This flexibility benefits day traders, swing traders, and long-term investors alike.
Limitations of the Mat Hold Candlestick Pattern
Despite its reliability, the Mat Hold pattern has certain drawbacks.
1. Rare Occurrence
The Mat Hold pattern is not common, especially on lower timeframes. Its exact five-candle setup makes it happen rarely, so traders shouldn`t depend on it as their main strategy.
2. May Be Confused With Other Patterns
Beginners may confuse Mat Hold with patterns like:
- Rising Three Methods
- Morning Star
- Flag patterns
Because of the similar consolidation appearance, misidentification can lead to incorrect trades.
3. Requires Clear Trend Conditions
The Mat Hold pattern works best when there`s a strong and clear trend. If the market is moving sideways or is very shaky, the pattern isn`t reliable and can lead to misleading breakout signals.
4. Pullback Size May Vary
If the small candles of the pullback drop below the midpoint of the first candle, the pattern becomes invalid. In real charts, volatility may distort the structure.
5. Volume Confirmation Needed
Volume patterns help show how strong a trend is continuing. If you don`t check the volume, traders might think a pattern is reliable when it`s not.
How to Trade the Mat Hold Candlestick Pattern
Here`s a simple step-by-step method:
Step 1: Spot the Pattern
Identify the five-candle structure during a clearly defined uptrend.
Step 2: Wait for the Breakout Candle
Do not enter during the pullback. Wait for the fifth candle to close above the first candle`s high.
Step 3: Confirm With Indicators
Use tools like moving averages or RSI to avoid false signals.
Step 4: Place Your Entry
Enter after the breakout candle closes.
Step 5: Set a Stop-Loss
Place a stop-loss below the lowest point of the pullback candles to manage risk.
Step 6: Determine Your Profit Target
You can use:
- Previous resistance levels
- Fibonacci extensions
- Trendline projections