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Hanging Man Pattern

A bearish reversal candlestick identical to a hammer but appearing at the top of uptrends, signaling potential reversal.

Quick Answer

A bearish reversal candlestick identical to a hammer but appearing at the top of uptrends, signaling potential reversal.

What Is the Hanging Man Pattern?

The Hanging Man has the same shape as a Hammer - small body at the top with a long lower shadow - but appears at the top of an uptrend. It signals that despite buyers pushing prices up, sellers were able to push back significantly during the session. This tug-of-war at a high point can indicate the uptrend is weakening.

How the Hanging Man Forms

  1. 1Small body near the high of the candle
  2. 2Long lower shadow (2x body length minimum)
  3. 3Little to no upper shadow
  4. 4Forms after an uptrend

How to Confirm the Pattern

Appears at resistance level
Following candle closes below hanging man body
Volume on hanging man is significant
Bearish candle follows for confirmation

Best Timeframes for Hanging Man

1H4HDaily

How to Trade the Hanging Man

  • Identify potential top reversals
  • Time exits from long positions
  • Set stops above hanging man high
  • Combine with resistance analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing with bullish hammer
Trading without confirmation
Ignoring the uptrend context requirement
Not waiting for bearish follow-through

Detect Hanging Man Automatically

VaultCharts automatically detects Hanging Man patterns on your charts. No manual analysis needed - the pattern is highlighted with entry zones and targets.

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