What is the Quasimodo (QML) Pattern?

Understanding the Quasimodo (QML) Pattern

The Quasimodo pattern, or QML, is a price structure where a higher high (or lower low) forms a false breakout before reversing sharply. It creates a sequence of higher high/lower low followed by lower high/higher low, hinting at trend reversal.

Trade Setup

Identify the left shoulder, head, and right shoulder. Enter at the origin zone where the left shoulder formed, aligning with supply/demand levels. Place stops beyond the head to avoid invalidation.

Execution Discipline

Wait for the right shoulder to complete and price to respect the zone before entering. Avoid chasing early—premature entries expose you to continuation risk.

Practical Playbook

• Define context on higher timeframes, then execute on intraday charts.
• Wait for confirmation (acceptance, momentum, or confluence) before entry.
• Size positions conservatively and place stops at clear invalidation levels.
• Adapt to session dynamics; conditions shift between Asia, London, and New York.

Common Pitfalls

• Forcing trades without alignment across timeframe, structure, and catalyst.
• Ignoring spreads/slippage during news or thin liquidity.
• Moving stops or adding to losers instead of honoring the plan.

Illustrative Example

Build a simple playbook: identify bias, mark key zones/levels, define triggers and invalidation, and pre‑set targets for 2–3R. Journal results by session and setup to refine rules. Over time, consistency—not prediction—drives outcomes.

Practical Playbook

• Define context on higher timeframes, then execute on intraday charts.
• Wait for confirmation (acceptance, momentum, or confluence) before entry.
• Size positions conservatively and place stops at clear invalidation levels.
• Adapt to session dynamics; conditions shift between Asia, London, and New York.

Common Pitfalls

• Forcing trades without alignment across timeframe, structure, and catalyst.
• Ignoring spreads/slippage during news or thin liquidity.
• Moving stops or adding to losers instead of honoring the plan.

Illustrative Example

Build a simple playbook: identify bias, mark key zones/levels, define triggers and invalidation, and pre‑set targets for 2–3R. Journal results by session and setup to refine rules. Over time, consistency—not prediction—drives outcomes.