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Bitcoin Technology: Under the Hood

Learn Forex Trading

Author: Goldenrebate Team

In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto proposed a peer-to-peer cash payment system that would allow people to transact directly with each other, without the need of financial institutions. Since then a lot has been said and written about bitcoin, the new digital currency. The purpose of this article is to shed some light on the jargon surrounding the technology and, more specifically, the computer network that facilitates the payment system.In computer networks there are usually two main models: client/server and peer-to-peer. The difference is the role and functionality of each participating computer (or node, as it is usually called).

Client/Server

In a client/server model, there are two discrete entities; the server and the clients. This is a centralized environment where the applications, files and other resources are stored on a central computer – the server. The server acts as a central authority that provides services to the rest of the nodes in the network. It shares information and resources with the clients. All clients are connected to the central server. This model is prone to security breaches, hacks and breakdowns as the server constitutes a single point of failure. If the server is faulty, it can bring the whole network down.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

On the other hand, a peer-to-peer network is a decentralized model – in other words, there is no central authority or server. Instead, each node acts as both server and client, where all nodes are equal. BitTorrent is perhaps one of the most popular P2P networks for file sharing. While peers are vulnerable to security attacks (which the Bitcoin network takes care of through its protocols), the advantage is that scalability is easy. A new computer may be plugged into the network and be up and running once in sync with the network.

As the network expands, its computational power expands as well. Furthermore, a faulty computer will not jeopardize the integrity of the network. All computers are interconnected and communicate with each other constantly – this way, the propagation of messages continue uninterrupted. This is perhaps the greatest advantage P2P has – it’s a fault tolerant network.

Distributed System

The Bitcoin network follows a distributed application model, where the work load is spread among the participating nodes. When “digging” into computer networks, one will come across the Byzantine Generals Problem where consensus is the goal. In order to maintain reliability in the network, consensus must be reached among the participating computers. 100% consensus is, of course, ideal but not always feasible.

Byzantine Generals Problem

A group of Generals have surrounded an enemy city. They have to attack or retreat based on the Commanding General’s orders. It is imperative for the success of the campaign that there exists consensus among the Generals. Messages are passed from the Commanding General to the Generals through unsecure and penetrable networks. Even worse, a number of the Generals and/or even the Commanding General himself may be traitorous. As long as the Commander is loyal and the number of traitors is not greater than one third of the Generals, then consensus may be reached to attack or retreat at the same time.

In a nutshell, there must be 3t + 1 Generals where t represents the number of traitors.

It is obvious that General 1 will receive contradictory information from the Commander and General 2, who happens to be a traitor. In this scenario, it is not possible to achieve consensus (which is more than 50% in favor of attack or retreat).

The Bitcoin system faces the same type of problems as the Byzantine Generals. In order to bypass it, Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the proof-of-work concept. When sending a message, the message is hashed and a nonce is sent to all nodes to verify the proof-of-work. Every message (i.e. block) is chained and as a result it is close to impossible to tamper with it.

Conclusion

Bitcoin follows a decentralized, peer-to-peer networking and distribution model. Consensus is needed among the nodes to ensure smooth operation of the network. A number of “bad” nodes are not capable of altering the blockchain due to the implementation of proof-of-work.

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Quasimodo Pattern (Over and Under)

Quasimodo Pattern (Over and Under)

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Easy guide to trading the Quasimodo Pattern

What is the Quasimodo (Over and Under) Pattern?

Conclusion:

Easy guide to trading the Quasimodo Pattern

The Quasimodo Pattern or Over and Under pattern is a relatively new entrant to the field of technical analysis in the financial markets. Although new, the Quasimodo pattern is a commonly occurring theme that is more frequent when price carves a top or a bottom or when price begins a major correction to the trend.The Quasimodo Pattern, although complex as it might seem is actually very simple. This trading pattern is especially powerful because when it occurs, in most cases, traders will notice a confluence with other methods of analysis.For example, when a trader spots a Quasimodo pattern near a support or resistance level, it increases the confidence of the trader or the trading probability. Likewise, when trading divergences, when you spot a Quasimodo pattern, that confluence can be used to trade the divergence set up with more confidence.As we can see from the above, the Quasimodo pattern is not a trading strategy by itself but is more of a confluence pattern that can be used to confirm a trader’s bias. Of course, the Quasimodo pattern doesn’t appear all the time, but when it does, traders can be sure that the market offers a high probability trade set up.

