Ten years ago, I too struggled to sleep through the nights after being liquidated, watching my account balance hit zero, my heart pounding like it was being struck repeatedly. Now, I can consistently maintain an annual return of over 50%, not through reckless gambling but through survival rules earned from countless blood losses — in the crypto world, staying alive is the ticket to making money. This survival manual is dedicated to all the newcomers who are groping in the dark.
One, pinpoint the golden trading hours: the 'pure battlefield' after 9 PM. Stop being a 'busybody' during the day! When daytime markets are bombarded with fragmented news, both bulls and bears flail around like headless flies, and price fluctuations resemble a wildly convulsing ECG. The truly opportune moment hides in the handover period of the European and American markets after 9 PM every night. This time is like a clear sky after a torrential rain; market sentiment settles, trends become clear, and once the market starts moving, it flows smoothly like a released arrow. Entering during this time allows you to seize opportunities accurately.
Two, cashing out: turning digits into real money. The most deadly trap in the crypto world is not being unable to make money, but being unable to keep it. I created the '70-30 rule': every time my account profits 1000U, I immediately withdraw 300U to my bank account, leaving 700U for further operations. Don’t underestimate this seemingly conservative move; those who focus on turning 10000U into 20000U often find their principal evaporating when the market reverses. The numbers in your account are just illusions; the cash you withdraw is the real sense of security.
Three, indicators are king: abandon the 'sixth sense' trading mystique. Trading based on feelings is like walking a tightrope with your eyes closed. Install TradingView on your phone and keep a close eye on the three major 'golden indicators': MACD, RSI, and Bollinger Bands. Remember: at least two indicators must signal simultaneously for a green light to enter. Short-term traders focus on 1-hour candlestick charts, while trend players lock in on 4-hour charts. For example, when going long on ETH, I will decisively follow up only when it has consistently stayed above the middle Bollinger Band for two hours; if it consolidates, I patiently wait for key support levels in the 4-hour chart, like a sniper waiting for the prey to enter range.
Four, dynamic stop-loss: survival wisdom in the game against manipulators. Mechanical stop-loss orders are like offering your neck to the manipulators' scythe. My stop-loss strategy consists of two types: when I can monitor the market, I use dynamic stop-loss — if the entry price is 1000U and it rises to 1100U, I will move the stop-loss up to 1050U, locking in profits while preventing pullbacks; when I am out, I directly set a 3% hard stop-loss, like putting a sturdy safety lock on my account. Remember: a stop-loss is not a label of failure, but a talisman for surviving a bear market.
Five, weekly withdrawals: breaking the zero-balance curse. Every Friday afternoon, I steadfastly transfer 30% of my profits to my bank account. This habit has allowed me to completely escape the vicious cycle of 'earning and losing, losing and earning again.' Just like a farmer regularly harvesting crops, only by storing the fruits in the granary can capital be accumulated for the next planting season. After three months of persistence, you will find your account steadily growing, and your mindset will become increasingly calm.
Six, ironclad rules: touching them is a death sentence.
Leverage cage: beginners should control leverage at 3-5 times; experienced players should not exceed 10 times. High leverage may seem tempting, but it is actually a booster for accelerated destruction.
Trade moderation: no more than 3 contracts per day; frequent trading will only lead to emotional loss of control, falling into the whirlpool of chasing highs and cutting losses.
Stay away from garbage coins: coins like Dogecoin and Shitcoin that are highly volatile and low in value are the hunting grounds of the manipulators; beginners should not get involved.
Refuse to borrow: never gamble your future with borrowed money, as you risk losing not only your money but also your confidence to bounce back.
Finally, always remember: trading is not gambling, but a marathon that requires discipline and patience. Plan your schedule like a working person, monitor the market on time, exit punctually, avoid greed when making profits, and decisively cut losses when facing losses. By following these rules, you can become the ultimate survivor amid the turbulent waves of the crypto world.
