### Sloped Structures — Section 1.7.1

Not all Wyckoff structures are horizontal. Four sloped variants exist that reflect the underlying condition of the market:

| Structure | Slope | Condition |
|-----------|-------|-----------|
| Accumulation | Bullish slope | Strongest underlying strength — higher highs and higher lows during accumulation |
| Accumulation | Bearish slope | Underlying weakness during accumulation — lower highs and lower lows; often preceded by SOT |
| Distribution | Bearish slope | Strongest underlying weakness — lower highs and lower lows during distribution |
| Distribution | Bullish slope | Initial apparent strength that pivots bearish — rising highs converging with SOT, then UTAD breaks it |

The identification of sloped structures requires connecting the extremes of Phases A, B, and C with a channel that contains the majority of price action. Perfect touches are not required — use zones of a certain width rather than precise lines.