The Abandoned Baby in a Liquid Market: A Forex Trader’s Hidden Goldmine
Why This Pattern Holds More Power Than You Think
Imagine this: You’re walking into your favorite coffee shop, and just as you’re about to order, you see an untouched, steaming cup of your exact coffee order sitting there—paid for, untouched, and abandoned. Do you take it? Probably not. But in Forex, an “Abandoned Baby” isn’t just free coffee—it’s a golden trading opportunity waiting to be claimed.
In the fast-moving liquid market of Forex, where transactions flow like a high-speed express train, recognizing a rare yet powerful Abandoned Baby pattern can put you light-years ahead of the crowd. While most traders are busy fumbling through lagging indicators, you’ll be sniping precise market reversals with ninja-like precision.
But here’s the kicker: Most traders ignore the Abandoned Baby because they think it’s unreliable. They’re missing out—big time. This pattern, when combined with the right volume and liquidity insights, can unlock some of the highest probability setups in trading.
Let’s dive into this often-overlooked gem and show you how to wield it like a seasoned Forex warrior.
What is the Abandoned Baby Candlestick Pattern?
The Abandoned Baby is a rare reversal candlestick formation that signals a potential shift in market direction. It consists of three candles:
- A strong bullish or bearish candle.
- A doji that gaps away from the previous candle (this is the ‘abandoned’ part).
- A candle in the opposite direction, confirming the reversal.
Why is this pattern powerful?
- It shows extreme market hesitation, which often means big money is recalibrating positions.
- It occurs at key psychological levels, making it more reliable.
- It appears in liquid markets with strong institutional participation, meaning higher accuracy and lower slippage.
But wait—here’s what most traders miss: It’s NOT just about the candles. The real magic happens when you combine it with liquidity analysis.
Why Liquid Markets Make This Pattern 10x More Effective
A liquid market is one where trades execute quickly, with minimal price impact. Think of it like a supermarket—products are always in stock, and prices don’t fluctuate wildly. The Forex market, especially major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD, is one of the most liquid markets on the planet.
So what does this mean for the Abandoned Baby?
- In highly liquid markets, gaps are rare. If you see an Abandoned Baby with a genuine gap, it means something BIG is brewing.
- It reduces false signals. Less slippage means you can enter and exit trades with more precision.
- It amplifies momentum shifts. Since liquidity ensures smoother price action, a sudden reversal is often institutionally driven rather than retail noise.
Want proof? According to a study by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), more than $7.5 trillion is traded daily in Forex markets, making it the most liquid asset class globally. In these conditions, patterns like the Abandoned Baby hold significantly more weight.
How to Trade the Abandoned Baby Like a Pro
To turn this pattern into a high-probability trading strategy, follow this 3-step ninja approach:
1. Identify the Pattern in the Right Context
Not all Abandoned Baby setups are equal. Before trading, check these:
- Volume spike: High volume on the reversal candle confirms institutional involvement.
- Key levels: Is it near support/resistance or a Fibonacci level? If yes, higher accuracy.
- News catalyst: If the pattern forms before major news (NFP, CPI, FOMC), extra caution is needed.
2. Confirm with Liquidity Indicators
Most traders ignore liquidity, but professionals use tools like:
- Order Book Data: Shows where big orders are sitting.
- VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price): Confirms if the reversal is backed by real money.
- Market Depth Charts: Reveals how strong the buying/selling pressure is.
3. Execute with a Risk-Optimized Entry & Exit
Once confirmed, enter with these guidelines:
- Entry: Buy/Sell at the open of the confirmation candle.
- Stop-Loss: Below the doji (for bullish) or above it (for bearish) to minimize risk.
- Target: Aim for at least 2x risk or the next key resistance/support level.
Real-World Example: GBP/USD Abandoned Baby in a Liquid Market
In March 2024, GBP/USD formed a perfect Bullish Abandoned Baby right at a strong support zone (1.2500). Traders who recognized it and combined it with liquidity confirmation saw a 230-pip rally in 48 hours—while others hesitated and missed out.
The kicker? Institutional footprints were all over this move:
- VWAP showed heavy accumulation.
- Market depth confirmed limited sellers above the breakout level.
- High-frequency trading (HFT) models jumped in, accelerating the rally.
If you’d used our Smart Trading Tool, you could have spotted this setup in real-time.
???? Get access now: Smart Trading Tool
Final Thoughts: The Forgotten Power of the Abandoned Baby in Forex
Most traders overlook the Abandoned Baby because it’s rare, but in a liquid market, it’s one of the most powerful reversal patterns. By combining it with liquidity insights, you’ll be trading on a whole new level—while the rest of the market plays checkers, you’ll be mastering 4D chess.
Recap of Elite Tactics:
✅ Only trade it in high-liquidity conditions (major Forex pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD)
✅ Confirm with volume and order flow tools to ensure institutions are involved
✅ Use key levels and VWAP for sniper entries to reduce risk and maximize rewards
✅ Avoid trading it before major news events unless you’re prepared for volatility
Now it’s your turn—have you ever spotted an Abandoned Baby setup in real-time? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!
—————–
Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
Share This Articles
Recent Articles
The GBP/NZD Magic Trick: How Genetic Algorithms Can Transform Your Forex Strategy
The British Pound-New Zealand Dollar: Genetic Algorithms and the Hidden Forces Shaping Currency Pairs
Chande Momentum Oscillator Hack for AUD/JPY
The Forgotten Momentum Trick That’s Quietly Dominating AUD/JPY Why Most Traders Miss the Signal
Bearish Market Hack HFT Firms Hope You’ll Never Learn
The One Bearish Market Hack High Frequency Traders Don't Want You to Know The