I used to make a basic mistake when entering trades – only looking at the price without understanding what the candlestick is "saying." As a result, I kept getting pushed to the top repeatedly. After some experience, I realized that mastering the 7 basic candlestick patterns is truly the key to no longer trading like a gambler.

Starting with the green Hammer candle – this is a signal I pay close attention to when the price is in a low zone. It has a long lower shadow, a small body at the top, and almost no upper shadow. It indicates that buying pressure is returning, and the market is about to reverse. Conversely, the Inverted Hammer appears with a long upper shadow, a small body at the bottom – buying pressure is starting to emerge but needs further confirmation from the next candle.

There are two very strong "engulfing" patterns. Bullish Engulfing occurs when a large green candle completely covers the previous red candle – this is a signal that the buying side has taken control, and an uptrend may begin. Conversely, Bearish Engulfing is a large red candle that engulfs the green candle – warning that the selling side is gaining control.

The Evening Star pattern is also very notable. It consists of 3 candles – a long red candle, then a small candle (often a doji), and finally a strong green candle – this is a clear reversal signal to the upside. The Morning Star is the opposite – a long green candle, then a small candle, and finally a long red candle – indicating a potential downward reversal.

Finally, the Doji – a candle where the opening and closing prices are nearly the same. It shows market indecision and can be a signal of an upcoming reversal or continuation, depending on the surrounding context.

In reality, understanding these 7 patterns is like knowing how to "read" the market’s face – no longer feeling lost when entering a trade, but more confident each time. It helps me avoid emotional mistakes and become a more rational trader rather than a gambler in the crypto market.