Corrective waves fall into 4 different categories:
The zig-zag (3 variations: simple, double, triple)
The flat correction (3 variations: standard, irregular, doubly irregular)
The triangle (4 types: ascending, descending, closed, open)
The double three and the triple three
The zig-zag features 3 waves:
(A): 5 descending waves
(B): 3 ascending waves
(C): 5 descending waves
The summit of wave B is lower than the start of wave A.
When a Zig Zag is followed by 3 waves and another Zig Zag, it's known as a double Zig Zag (triple Zig Zags also exist).
A corrective wave is always broken down into 3 waves.
The strength of sub-wave C is equal to that of sub-wave A or equal to .168 or 1.618 times that of sub-wave A.
If wave 2 is a zig-zag, wave 4 will be a flat correction.
If wave 2 is a flat correction, wave 4 wil be a zig-zag.
In a zig-zag, sub-wave C will end at the lowest point of wave A's summit.
Flat correction
The summit of wave B is almost at the same level as the start of wave A.
Wave C is right across from wave A.
A flat correction can be broken down into a 3-3-5 pattern.
Irregular flat correction
The summit of wave B is higher than the start of wave A.
The end of wave C is lower or at the same level as the end of wave A.
Doubly irregular flat correction
Wave C does not sink as low as wave A does.
In a flat correction, sub-wave B often retraces at least 61.8% of sub-wave A, but no more than 161.8%.
The maximum strength of sub-wave C is 2.618 times the strength of the largest between sub-waves A and B.
Sub-wave A is often a zig-zag.
Sub-wave B is rarely a flat correction.
Sub-waves A, B and C either have similar strengths, or sub-wave C has an amplitude equal to 161.8% of the strength of sub-wave A.
Sub-wave C often has at least 38.2% of the strength of sub-wave A.
There are 4 different types of horizontal triangles: ascending, descending, open and closed. The examples on the left feature triangles in a market that is rising.
Corrective waves in a triangle configuration are comprised of 5 sub-waves (a, b, c, d, e).
These sub-waves are made of 3 waves, and each end features a trend line.
Triangles are often formed during wave 4.
Only sub-wave E can be a triangle.
Each sub-wave within a triangle retraces at least 50% of the preceding sub-wave.
Sub-waves that are in the same direction (A and C, B and D, A and E or C and E) usually have a strength that is related by a ratio of about .618.
The double three can be broken down into 7 sub-waves that are comprised of:
(A) A corrective wave comprised of 3 sub-waves (zig-zag or flat shape).
(B) A transition wave (1 sub-wave).
(C) A second corrective wave comprised of 3 sub-waves (zig-zag, flat or triangle shape).
The triple three can be broken down into 11 sub-waves that are comprised of:
A corrective wave (3 sub-waves), a transition (1 sub-wave), a second corrective wave (3 sub-waves), a second transition (1 sub-wave), and a third corrective wave (3 sub-waves).
Wave A of a double three or triple three cannot be a triangle.
Wave B of a double three or triple three is frequently a zig-zag.
Double threes or triple threes are often formed during wave 4.