A friend started trading cryptocurrencies three years ago with an initial capital of only 5,000 USDT. He doesn't have any special background, nor did he catch a particularly crazy market trend. Instead, he repeatedly used a very "rustic" method, gradually turning that 5,000 USDT into 150,000 USDT.

The entire process was quite boring—1000+ days of sticking to one thing: treating trading like learning a craft, being patient and calm, practicing mental resilience, and honing skills. The six practical rules he summarized later are still quite useful in the community.

**First Rule: Rapid Rise, Slow Fall, the Market Maker is Stockpiling**

Prices surge sharply upward, but the decline is slow. This is usually a shakeout. Don't rush to cut your positions. The true top looks like this: suddenly increasing volume to push prices higher, then a "bang"—a waterfall-like drop—trapping late buyers.

**Second Rule: Fast Drop, Slow Rise, Beware of Distribution**

A quick crash followed by a slow rebound? Don't see it as a buying opportunity. It’s very likely the final move. Many people think, "It's fallen so much, how much lower can it go?" but that mindset is the easiest to get trapped by.

**Third Rule: High Volume at High Prices Doesn't Need Panic, No Volume Is the Real Signal**

If the price is still showing high volume at a high level, there might still be a chance for another surge. But if the high level becomes very quiet with no trading volume, that’s a sign of an impending collapse.

**Fourth Rule: Don't Be Fooled by a Single Spike in Volume, Continuous Volume Is the Real Signal**

A one-time volume spike might just be a bait. It needs to be followed by a period of consolidation, then several days of sustained volume—only then does it look like genuine accumulation.

**Fifth Rule: Candlestick Patterns Are Past Data, Volume Reflects Market Sentiment**

Trading cryptocurrencies is essentially a game of psychology. Candlestick patterns are just the outcome; volume reveals the true market sentiment. Shrinking volume indicates declining participation; sudden volume increases show real funds are entering.

**Sixth Rule: "Doing Nothing" Is Also a Skill**

Having no obsession is the strongest state. Stay in cash when needed, avoid greed; act when opportunities arise, stay calm. This isn’t about giving up on trading but about cultivating the right mindset. Opportunities in the crypto space are always there; what’s missing is the discipline to hold back and see the bigger picture.