Having been in this market for over ten years, I have seen too many people enter with high spirits only to leave in disappointment. The crypto world is like an endless war; it’s not a game where you can make enough and then walk away unscathed.

This year, I decided to change my strategy. Instead of continuing to fight in the sea of coins, I’d rather systematize and share my accumulated experience. After all, surviving so long in this volatile market is not due to luck, but a set of repeatedly validated trading rules.

**Rule 1: Rise quickly, fall slowly; the big players are accumulating**

Have you seen this kind of trend? The coin price suddenly surges in the short term, but the subsequent decline is painfully slow. Don’t be scared off by this volatility. In fact, this is a signal that the main force is accumulating chips. Rapid rise is to attract retail followings, while slow decline indicates they are steadily building positions. Once you understand this, you grasp the main players’ intentions.

**Rule 2: Fall fast, rise slowly; the big players are distributing**

The opposite situation is even more dangerous. A quick drop accompanied by a slow rise—what does that mean? The main force is gradually selling off, trying to attract last-minute buyers with a rebound. At this point, don’t expect a reversal; the market is about to enter a downtrend. Run when you can.

**Rule 3: No selling on high volume at the top; if volume is low, run quickly**

At the top, the change in trading volume determines your life or death. If the volume remains high at the top? It might indicate more upside. But if the volume suddenly shrinks, it’s a warning sign—upward momentum has exhausted itself. Staying in the market at this point is like self-destruction.

**Rule 4: Don’t buy lightly at the bottom on high volume; sustained volume is the real buy signal**

When the price hits the bottom, and you see volume spike, rushing in might be like stabbing yourself in the back. A single spike at the bottom is often a trap to lure more buyers; you need to wait and observe. The real buying opportunity is when volume continues to increase, indicating continuous inflow of funds. That’s when the bottom is truly established.

**Rule 5: Crypto is all about sentiment; volume reflects consensus**

Technical analysis and fundamentals are important, but don’t forget—price is ultimately driven by human emotion. When consensus is strong, volume skyrockets; when confidence collapses, even good news can’t save the market. So, understanding market sentiment and observing volume changes are key to grasping the market’s pulse.

**How hard is it to change?**

From a complete novice to surviving in this market, the process is filled with tearing pain. Every cognitive update comes with the collapse of previous beliefs. You must shatter your stubbornness to rebuild a new self. Behind seemingly glamorous stories of making money are cycles of soaring highs and frantic escapes. Ordinary people’s psychology simply can’t handle this kind of torment.

What’s more heartbreaking is that many people never get the chance to change. And those who do are not guaranteed to seize it.

**How to survive longer?**

Respect this market. Don’t think you’ve fully understood the trend; don’t have any illusions of being invincible. Always stay alert, constantly consider possible changes, keep learning new knowledge, and optimize your trading system. The market never lacks opportunities; the question is whether you can identify and seize them.

Those who survive the longest never believe they will be right forever. Their only advantage is never becoming complacent.