The median line and the tines
The median line runs from the first pivot through the midpoint of the other two. The upper and lower tines run parallel to it through those two pivots. Andrews’ observation was that price tends to return to the median line; the tines act as support and resistance, and a close outside the fork says the move is changing character.
Schiff and Modified Schiff forks move the starting point halfway — in price, or in price and time — which flattens the fork for trends too steep for the standard one.
Using the pitchfork
- 1Open Overlays → Geometric → Andrews’ Pitchfork and choose Andrews, Schiff or Modified Schiff, plus optional warning lines and halfway lines.
- 2Click the three pivots in time order, or press ⚡ to use the last three confirmed swings; ◀ steps back a swing.
- 3Each line is labelled with its value at today’s bar, and a ✓ marks where price came back to the median line.
Questions
Which pivots should I use?
The start of the move and its first two reactions — a low, a high and a low for an up-fork, or the opposite for a down-fork. ⚡ picks the last three confirmed swings for you.
When should I use a Schiff fork?
When the standard fork is so steep that price leaves it quickly. Moving the start halfway gives a flatter channel.