The Unconventional Game Plan: “Square of 9” & “Broadening Formation” in Forex Trading
The Unconventional Game Plan: Using “Square of 9” and “Broadening Formation” to Win in Forex Trading
If you’ve ever found yourself on the wrong side of a trade, it’s probably felt a lot like that time you bought a pair of shoes two sizes too small just because they were on sale. Except, instead of sore feet, you’ve got an empty wallet—ouch. Well, today’s adventure into Forex trading aims to prevent those painful moments by diving into two powerful yet underrated strategies: the Square of 9 and Broadening Formation. These techniques might just be the secret sauce that helps you go from guessing and stressing to confidently predicting and profiting.
What’s This “Square of 9” Anyway?
The Square of 9, despite sounding like the name of an underground card game, is actually a pretty fascinating tool used in technical analysis. It’s the brainchild of W.D. Gann, a legend whose techniques often evoke equal parts fascination and confusion. Simply put, the Square of 9 is a chart-based tool that uses a spiral and numbers to predict price movements. Think of it as a magic decoder ring for market turning points—except instead of decoder rings, it’s a spiral that turns math into money.
The whole idea behind it? Numbers don’t lie—they just dance in spirals. The Square of 9 reveals how prices rotate, hinting at support and resistance levels that aren’t so obvious. Imagine being able to pinpoint key levels like you have x-ray glasses on the charts. It’s the closest you’ll get to having a cheat code for the Forex market, minus the guilt of breaking any rules.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Math? In trading? And it’s useful?” Trust me, as much as it sounds like a college algebra flashback, the reward here is no joke. With a little practice, you can use it to identify the precise levels where price is likely to stall or reverse. And when you know where the market’s headed, the possibilities get exciting—the kind of excitement you get from being let in on an insider secret.
How to Use the Square of 9 Like a Pro (Without Losing Your Mind)
The first step to harnessing the power of the Square of 9 is to think of it as a map—not just a regular GPS but the kind with secret shortcuts and treasure markers. Start by using the Square of 9 to find crucial market angles and predict turning points. For example, if EUR/USD is hovering around 1.1200, plug that number into the Square of 9 and voila—you’ll get a roadmap for what’s likely next.
It’s not magic—just well-calculated probabilities. A common trick is to use the 90, 180, and 360-degree points. These degrees correspond to levels that often become major support or resistance areas. Think of the 180-degree mark as your market’s midlife crisis—a turning point where everything can change dramatically.
By now, you might feel like this tool is a bit of a wizard’s wand—with a lot of weird, unexplained power—but, here’s where the magic becomes real. When you’re combining the angles of the Square of 9 with a well-informed analysis of trends, you begin to see some patterns others might completely miss. This is how you go from being that trader chasing trends to the one predicting them.
Broadening Formations: The Thing You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s talk about something that’s equally enigmatic but deserves some serious attention: Broadening Formations. Also known as Megaphone Patterns, these formations look like the market’s angry shout that’s just getting louder. This price pattern signals indecision, which means more volatility. And, well, if you’re like me, that’s kind of exciting—especially if you know how to harness it.
The Broadening Formation occurs when price starts making higher highs and lower lows—kind of like a bad day that just keeps getting worse before you eventually laugh it off. The thing is, once you spot a broadening formation, you can prepare for some big moves, but you’ve got to be careful. This pattern’s volatility can trick you into entering a trade too soon. No one wants to be that guy—you know, the one who hits the dance floor before the DJ plays the beat drop.
The trick? Wait for confirmation—like the market has given you a solid handshake and nod of approval. In practical terms, use indicators like RSI to spot divergences that tell you whether it’s finally time to jump in or just take another seat and wait for the show to start. When used properly, Broadening Formations aren’t just noise; they’re a siren song leading you to profitable waters—you just have to have earplugs for the hype and focus on the right notes.
Combining Both for Maximum Effect: The “Why-Not-Both” Strategy
Okay, so why do I love both the Square of 9 and the Broadening Formation? Because when used together, they turn you into the Sherlock Holmes of Forex trading. One is your magnifying glass, highlighting key levels to watch, and the other is your detective hat, helping you notice when the market is just bluffing or seriously trending.
For example, let’s say you’re using the Square of 9 to predict a potential price reversal around a certain level. That’s great intel, but here’s the kicker: if you spot a Broadening Formation around that same price area, you’ve just doubled down on your potential profit opportunity. It’s like being in a poker game and reading everyone else’s bluff—you’re not just playing; you’re winning.
So when EUR/USD starts showing a Broadening Formation just as your Square of 9 hints at resistance? You’re in for a ride—but this time, you’re the one at the steering wheel.
Why Most Traders Miss Out (And How You Won’t)
One major reason traders overlook these tools is because they’re more focused on what’s trending on social media rather than digging into the meat of the market. It’s like trying to make a Michelin-star meal with only TikTok recipes—you might get something good, but you’ll miss the subtle flavors. Using the Square of 9 and Broadening Formations is like having grandma’s secret family recipe—rich in tradition and flavor, these strategies offer something that’s simply a step above the basics.
Most traders lose money because they focus on the obvious. Not you. You’re the kind of trader who’s ready to explore the unknown—the kind who knows that the real insights come from deep, strategic thought, not surface-level glances. And with the Square of 9 and Broadening Formations, you’re going deep—deeper than the rest, which is exactly why you’ll come out ahead.
Now, here’s where it all comes together—and where you get to make these tactics your own. The Square of 9 and Broadening Formation are not about reinventing the wheel; they’re about finding that sneaky shortcut that’s going to make all the difference in your trading.
Next time you’re analyzing the market, I dare you to plug in the Square of 9 and see what it tells you about your favorite pair. And, when you notice a Broadening Formation, remember—it’s just the market shouting at you to pay attention. Lean into these tools, practice them, and don’t be afraid to test them out—these are the strategies that could lead you to the next big win.
If you’re hungry for more and want to make sure you’re always on top of the latest strategies, head over to StarseedFX. We’ve got you covered with tools, free courses, and a supportive community—because no one should go through the ups and downs of Forex alone.
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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.
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