One of the most powerful ways to read the market is by studying chart patterns. They reveal whether price is more likely to keep trending (continuation) o flip direction (reversal).
For traders, recognizing the difference can be the difference between catching the wave early, or getting caught on the wrong side of the move.
Let’s break it down 👇
🔄 What Are Continuation Patterns?
Continuation patterns signal that the market is just taking a break before resuming its trend. Think of them as a “pause” button, not a “stop.”
Common Continuation Patterns:
- Flags & Pennants
- Price surges, consolidates in a small channel or triangle, then breaks in the same direction.
- Ascending Triangles (in uptrends)
- Higher lows pressing against a flat resistance level before breaking up.
- Descending Triangles (in downtrends)
- Lower highs pressing against a flat support level before breaking down.
- Rectangles (Range Consolidation)
- Price moves sideways between support and resistance, then breaks with the trend.
Setup Example:
In an uptrend, BTC rallies hard, then forms a bull flag. Entry = breakout above the flag, stop = below the flag, target = size of the flagpole added to breakout.
🔄 What Are Reversal Patterns?
Reversal patterns signal that the market may be running out of steam and preparing to change direction.
Common Reversal Patterns:
- Head & Shoulders (Top)
- A peak (head) with two smaller peaks (shoulders) showing weakening momentum.
- Inverse Head & Shoulders (Bottom)
- Opposite pattern signaling a bearish-to-bullish shift.
- Double Top
- Price tests the same resistance twice, fails, and reverses down.
- Double Bottom
- Price tests support twice, holds, and reverses upward.
Setup Example:
Ethereum makes a double top at resistance, fails to break higher, and prints lower highs. Entry = short below neckline, stop = above recent high, target = distance from top to neckline.
🧠 Key Difference Between Continuation & Reversal
- Continuation = “The trend is your friend.” Look for flags, triangles, and consolidations that break in the trend’s direction.
- Reversal = “The trend bends when it ends.” Watch for exhaustion patterns like double tops/bottoms or head & shoulders.
👉 The trick is context. A flag at the start of a bull run is bullish. But the same pattern near resistance after a long rally may fake out and reverse.
⚠️ Errores de los principiantes
- Forcing Patterns Where None Exist
- Not every consolidation = flag or triangle. Avoid curve fitting.
- Ignoring Volume
- Continuations need strong volume on the breakout. Weak breakouts often fail.
- Not Checking Timeframe Context
- A reversal on a 5m chart might just be noise on the daily. Always zoom out.
🎯 Reflexiones finales
Learning to spot continuation vs reversal patterns can transform your trading. The difference lies in context, volume, and discipline.
Acuérdate:
- Continuation patterns = momentum is resting.
- Reversal patterns = momentum is dying.
Trade them with patience, confirmation, and risk management.
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Descargo de responsabilidad: Este artículo tiene únicamente fines educativos y no constituye asesoramiento financiero.
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