What is the Quasimodo (Over and Under) Pattern?

A Quasimodo Pattern is simply a series of Highs/Lows and Higher or Lower highs or lows.

Quasimodo Short Signal Pattern

There should be a prior uptrend in the marketsPrice makes a new high, declines and makes a new local lowPrice then rallies above the previous high to mark a new higher highPrice then falls to form a new lower lowPrice then rises towards the initial high (but does not make a new higher high).

The fifth level in the set up is the trigger, where a short position is taken. Stops are set above the higher high and the take profit level is up to the trader.

Quasimodo Long Signal Pattern

There should be a prior downtrend in the marketsPrice makes new low then makes a small rally and forms a local highPrice then declines to form a new lower low taking out the previous lowPrice then rallies to make a new higher high and then declinesThe final decline is equal to the first low

The fifth leg in this pattern is the trigger for long positions with stops set to at or below the lower low

Quasimodo Long Signal Pattern Examples:

Quasimodo Long Example #1

Price is in a downtrendPrice then makes a new low at 99.923 and then makes a new local high at 100.274Price then declines and makes a new lower low at 99.983Price then rallies to make a new higher high at 100.38 and then declinesThe final leg in the decline is just a few pips above the previous low. This triggers a long signal
To spot the Quasimodo pattern reliably, strong chart reading skills are essential — see our guide on Reading Forex Charts Like a Pro.

Here is another example of the Quasimodo Long example:

Quasimodo Long Example #2 Quasimodo Short Signal Pattern Examples:

Quasimodo Short Example #1

Price is in an uptrendPrice then makes a new high at 1.5251 and then declines to make a low at 1.5187Price then rallies to make a higher high at 1.5321 and then declinesA new lower low is posted at 1.5165Price then makes a modest rally and this high stalls a few pips close to/above the previous highA short entry is then taken with stops near the highest highThere is also an additional confirmation yet again with the RSI divergence as well
Combining the QM pattern with RSI increases accuracy — learn how in How to Use the RSI Indicator in Forex Trading.

Another example of the Quasimodo Short pattern example is given below:

Quasimodo Short Example #2

Conclusion:

As we can see from the above, the Quasimodo or Over and Under pattern is a relatively simple pattern, which when used in conjunction with other trading strategies or signals offers a great way to increase the probability of a trade set up.
Ready to practice the Quasimodo pattern? Open a free Exness demo account and start identifying it on live charts with zero risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Quasimodo pattern in forex?
The Quasimodo (QM) pattern is a price action reversal pattern that signals the end of a trend and the beginning of a new one. It consists of three peaks and two valleys (bearish) or three valleys and two peaks (bullish), where the middle peak or valley is the highest or lowest point. It is also known as the “Over and Under” pattern.

Q: What is the difference between the Quasimodo pattern and Head and Shoulders?
Both are reversal patterns, but the Quasimodo is more aggressive. In the Head and Shoulders pattern, the two shoulders are at equal height. In the Quasimodo, the second shoulder (right shoulder) is lower than the first — this asymmetry is what makes it a stronger reversal signal.

Q: How do I identify a bearish Quasimodo pattern?
A bearish QM forms at the end of an uptrend. Look for a higher high, followed by a pullback, then another higher high (the head), followed by a lower low that breaks the previous swing low, and finally a lower high (right shoulder). The entry is at the right shoulder level.

Q: What timeframe is best for trading the Quasimodo pattern?
The QM pattern works on all timeframes. However, patterns on the 4-hour and daily charts produce more reliable signals. Lower timeframes like M15 or M30 can be used for entry refinement after identifying the pattern on a higher timeframe.

Q: Where do I place my stop loss when trading the Quasimodo pattern?
For a bearish QM, place your stop loss just above the right shoulder (the last high before entry). For a bullish QM, place it just below the right shoulder (the last low before entry). The pattern’s structure makes stop loss placement very precise.

Q: Can I combine the Quasimodo pattern with other indicators?
Yes. Combining QM with RSI divergence, Fibonacci retracement levels, or support and resistance zones significantly increases accuracy. Always look for confluence before entering a trade. Practice on a free Exness demo account.