Three crows hanging on the branch: How to interpret the precursor of the plunge?

The three black crows pattern signals a bearish reversal in crypto markets, indicating strong selling pressure and a potential price plunge after an uptrend.

Jun 02, 2025 at 11:49 pm

The concept of "three crows hanging on the branch" is a well-known bearish candlestick pattern in the world of cryptocurrency trading. This pattern, often referred to simply as "three black crows," can signal a potential plunge in the price of a cryptocurrency. Understanding this pattern is crucial for traders looking to anticipate market movements and manage their investments effectively.

What are the Three Black Crows?

The three black crows pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that appears at the end of an uptrend. It consists of three consecutive long-bodied bearish (red or black) candlesticks that open within the body of the previous candle and close near their lows. Each candlestick in the pattern should have little to no lower shadow, indicating strong selling pressure.

How to Identify the Three Black Crows Pattern?

Identifying the three black crows pattern involves a few key steps:

• Observe the trend: The pattern should appear after a clear uptrend. This is important because the pattern indicates a potential reversal from bullish to bearish sentiment.
• Check the candlestick bodies: Each of the three candlesticks should have a long body, showing significant downward movement from open to close.
• Look at the opening prices: Each candlestick should open within the body of the previous candlestick, preferably near the close of the prior candle.
• Examine the lower shadows: The lower shadows should be minimal or non-existent, indicating that the bears are in control throughout the trading session.

What Does the Three Black Crows Pattern Signal?

The three black crows pattern signals that the bears have taken control of the market. After a period of bullish activity, the appearance of this pattern suggests that the buyers are losing momentum, and the sellers are now driving the price down. This can be an early warning sign of a potential price plunge, prompting traders to consider their positions carefully.

How to Trade Based on the Three Black Crows Pattern?

Trading based on the three black crows pattern requires a strategic approach:

• Confirm the pattern: Before acting on the pattern, it's wise to wait for confirmation. This could be another bearish candlestick or a significant drop in price following the pattern.
• Set stop-loss orders: To manage risk, traders should set stop-loss orders above the highest high of the three crows pattern. This helps limit potential losses if the market reverses unexpectedly.
• Consider short positions: The pattern suggests a good opportunity for short selling. Traders might enter a short position after confirming the pattern and set a target price based on previous support levels or other technical indicators.
• Monitor market conditions: Keep an eye on overall market sentiment and other technical indicators. The three black crows pattern is more reliable when it aligns with other bearish signals.

Examples of the Three Black Crows Pattern in Cryptocurrency Markets

To better understand the three black crows pattern, let's look at a few examples from the cryptocurrency markets:

• Bitcoin (BTC): In early 2021, Bitcoin experienced a significant uptrend, reaching an all-time high. Following this peak, a three black crows pattern appeared, signaling a potential reversal. Traders who recognized this pattern might have entered short positions, profiting from the subsequent price drop.
• Ethereum (ETH): In mid-2020, Ethereum showed a strong uptrend, but a three black crows pattern emerged, indicating a shift in market sentiment. This pattern was followed by a notable decline in price, validating the bearish signal.

How to Use the Three Black Crows Pattern in Conjunction with Other Indicators?

While the three black crows pattern is a powerful signal on its own, it can be even more effective when used in conjunction with other technical indicators:

• Moving Averages: If the three black crows pattern appears below a key moving average (such as the 50-day or 200-day moving average), it reinforces the bearish outlook.
• Relative Strength Index (RSI): An RSI reading above 70 indicates overbought conditions. If the three black crows pattern appears alongside an overbought RSI, it strengthens the case for a potential reversal.
• Volume: High trading volume during the formation of the three black crows pattern can confirm the strength of the bearish sentiment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Three Black Crows Pattern

When using the three black crows pattern, traders should be aware of common pitfalls:

• Ignoring the trend: The pattern is most reliable when it appears after a clear uptrend. If it appears during a downtrend or a sideways market, its significance diminishes.
• Overlooking confirmation: Acting on the pattern without waiting for confirmation can lead to premature trades. Always look for additional bearish signals before entering a position.
• Neglecting risk management: Failing to set stop-loss orders can expose traders to significant losses if the market moves against them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the three black crows pattern be used for all cryptocurrencies?

A: Yes, the three black crows pattern can be applied to any cryptocurrency, as it is a universal technical analysis tool. However, its reliability may vary depending on the liquidity and volatility of the specific cryptocurrency.

Q: How long should I wait for confirmation after spotting the three black crows pattern?

A: The timeframe for confirmation can vary, but generally, traders wait for at least one additional bearish candlestick or a significant price drop within the next few trading sessions to confirm the pattern.

Q: Are there any bullish counterparts to the three black crows pattern?

A: Yes, the bullish counterpart to the three black crows pattern is called the "three white soldiers." This pattern consists of three consecutive long-bodied bullish (green or white) candlesticks that open within the body of the previous candle and close near their highs, signaling a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.

Q: Can the three black crows pattern be used in conjunction with fundamental analysis?

A: While the three black crows pattern is primarily a technical analysis tool, it can be used alongside fundamental analysis. For instance, if negative news or developments coincide with the pattern, it may reinforce the bearish signal and provide a stronger case for a potential price plunge.