Double and Triple Running Flats

If the market is forms more than one running flat as a corrective wave, it means we have a complex correction. We know by now that a complex correction has at least one x-wave, and this x-wave can be either a small or a large one. The name of these patterns, double and triple running flats, tells us that the x-wave is a large one, as only large x-waves can possibly form in running corrections. In other words, by the time the first running flat is completed (which is already a powerful statement about the move to come!), a large x-wave should form. This large x-wave goes in the same direction as the b-wave of the running flat. Considering that the b-wave of the running flat is the longest and most aggressive one out of the overall a-b-c structure, it means that the x-wave will be at least as powerful as the b-wave.

Double Running Flat

A double running flat pattern has two running flats connected by a large x-wave. This is the definition, and it is quite a straightforward one. All we have to do is to find the first running flat, and look for an x-wave that should exceed the end of the b-wave in the running flat, and then another running flat will follow. As the title of this article suggests, this is one of the most powerful corrective patterns of them all. The move the market forms will be almost vertical, and traders will be of the impression that it is an impulsive wave. This is correct to some extent, but only as part of the overall impulsive wave. For places where running corrections appear, please refer to the article that deals with that subject. How does one identify a running flat in the first place anyway? The key comes, as with anything when it comes to flats, from the b-wave. The longer the b-wave is, the most likely waves a and c will be similar in both price and time. This means that we can virtually find out the end of the c-wave based on the information that we already know from the previous a-wave. A double running flat is characterised by few or no retracements, which means that if you’re on the wrong side of this pattern, the market will not give you any chance to get out. To add a new position in such a pattern means to look for mostly 38.2% and 23.6% retracement levels, as the price is not able to retrace much more.

Triple Running Flat

If a double running flat is a powerful corrective wave, then the triple one is more powerful again, if that is even possible. Such a pattern implies no less than three different running flats connected by two intervening x-waves. These x-waves are powerful corrections on their own – running ones – and are influencing the overall pattern in the sense that, like it was in the case of a double running flat, they will have few or no retracement levels. The two connective x-wave are large ones that go well beyond the end of the previous b-wave in the running flat, and most of the time are zigzags, double zigzags, or even triple zigzags. If one is looking for a comparison between running corrections in order to find out which one is the most vicious one, then the triple running flat is by far the most powerful corrective pattern for the following reasons, among others:

• Being a running correction, it will be followed by a minimum 161.8% extension when compared with the move prior to the running correction.
• The three running flats that make the pattern move almost in a vertical line, and there is no place for consolidation like there is in the case of a triple three running, for example. A triple three running almost always ends with a triangle, and there is therefore plenty of time for the triangle to form, so traders can see it and position accordingly. In a triple running flat, there is little or no consolidation as the only pullbacks will be the c-waves of the three running flats.
• On top of the two things mentioned above, the 161.8% extension comes after such an aggressive move that it will give traders the impression that the market will never stop. This is just a wrong impression, as well-prepared traders will know that a running pattern has actually just been completed.

All in all, double and triple running flat patterns do not form that often, but they do tend to appear on the Forex market. When they do, it is important not to fade such a move, as it will be an expensive move to be faded.