Theory-heavy frameworks
Classical schools: Dow theory, Elliott Wave, Smart Money Concepts, Gann, Fractals, Renko. Long learning curves, but each provides a distinct lens on price.
The foundation of modern technical analysis. Markets move in three trends (primary, secondary, minor); the trend continues until confirmed reversal. Use higher-highs/higher-lows structure to define trends.
Read market via institutional footprints: order blocks, fair value gaps, liquidity sweeps, break-of-structure. Trade with the institutional side, not against it.
Price moves in five impulse waves + three corrective waves. Identify the current wave count; enter in the direction of impulses (waves 3 and 5), exit before corrections.
Identify 5-bar swing highs/lows (Bill Williams fractals). Trade in the direction of the newer fractal breakout; stops go beyond the last opposite fractal.
Renko strips time — a new brick prints only after N points of movement. Removes noise; trends become visually obvious. Buy on 2-3 consecutive up-bricks after downtrend; opposite for shorts.
Donchian upper/lower = N-period highest high / lowest low. Classic turtle-trader setup: buy N-period high breakouts, exit on opposite channel or middle. Add pullback filter to improve entry.
W.D. Gann's angle-based support/resistance system. Draw fan lines (1x1, 2x1, 4x1) from major swing highs/lows; price tends to respect these angles. Useful for time+price projections.