What Does the Return of the Bart Simpson Pattern in December Mean For Bitcoin?

Bitcoin’s (BTC) price once again slipped below the $90,000 support level over the weekend, as heightened volatility continues to define trading conditions in December.

Several traders are pointing to the repeated appearance of the so-called “Bart Simpson” pattern on Bitcoin’s price chart. Notably, one appears to be forming now, which could likely define BTC’s price action in the coming days.

The Bart Simpson Pattern: Influence and Resurgence in December

The Bart Simpson pattern is named after the popular cartoon character Bart Simpson because of its shape, which resembles the character’s hair. It forms when Bitcoin moves sharply in one direction, either upward or downward, within a short time frame.

Price then pauses and trades sideways in a range. After that, the market quickly moves back toward the earlier price area. Although its name is playful, this pattern presents real challenges for participants in volatile markets.

Several traders documented its frequent occurrence last month. One analyst shared a chart showing three patterns from December 10-12. Other observers highlighted five cases and more from late November to mid-December.

Against this backdrop, one analyst suggested that Bitcoin may now be completing another Bart pattern. If confirmed, the formation could be followed by another leg higher.

However, the sustainability of the surge remains in question. The analyst added that a breakout followed by another reversal is a “likely scenario.”

“Bart pattern + weekend order books = stop-hunt bingo. My base case: both sides get cleaned before direction is obvious. Sunday/Monday is less ‘prediction’ more ‘liquidity event’,” Paweł Łaskarzewski said.

Liquidity and Market Mechanisms

Meanwhile, an analyst noted that the Bart pattern is not a new phenomenon and has appeared repeatedly throughout Bitcoin’s trading history.

According to the analyst, the formation tends to emerge under specific market conditions, particularly when liquidity is thin. He added that these setups often coincide with activity from large market participants.

Retail traders begin to chase momentum after sudden price moves. At the same time, stop-loss levels become clearly visible.

“Price rips during low liquidity, everyone starts tweeting targets, confidence comes back… then we go straight down and fully retrace. People will still argue it’s ‘organic price discovery’ while staring at a chart that looks like it was drawn with a ruler. Love it or hate it, Bart never misses,” the post read.

Other analysts suggest that repeated Bart patterns often function as short-term volatility traps. These abrupt price movements can trigger rapid reversals and shakeouts, forcing short-term traders out of positions as momentum quickly fades.

“Bart patterns are meant to exhaust traders emotionally. Long-term holders barely notice these moves,” a market watcher added.

Thus, as Bitcoin continues to trade in a reactive environment, the repeated appearance of Bart patterns highlights the role of liquidity and market structure in short-term price behavior. While these formations can create sharp moves and rapid reversals, analysts note that they tend to have limited significance beyond short-term positioning, leaving broader trend direction dependent on sustained liquidity and participation.

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