Nine Buying & Selling Tests
Overview
Wyckoff's nine buying tests and nine selling tests are systematic checklists that traders apply to determine whether an accumulation or distribution trading range has completed its purpose and is ready to transition into a markup or markdown phase. Each test evaluates a specific aspect of price and volume behaviour within the range, providing objective criteria for entering positions at the conclusion of a Wyckoff phase.
Key Concepts
The nine buying tests evaluate whether accumulation is complete and markup is imminent. The nine selling tests evaluate whether distribution is complete and markdown is imminent. Tests include: downside objective fulfilled, preliminary support, selling climax, secondary test, volume decreases on rallies versus reactions, and more. All nine tests should be satisfied before taking a position. The tests transform subjective pattern recognition into an objective checklist. Tests are evaluated using both price action and volume analysis across multiple timeframes.
Entry Signals
Enter a long position only after all nine buying tests are satisfied within an accumulation range. Enter a short position only after all nine selling tests are satisfied within a distribution range. The final test — the sign of strength or sign of weakness — provides the specific entry trigger. Confirm with a volume surge at the breakout from the trading range that aligns with the completed tests.
Exit Signals
Use point and figure projections from the trading range to set profit targets. Exit if price re-enters the trading range with strong volume after the breakout. Stop below the last point of support within the accumulation range. Partial profit at the first projected target and trail the remainder using Wyckoff re-accumulation or redistribution logic.
Best Timeframes
Daily, Weekly
Pro Tips
The nine tests require patience and discipline — rushing to call accumulation or distribution complete before all tests are satisfied leads to premature entries and unnecessary losses. The process of working through each test forces a thorough analysis of the trading range and dramatically reduces emotional trading. Study the original Wyckoff course material for the complete test specifications.
More Topics in This Category
Distribution Schematics
Wyckoff Distribution is the phase where institutional operators sell their accumulated positions into retail buying pressure. Key events include: Preliminary Supply (PSY), Buying Climax (BC), Automatic Reaction (AR), Secondary Test (ST), Upthrust After Distribution (UTAD), Sign of Weakness (SOW), and Last Point of Supply (LPSY).
Composite Man Theory
The Composite Man is Wyckoff's conceptual framework for understanding market manipulation. Wyckoff proposed viewing the market as if a single, all-powerful operator orchestrates every move — accumulating at low prices, marking up, distributing at high prices, and marking down. While no single entity controls the market, aggregating institutional behaviour creates patterns that appear coordinated.
Accumulation Schematics
Wyckoff Accumulation is the phase where institutional operators quietly buy large positions without driving price up. The schematic includes: Preliminary Support (PS), Selling Climax (SC), Automatic Rally (AR), Secondary Test (ST), Spring/Shakeout, Sign of Strength (SOS), Last Point of Support (LPS), and the eventual Markup phase.
Spring & Upthrust
The Spring is a false breakdown below accumulation range support designed to trigger stop losses and create a liquidity pool for institutional buying. The Upthrust (UTAD) is the mirror — a false breakout above distribution range resistance that traps breakout buyers. Both are liquidity engineering events.