Reversal vs Continuation Workflow
The amount of confirmation you need depends entirely on what you're trading. Reversals require more confirmation because the higher timeframe hasn't been validated yet. Continuations require less because the trend is already established. Matching your workflow to the context determines your win rate.
Reversal Workflow
Full stack required. A fresh CHoCH on the 4H hasn't been confirmed yet. You need 15m + 5m confirmation before executing on 1m.
Continuation Workflow
15m can be skipped. The 4H trend is already confirmed. A 5m order flow shift into a 4H demand zone provides sufficient confirmation.
Why Reversals Need More Confirmation
The fundamental difference: in a reversal, the higher timeframe hasn't proven itself yet. You're betting that the direction is changing. In a continuation, the higher timeframe is already confirmed — you're just joining an established move.
Reversal Risk
- The CHoCH might be a false signal
- The previous trend could resume
- One order flow shift isn't enough proof
- Higher risk = more confirmation needed
Continuation Safety
- The trend is already validated
- You're trading with established momentum
- Pullbacks in trends are high probability
- Lower risk = less confirmation sufficient
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Reversal | Continuation |
|---|---|---|
| 4H context | Fresh CHoCH, trend not confirmed | Established trend, pullback |
| Confirmation levels | 4H → 15m → 5m → 1m | 4H → 5m → 1m |
| Time to entry | Longer (more confirmation needed) | Shorter (less confirmation needed) |
| Risk level | Higher (direction unconfirmed) | Lower (direction established) |
| Entry models | Chain or Flip on 1m | Chain or Flip on 1m (or 5m direct) |
| Expectation target | Confirm the 4H high/low break | Continue the established trend |
Two 1-Minute Entry Models
Regardless of reversal or continuation, the 1-minute execution uses the same two models:
Chain Model
Look for a demand chain on the 1-minute inside the confirmed 5m/15m zone. The chain shows demand stacking and taking control.
Flip Model
Look for a supply-to-demand flip on the 1-minute. The flip confirms transactional order flow — supply being actively converted to demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ever skip the 15-minute in a reversal?
It's not recommended. In a reversal, the 4-hour direction hasn't been confirmed. The 15-minute provides the crucial first confirmation that the 4H zone is actually holding. Skipping it increases your risk significantly.
What if I want to execute directly on the 5-minute?
That's a valid approach, especially for continuation trades. If the 4H trend is established and you confirm a 5-minute order flow shift, you can enter directly on the 5-minute demand zone without dropping to the 1-minute. You'll get slightly worse entries but more confidence.
Does the decisional vs extreme level matter at each timeframe?
Whether price respects the decisional or extreme level at any timeframe isn't the critical factor. What matters is that some level of demand or supply holds, confirming the directional order flow. The specific level is less important than the confirmation of control.