Structure first
Single candles matter less than sequences—swing highs and lows, gaps and consolidation zones frame where patterns carry weight.
Reversal and continuation patterns gain credibility near support and resistance or after volatility compression.
Common patterns
Engulfing, pin bars and morning/evening stars appear often in educational material; test how they behave on your markets and timeframes.
Combine pattern recognition with risk rules: invalidation levels should be explicit before entry.