Module 3 · DOM Behaviors
Stacking & Pulling
Adding and removing resting liquidity.
In this lesson you'll
- Define stacking, pulling and flipping
- Interpret each as a behavioral signal
- Combine pulling on one side with stacking on the other
- Stacking: traders add resting limit orders, building size at multiple levels on one side — read as a side defending an area (potential support/resistance forming).
- Pulling: traders cancel resting orders. Liquidity vanishing ahead of price often precedes a move through that level (no one wants to be filled in front of momentum).
- Flipping: a large order is cancelled on one side and re-posted on the opposite side — a participant reversing bias.
Key takeaways
- Stacking = adding resting size (defending an area); pulling = cancelling (often precedes a move through).
- Flipping = cancelling one side and re-posting the other (bias reversal).
- Pulling on one side + stacking on the other points to the likely direction.
- It's intent, not commitment — confirm with the tape.
Check your understanding
Pick an answer to reveal instant feedback. Answer every question to complete the lesson.
Why that's off: A bounce needs liquidity to HOLD, not pull.
Why that's off: Pulling is normal book behavior, not a halt.
Why that's off: It's a meaningful tell about the next move.
When resting orders vanish ahead of price, the level is no longer defended, so price tends to move through it. Pulling removes the barrier.
Why that's off: That's the bearish combination.
Why that's off: Both pulling is ambiguous/thin, not directional.
Why that's off: Equal stacking is balanced, not directional.
Offers pulling means sellers are stepping away while bids stacking means buyers are committing — together a bullish lean. The mirror (bids pull, offers stack) points down.
Educational content only. Nothing here is financial or trading advice. Order-flow and options patterns shift probabilities; they never guarantee outcomes.