ABCD Pattern, is it really as easy as 123?

Like so many out there, when I started investing, my methodology for choosing an asset, and planning out (if you could call it that) my entry and exit prices, consisted of random decisions based on noise i.e. erratic price movements (if it went down sharply I think buy, if it went up sharply I think sell...only to end up losing anyway); business news; earning releases etc. I feel like all I'm doing is reacting, there are no tactics to my plays, and as a result the markets have been feasting on me on a regular basis. I keep thinking, "man, I'm not even a pig, how the hell am I always getting slaughtered".

I've decided to study up a bit on Technical Analysis. I know there's schools of thought out there that think TA is basically the Astrology to FA's Astronomy, but screw it, anything's better than what I've been doing, plus I'm not interested in debating the merits of either, as both are being utilized to great success by those who have mastered them.

I've always wanted to learn how traders plan their trades and there's many tools out there to assist, however I find most of them to be complex and overwhelming for a beginner such as myself. I was looking at some basic patterns recently, and found the ABCD to be appealing to me. I like simplicity when dealing with a new concept, and this was the simplest one I've come across thus far. I've been backtesting this pattern on various instruments, and it does seem to check out. Of course, I could be seeing what I want to see. I am currently using it as part of my main strategy while I practice on a $20 BTC/USD account on BitMEX.

So for you traders out there, what are your thoughts on this method of analysis? Do you use it? Does it work for you? Do you prefer something else, if so care to share?

Sincerely yours,
A plankton amidst the whales.