What it means
The Bat is a harmonic pattern with a shallower B and a deeper D than the Gartley: B retraces 0.382–0.5 of XA and D completes at 0.886 of XA.
The deep D keeps the stop beyond X close to the entry.
Why traders use it
Scott Carney defined the Bat in 2001. Its appeal is risk placement: entering at 0.886 of XA with a stop just beyond X gives a small risk relative to the potential move.
Chart examples
Bullish Bat
How to identify it objectively
- 1XA impulse.
- 2B: 0.382–0.5 of XA.
- 3C: 0.382–0.886 of AB.
- 4D: 0.886 of XA.
Bullish use
- 1D near 0.886 of XA below price.
- 2Bullish reversal close at D.
- 3Stop just below X.
Bearish use
- 1Inverted ratios at a high.
- 2Bearish reversal close at D.
- 3Stop just above X.
What confirms it
- B within 0.382–0.5.
- A reaction at D.
What invalidates it
- A close beyond X.
How a hypothetical setup is built
Entry
At D after a reversal close.
Stop
Just beyond X.
Target
0.382 then 0.618 of AD.
A hypothetical illustration of how the concept is turned into a plan, not a recommendation. Practise it on a paper account first.
Related concepts
Historical testing
Not tested on The Tradeskill. In the drawing XA = 10 points: B = 105 (0.5), C = 108.09, D = 101.14 (0.886).
Limitations: when it fails
- Price often trades through X: the stop is small but hit often.
- Ratios are flexible enough to fit many swings.
- No proven edge from the ratios alone.
Knowledge check
Pick an answer to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.