Median Line (Andrews’ Pitchfork) – What It Is & How to Trade with It

Median Line (Andrews’ Pitchfork) – What It Is & How to Trade with It

What is the Median Line (Andrews’ Pitchfork)?

The Median Line (Andrews’ Pitchfork) is a technical analysis tool developed by Dr. Alan Andrews to help traders analyze price trends and retracements. It consists of three parallel trendlines that act as dynamic support and resistance levels:

1. Median Line (Central Line): Represents the main trend direction.
2. Upper Parallel Line: Serves as resistance.
3. Lower Parallel Line: Acts as support.

The tool is constructed by selecting three pivot points (a major high, low, and a retracement point), forming a pitchfork-like channel.

Key Features of Andrews’ Pitchfork

• Helps traders define trend direction and potential price channels.
• Provides dynamic support and resistance zones.
• Works well for trend continuation and reversal analysis.

How to Use Andrews’ Pitchfork in Forex Trading

1. Trend-Following Strategy

Andrews’ Pitchfork helps traders identify trend direction:

• Buy when: Price remains above the Median Line and follows an upward channel.
• Sell when: Price stays below the Median Line, indicating a downtrend.

2. Reversal Trading Strategy

Traders use Andrews’ Pitchfork to detect trend reversals:

• Buy when: Price reaches the lower parallel line and shows bullish reversal signs.
• Sell when: Price hits the upper parallel line and forms bearish rejection candles.

3. Breakout Trading Strategy

If price breaks through the Median Line, it signals a potential shift in momentum:

• Buy when: Price breaks above the Median Line and moves toward the upper parallel line.
• Sell when: Price breaks below the Median Line and heads toward the lower parallel line.

Confirmation indicators: Volume increase, MACD crossover, RSI divergence.

4. Andrews’ Pitchfork with Moving Averages

Pairing Andrews’ Pitchfork with a moving average (e.g., 50 EMA) refines trade signals:

• Buy when: Price is above the 50 EMA and follows the upward trend channel.
• Sell when: Price is below the 50 EMA and remains within the downward trend channel.

Pros and Cons of Using Andrews’ Pitchfork

✅ Pros:

• Provides clear trend direction and trade zones.
• Helps traders visualize price action in a structured manner.
• Works well with breakout and mean-reversion strategies.

❌ Cons:

• Requires accurate selection of pivot points.
• Less effective in highly volatile or ranging markets.

Final Thoughts

The Median Line (Andrews’ Pitchfork) is a powerful trend-trading tool that helps forex traders analyze price structure, confirm trends, and identify potential reversals. When combined with moving averages, RSI, or price action strategies, Andrews’ Pitchfork enhances trade accuracy and decision-making.