Mark structure before you hunt a candle

In the intensive we refuse to discuss an entry candle until the chart shows where the last meaningful swing began and where it stalled. Traders who skip that step often label every engulfing pattern a setup.

Start with swing highs and lows that actually changed behaviour. Then note prior supply or demand that still looks respected. Only after that frame do we ask whether a pullback, range break, or failed breakout is present.

If the structure is messy, the honest answer is often a pass. That answer is still technical analysis — it is simply analysis that refuses to invent clarity.