Started using doji and hammer patterns about 6 months ago and my entry timing got way better.
Reversals are easier to spot now and I’m not getting caught in fake breakouts as much. The confirmation signals actually work when you combine them with volume.
Morning stars work great for catching reversals in major pairs. Don’t jump in until that third candle closes above the first candle’s midpoint. Too many people rush in on the second candle and get burned. Skip these patterns during news releases. The momentum will blow right through your technical signals. Save the candlestick stuff for regular sessions when price actually respects support and resistance levels.
Shooting stars work better than hammers for me.
Hammer patterns saved my butt countless times trading GBP during London sessions. I used to jump reversals way too early before I learned to wait for confirmation.
Doji at resistance levels are money too. I pair them with the 200 EMA - only trade when they align. Cut my bad entries by 40% easy.
Took me way too long to realize this - candlestick body size matters way more than people think. Those tiny doji during low volume? Complete garbage.
Engulfing patterns are solid, especially on higher timeframes. This guide covers most patterns pretty well.
Still learning, but reversal signals really help with exits.