Crypto Survival Rules: Simplicity is the Ultimate Path, Focus on Core Logic in Trading

I am Commander Coin. Having navigated the crypto world for eight years, I have experienced the panic of LUNA going to zero, witnessed the frenzy after Bitcoin ETF approval, and seen too many people suffer heavy losses from greedily chasing highs or panicking and cutting losses. In fact, making money in crypto doesn’t require complex indicators; it’s about sticking to simple principles—selling high and buying low on BTC and ETH support levels, lurking around key support zones, quick entries and exits on altcoins, and the iron rule of “only trading the leaders, no new positions at the close.” This alone is enough to keep you undefeated in this volatile market.

First, let’s talk about BTC. As the stabilizer of the crypto market, Bitcoin’s wealth appreciation doesn’t come from sudden surges but from the opportunities created by oscillations—selling high and buying low during these fluctuations. The 24/7 nature of crypto trading makes Bitcoin’s volatility more predictable, especially in sideways markets, where the Bollinger Bands indicator becomes the most practical reference: when the middle band flattens and the upper and lower bands contract, the price repeatedly bounces off the bands; when the lower band shows long lower shadows or morning stars, it’s a good time to buy; when the upper band shows long upper shadows or bearish signals like dark clouds cover, it’s time to sell high. Stop-losses should be set outside recent highs and lows, controlling single trade losses to 1%-2% of total capital. Many worry that selling high and buying low might cause missed opportunities, but Bitcoin’s trend never happens overnight. The multiple “testing key levels, confirming pullbacks, and then breaking through” patterns in 2025 are opportunities for patient investors. Remember, the core of BTC trading is “not greedy, not fighting,” capturing 60% of the oscillation range profits is enough to outperform 90% of investors.

Next, ETH. As the second-largest mainstream coin, its trading logic is never about blindly following the trend but “support level lurking, consensus profit-taking.” On-chain data reveals: $2700 is a critical support zone for ETH, where 17.9 million ETH are accumulated—22.6% of the total circulating supply—and it’s also a key area for whales to add positions. These smart funds increased holdings at $1500, reduced at $3500, and are now re-entering around $2700, demonstrating the support’s validity. ETH’s lurking strategy involves not entering early or chasing breakouts: when the price retraces to key support levels (like $2700 or $3000) and volume shrinks, with RSI showing oversold signals, build positions gradually; if support is broken, cut losses immediately to avoid falling into a vacuum of no anchor points. The 2025 ETH trend is clear: whales continue to absorb selling pressure, strengthening support levels, but volatility may also increase. Positioning should be cautious, waiting for clear stabilization signals—better to miss a trade than to risk a loss.

Altcoins pose a greater test for investors. My principle is “quick in, quick out; only the leaders.” Countless lessons prove that most altcoins will eventually go to zero, especially those without technological support or ecological vitality. In the 2026 altcoin market, opportunities belong only to projects with strong logic: Solana, with its high-performance ecosystem, has become a core capital allocation; Cardano, with its solid technology, is favored by institutions; Sui, with its innovative model, is capturing the mobile sector. These leaders can see gains of 3-5 times more than ordinary altcoins during bull markets and tend to be more resilient during corrections. The key to trading altcoins is “not fighting, not fantasizing”: set clear take-profit targets (usually 15%-30%) after buying, and take profits immediately once reached; don’t greedily chase highs. If the price drops 5% below your entry point, cut losses decisively—don’t give yourself a chance to be trapped. Profits from altcoins come from “quick gains and small wins.” Trying to hold long-term for double returns is less realistic; often, it turns into deep losses or total wipeout.

Finally, two iron rules I learned from real experience: “Don’t open new positions at the close to avoid overnight risk.” The deep night hours from 2:00 to 5:00 are liquidity troughs, prone to sudden spikes and waterfall drops. Many times, seemingly stable daytime markets can crash due to news or algorithmic resonance. Some followers ignore advice and buy large positions in altcoins at 23:00, only to wake up to forced liquidations and heavy losses. I usually stop opening new positions after 21:00 and reduce holdings to within 15% of total assets before 23:00. If overnight holding is necessary, enable isolated margin mode, set dynamic stop-losses, and maintain an 85% margin warning. Using out-of-the-money puts for hedging is also an option. The danger of overnight risk is “not being able to respond in time.” The primary rule for survival in crypto is to preserve your principal—abandon uncertain late-day opportunities to keep the capacity to respond the next day.

In my eight years of trading, I’ve seen many lose money due to complicated strategies, but I’ve also witnessed investors who stick to simple principles steadily profit. The competition in crypto is never about who has the most complex indicators but who can maintain discipline and control human nature. Selling high and buying low captures trend profits; lurking at support levels captures consensus profits; quick in and out captures volatility profits; and “only trading the leaders and avoiding positions at the close” secures safety.

Trading is fundamentally a game of probabilities. There’s no 100% winning strategy, but following these simple principles can improve your chances of profit. The market never lacks opportunities; what’s missing is the resolve to stay true to your core. Remember: making money in crypto isn’t hard; what’s hard is staying clear-headed amid temptations and remaining rational in panic. Stick to simplicity, follow iron rules, and you’ll survive and succeed in this life-and-death game. #GateCEO2025YearEndOpenLetter