or sellers keep hitting it, and eventually it gives way.

Ascending triangle (bullish lean)

Price tests a flat resistance repeatedly while making higher lows. Buyers are stepping in earlier each time, and sellers are defending one price. Each retest weakens that ceiling.

Trade plan:

• Entry: a candle close above the flat resistance, or a retest of it as support.
• Stop: below the most recent higher low (or below the rising trendline).
• Target: project the triangle's height (distance from the first low to the resistance) up from the breakout.

Descending triangle (bearish lean)

Price tests a flat support repeatedly while making lower highs. Sellers are stepping in earlier, and buyers are defending one price. Each retest weakens that floor.

Trade plan:

• Entry: a candle close below the flat support, or a failed retest of it from below.
• Stop: above the most recent lower high (or above the falling trendline).
• Target: project the triangle's height down from the breakdown.

Making them more reliable

1. Count the touches. Two on each line is the minimum; three or more on the flat line is better.
2. Check the trend. An ascending triangle inside an uptrend (continuation) is stronger than one at the end of a downtrend.
3. Look at volume. Contracting volume inside, expansion on the break.
4. Mind the nearby levels. A major resistance just above the breakout shortens your realistic target.

Common mistakes

• Trading the pattern before it breaks.
• Treating a wick through the flat line as a breakout.
• Stops placed exactly at the obvious level, where stop-hunts happen. Give the stop some room.

Related guides

• Symmetrical triangle pattern
• Chart patterns cheat sheet
• Support, resistance and liquidity
• Risk management and position sizing

Frequently asked questions