Is the gap pressure effective? Three major cases verify the breakthrough conditions

Bitcoin's 2017 bull run showcased effective gap pressure, with multiple weekly gaps signaling strong momentum and sustained upward movement.

Jun 13, 2025 at 04:35 am

Understanding the Gap Pressure in Cryptocurrency Trading

In cryptocurrency trading, gap pressure refers to a technical analysis concept where price gaps form due to sudden market movements. These gaps often occur between the closing price of one trading session and the opening price of the next. Traders pay close attention to these gaps because they can indicate strong momentum or potential reversals. Gap pressure is considered effective when it leads to a sustained price movement in the direction of the gap, especially after a consolidation phase.

This article explores whether gap pressure is truly effective by analyzing three major cases from the crypto market. Each case focuses on specific conditions under which gaps lead to successful breakouts.

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Case One: Bitcoin’s 2017 Bull Run and the Weekly Gap Formation

One of the most notable examples of gap pressure effectiveness occurred during Bitcoin's bull run in 2017. Between June and December, Bitcoin formed multiple weekly gaps as institutional interest surged and media coverage intensified. A significant gap appeared around October when Bitcoin broke above $5,000 for the first time.

• Price Gaps Occurred: The candlestick chart showed clear gaps upwards with no overlap between the previous week's close and the new week's open.
• Volume Surge Confirmed Strength: High volume accompanied the gaps, reinforcing their validity.
• Breakout Followed: After the gap formation, Bitcoin continued its upward trajectory without immediate pullback.

This example illustrates that when gap pressure occurs alongside high volume and positive sentiment, it can serve as a reliable indicator for further price movement.

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Case Two: Ethereum’s Post-Merge Correction and Downward Gap

The second case involves Ethereum following the Merge upgrade in September 2022. Despite the network successfully transitioning to proof-of-stake, the broader macroeconomic environment led to selling pressure. On the day of the merge, Ethereum opened significantly lower than its previous close, creating a downward gap.

• Downward Gap Formed: Ethereum gapped down over 5% at the open, showing strong bearish control.
• No Immediate Reversal: Unlike many bullish gaps, this gap was not filled quickly, indicating strong selling momentum.
• Continuation Pattern Observed: Price continued to decline after the gap, confirming the effectiveness of gap pressure in downtrends.

This scenario demonstrates that gap pressure isn’t limited to bullish scenarios; it works equally well in bearish contexts when supported by fundamental or market-driven catalysts.

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Case Three: Solana’s Breakout During Altseason 2023

Solana experienced a sharp rise in early 2023 as part of a broader altcoin rally. Before the surge, SOL traded in a tight range for several weeks. Then, a key gap up occurred when news about increased on-chain activity and exchange listings emerged.

• Consolidation Phase Preceded the Gap: SOL spent over a month in a sideways pattern before breaking out.
• Gap Up Triggered Strong Momentum: The breakout gap was followed by consecutive green candles with increasing volume.
• Gap Filled Partially but Continued Upward: While the initial gap was partially filled, the overall trend remained bullish, showing resilience in gap pressure even after retracement.

This case supports the idea that gap pressure becomes more effective when preceded by consolidation, allowing traders to identify clean entry points post-breakout.

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Key Conditions That Validate Gap Pressure

Not all gaps result in meaningful price action. To determine whether gap pressure is effective, traders should evaluate the following conditions:

• Volume Confirmation: A valid gap should be accompanied by higher-than-average trading volume, signaling genuine market participation.
• Catalyst Presence: News, upgrades, or macroeconomic events often drive powerful gaps.
• Trend Alignment: Gaps that align with the existing trend tend to be more reliable than countertrend ones.
• Consolidation Before the Gap: A period of low volatility before the gap increases the likelihood of a breakout.

These criteria help filter out false signals and improve the accuracy of gap pressure analysis.

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How to Trade Gap Pressure Effectively

To capitalize on gap pressure, traders must follow a structured approach. Here are the essential steps:

• Identify the Gap Type: Determine if it’s a common gap, breakaway gap, runaway gap, or exhaustion gap.
• Measure the Gap Size: Larger gaps often have stronger implications.
• Use Candlestick Patterns: Look for engulfing patterns or dojis near the gap zone to confirm strength or weakness.
• Set Entry Points: Enter once the price retests the gap area or continues in the gap’s direction.
• Place Stop-Loss Orders: Protect capital by placing stops below the gap zone for long entries or above for short entries.
• Monitor Volume Closely: Declining volume after the gap may signal a weakening trend.

By adhering to these steps, traders can enhance their ability to assess the validity and potential profitability of gap pressure setups.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can gap pressure work on smaller timeframes like 1-hour or 4-hour charts?

A: Yes, gap pressure can appear on intraday charts, but it tends to be less reliable than daily or weekly gaps due to increased noise and volatility. It’s crucial to cross-check with volume and trend context.

Q: How long does a gap remain significant in technical analysis?

A: Typically, a gap remains relevant until it gets filled or until new price action overshadows it. In fast-moving markets like crypto, gaps older than two weeks may lose relevance unless tied to a major event.

Q: Are there any indicators that complement gap pressure analysis?

A: Yes, moving averages, RSI, and Bollinger Bands can help validate the strength of a gap. For instance, an RSI reading above 70 after a gap suggests overbought conditions, potentially signaling a reversal.

Q: Do gaps always get filled in cryptocurrency markets?

A: No, while some gaps do get filled, others don't—especially in trending markets. The belief that all gaps will fill is a myth; it depends on market structure and liquidity levels.