Classic Patterns Through a Zone Lens
Double top = two reactions at supply
A double top forms when price tests the same supply zone twice and fails both times. The 'neckline' is simply a demand zone below. The zone view shows you where to short (at the supply zone proximal on the second test) rather than waiting for the neckline break, which gives a much worse R:R.
Head and shoulders = zone + imbalance
The left shoulder and head are sequential supply tests. The right shoulder is a lower-high demand zone break. The zone lens shows you the right shoulder supply as the highest R:R entry — before the 'pattern' completes.
Bull flag = RBR continuation
A flag is a brief pause (base) in an uptrend — exactly an RBR (Rally-Base-Rally) continuation demand zone. Marking the flag as a demand zone gives precise proximal/distal lines and an exact invalidation, unlike the arbitrary 'flag pole' measurement.
Why zones give better entries
Classic patterns require waiting for a 'completion' signal (e.g., neckline break, flag breakout) that is already deep into the move. Zone entries happen earlier at the structural level, with a defined distal as stop — maximising the reward-to-risk ratio.
Practice checklist
- Double top → identify the supply zone at the top, entry on second test near proximal
- Flag → identify as RBR demand zone, entry near proximal
- Head-and-shoulders → right shoulder supply zone is the highest R:R entry
- Always use proximal/distal for risk, not the pattern's arbitrary rules
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for a textbook pattern to 'complete' and entering at poor R:R
- Trading the pattern without a risk-defined level — no proximal/distal = undefined stop