When it comes to playing with altcoins, the test is never how high your single-profit can be, but how long you can survive. Over the years, I've seen too many people chase into high positions, greed never stops, and in the end, get caught in a trap, or even hold until the project goes to zero. I’ve stepped on many pits myself and have seen through some tricks. Today, I’ll openly share 8 painful lessons.

**Lesson 1: Keep your position light, sell when you need to**

Never put all your assets into one coin. This is not a profound truth, but the most basic survival rule. Once your profit reaches your target (say 30%-50%), taking profits gradually is the way to go. Don’t expect to buy at the bottom and sell at the top. The most tempting meat in the market is often in the middle; the ends are full of thorns and easy to cut your hand.

**Lesson 2: Distinguish between sideways consolidation at high and low levels**

When the price surges and then starts to oscillate, it’s often the market maker unloading. At this point, you should gradually reduce your position instead of sitting idly. Conversely, if a coin has been sideways at a low level for a long time and suddenly breaks through a key resistance with volume, it’s often a sign of capital entering, and you might consider entering. The key is to look at the position: after a high-level consolidation, a small breakout is a signal to sell; at a low level, stabilization after consolidation is a real buying point.

**Lesson 3: Follow the trend, don’t fight against it**

Altcoins can be extremely volatile. The safest approach is to operate only in an uptrend. Stories of catching bottoms against the trend are just stories. When the overall trend is upward, and the price pulls back to a key support level (like the 60-day moving average) and stabilizes, that might be a good opportunity to buy low. But if the trend is downward, you should exit near resistance levels and not wait.

**Lesson 4: Only add to positions with profits, strictly cut losses when losing**

Using money that you can’t afford to lose to average down is the most deadly mistake I’ve seen. Only when you have unrealized gains should you consider using some of those profits to add to your position. When you’re at a loss, set a stop-loss (usually around 2%-5%) and stick to it. Protect your principal; the next opportunity is always ahead.

**Lesson 5: Bottom oscillation is normal, patience is key**

Once the true bottom forms, the market usually moves in a “two steps forward, one step back” rhythm. As long as the pullback doesn’t break the key support (like the weekly middle line), there’s no need to panic and sell. Patience is more important than technical skills. Many people lack this resolve and sell their chips in the darkness before dawn.

**Lesson 6: Trading volume of small coins speaks the loudest**

Altcoin trading volume can fluctuate greatly. If a coin usually has low liquidity and suddenly shows a large volume, it’s worth paying attention to. But don’t be fooled by fake volume; look for genuine capital inflows and outflows. Choose coins with relatively stable liquidity and backed by institutional support; the risk will be much lower.

**Lesson 7: Combine technical analysis with fundamentals**

Relying solely on candlestick charts is risky. Occasionally take time to understand the project’s progress, ecosystem development, and whether any major positive news is about to land. Technical analysis tells you when to act; fundamentals tell you if it’s worth acting. Both are essential.

**Lesson 8: Mental preparation for taking profits is as important as cutting losses**

Many people can set stop-loss orders, but once they have unrealized gains, they can’t resist the temptation. Watching the account grow day by day, they think they can wait longer. The result is predictable. Make a clear profit-taking plan, take profits in batches, and overcome greed. This is the secret to surviving long-term.

Incorporate these 8 lessons into your blood, and while I can’t guarantee wealth and riches, at least it will help you survive longer and sleep more peacefully in this market. The game of altcoins is ultimately a psychological battle; whoever has stronger willpower wins.