Understanding the Triple Triples Wave Pattern: A Rare Yet Powerful Elliott Wave Formation
Master one of the rarest Elliott Wave patterns and improve your timing in crypto corrections.
What is the “Triple Triples” Pattern in Wave Analysis?
In order for each of you to fully grasp the essence of the upcoming market reviews, it’s essential to talk about one of the rarest and most complex corrective structures in Elliott Wave Theory — the Triple Triples wave pattern.
This formation is not for beginners, but once you understand its structure, you’ll start seeing it where most traders see noise. The Triple Triples is a combination of three corrective patterns (labeled W, Y, and Z), each joined by two connecting waves, called X waves. In total, it consists of five basic waves: W – X – Y – X – Z
It’s a sideways correction — a war between bulls and bears — not to change direction, but to take a breath.
Why Triple Triples Wave Pattern Matter: Timing vs. Depth
The Triple Triples wave pattern generally appears during shallow horizontal pullbacks, particularly in the 4th wave of a larger impulsive movement. That’s why it often corrects the market in time, not in price depth.
Unlike typical corrections that plunge deeply before the next impulse, Triple Triples “burn” time sideways, letting the market consolidate energy before the final push.
➡️ That’s why they’re so important to identify early — because once you spot them, you know a strong move is likely just around the corner.
Triple Triple Wave Pattern vs. Horizontal Triangle: Similar, Yet Different
Although it may look similar to a horizontal triangle, there are key differences:
The internal waves of Triple Triples are not compressed (unlike the contracting nature of triangles).
The last wave Z often ends outside the second X wave, creating a deceptive final move.
Triangles tend to coil tightly, whereas Triple Triples may appear as stretched, sideways meandering without a clear apex.
Think of a Triple Triple as a disorganized triangle — similar rules, more freedom.
Structure Breakdown: What You Need to Know about the Triple Triples wave pattern
Let’s summarize the pattern with clear technical structure:
🧩 Wave Components:
W, Y, Z: These are standard corrective waves (zigzags, flats, or combinations).
X waves: Connecting corrective waves that tie the components together.
Sometimes the second X wave is written as XX for clarity.
📐 Wave Relations:
The first X wave tends to be equal or larger than wave W.
The second X wave tends to be equal or larger than wave Y.
Each wave component can have different corrective shapes — except triangles.
⏳ Formation Timing:
Appears mostly in flat or sideways markets, especially in wave 4s.
Often a shallow correction against the dominant trend.
📊 Chart Behavior:
The pattern can form either horizontally or with a slight slope.
The flatter the pattern, the more it behaves like a triangle.
🧮 Wave Count:
The wave formula is 3-3-3-3-3: five corrective waves in a row.
How to Trade the Triple Triples Wave Pattern
Because the Triple Triple is typically a continuation pattern, the best strategy is to:
Wait for the structure to complete (usually once wave Z ends).
Confirm direction with breakout volume or support/resistance levels.
Trade the breakout — usually in the direction of the larger trend.
Stops should be placed just below the low of wave Z (for bullish setups) or above it (for bearish setups), while targets often exceed the height of the entire pattern.
When to Be Cautious
Trading a Triple Triple isn’t easy. You need to be sure it’s not just a messy range or a standard triangle. Watch for:
Waves that don’t follow the 3-wave structure (like impulsive-looking internals).
X waves that are too short or don’t look corrective.
Compression — if you see triangle-style squeezing, it might not be a Triple Triple.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Triple Triples Wave Pattern
The Triple Triples wave pattern is one of the most advanced patterns in wave analysis. While rare, its appearance provides strong clues about the market’s intention to continue. If you’re a trader who wants to master Elliott Wave Theory, learning to spot and interpret the Triple Triple will give you an edge that few others have.
📈 Next time you see a flat market and everyone’s confused, look for W-X-Y-X-Z. You might just be ahead of the next big move.