A continuation pattern shows whether or not the present market trend will continue in the same direction. They aid in determining the best times to enter or buy the market or depart it. Based on the patterns, it appears that the short-term price movement will continue and head in the same direction over time. Reversal patterns show that the trend has reversed on the time scale that was observed. Reversals can happen in both directions. A reversal after an upward trend would be downward. An upward reversal would occur after a downward trend. Reversals are not usually focused on one or two periods/bars on a chart; rather, they are based on the general direction of the price.