Retail investors in the crypto circle want to make their first pot of gold, but first they need to understand what they are playing with. Spot trading, contracts, dollar-cost averaging—each method has its thresholds. Choosing the wrong direction makes all subsequent efforts futile.

From my trading records over the years, I’ve summarized some regular phenomena. For example, if a certain coin drops for several days, many people start asking "Is it over?" In fact, it’s not yet. Only after the consolidation ends do traders dare to step in, often catching the relatively low points. Conversely, if a coin rises for two days in a row, consider partially reducing your position—don’t wait for a "higher market" to come because profits in crypto are made by selling, not holding.

Another phenomenon worth noting: if a consolidation lasts more than five days and suddenly breaks volume, it usually indicates that the main force is starting to act. Following up at this point is much better than blindly guessing.

Several principles in trading are fundamental. For example, if you buy and the next day you haven’t even recouped the transaction fee, it’s better to exit early—time cost is often overlooked, and it’s an invisible killer. Also, for coins that rise four or five days in a row, there are often dump actions in the afternoon—this is a common tactic in quantitative trading.

Beyond technical analysis, mindset and risk management are more important. Dollar-cost averaging strategies may be dull, but they effectively lower costs. Long-term holding also requires courage: don’t chase gains or cut losses prematurely—wait for a true market cycle to turn. The most important rule is—only invest what you can afford to lose, and never touch your living expenses.

Coins like ZEC are the same—opportunities and risks coexist.