Andrews Pitchfork Review: Settings, Strategy & How to Use It

I’ve spent the last few weeks trading with the built-in Andrews Pitchfork on TradingView. It’s one of those “old school” tools that gets ignored by retail traders who chase the latest lagging oscillators. But there’s a reason it’s survived since the 1960s — when it works, it’s beautiful. Let’s cut through the hype.

What This Indicator Actually Does

Andrews Pitchfork is a median-line tool for identifying potential support, resistance, and trend channels. You draw three parallel lines based on three pivot points:

• Median line — the “handle” of the pitchfork. Price tends to oscillate around it.
• Upper and lower parallel lines — act as dynamic support/resistance.

It doesn’t repaint, it doesn’t predict — it simply frames the market’s current structure. Think of it as a trend-following ruler.

Key Features That Set It Apart

• Non-repainting — once drawn, it stays. No false hope.
• Works on any timeframe — I’ve used it on 5-minute for scalps and daily for swings.
• Median line magnetism — price respects the middle line more often than you’d expect.
• Auto-draw mode — TradingView lets you connect three pivot points manually, or use the auto-draw tool if you’re lazy.

Best Settings with Specific Recommendations

Pro tip: Zoom out to a higher timeframe to identify the three major swing points first. Then apply the Pitchfork on your entry timeframe. This filters noise.

How to Use It for Entries and Exits

Entry rules I’ve tested successfully:

1. Median line bounce — Price touches the median line and forms a bullish/bearish candlestick pattern. Enter on the close of that candle.
2. Upper/lower line rejection — Price hits the upper parallel and prints a pin bar or engulfing candle. Short. Same for the lower line — go long.
3. Breakout of the fork — If price closes outside the upper or lower line with volume, it signals a potential trend acceleration. Enter in the breakout direction.

Exit rules:

• Take partial profits at the opposite parallel line.
• Move stop to median line after first target hit.
• If price respects the median line for more than 3 touches, trail stop below it.

Honest Pros and Cons

Pros

• Simple to learn — three points, three lines. That’s it.
• Objective structure — no subjective trendline drawing.
• Works in ranging and trending markets — the fork adapts to price action.

Cons

• Not a leading indicator — it confirms what’s already happened.
• Can be ambiguous — different traders draw different forks on the same chart.
• Whippy in low volatility — price can chop around the median line without direction.

Who It’s Actually For

• Swing traders who want a clear framework for entries and exits.
• Price action purists who avoid lagging indicators.
• Anyone tired of repainting tools — this is rock solid.

It’s not for scalpers who need quick signals every 30 seconds. And it’s not for beginners who want a “buy/sell” button.

Better Alternatives

If you like the concept but want more automation, check out:

• Auto-Fib Channels — similar structure but with Fibonacci ratios.
• Schiff Pitchfork — a modified version that shifts the median line. I personally find it more reliable in strong trends.
• Standard Deviation Channels — dynamic volatility bands without manual pivot selection.

FAQ

Q: Does Andrews Pitchfork repaint?
A: No. Once you place the three anchors, the lines are fixed until you move them.

Q: Which timeframe works best?
A: 1-hour to daily for swing trading. Lower timeframes (5-15 min) work for scalping but need tighter stops.

Q: Can I use it with other indicators?
A: Yes. I pair it with RSI (14) for divergence at the median line. Works well.

Q: Is it better than Fibonacci retracements?
A: Different tools. Fibonacci gives static levels, Pitchfork gives dynamic channels. Use both.

Final Verdict

Andrews Pitchfork is a 4/5 star tool. It’s not flashy, it doesn’t beep at you, and it won’t turn you into a millionaire overnight. But it gives you a clear, repeatable framework for reading price structure. If you take the time to draw it correctly and combine it with price action, it’s a reliable edge.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Best for: Swing traders who value structure over signals.
Skip if: You want automated entries or hate manually drawing lines.

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Data source: TradingView. This review is based on publicly available indicator information and hands-on testing. Always test indicators in a demo environment before live trading.