Last winter, I almost blocked a childhood friend.

Not because of hatred, but because of FEAR.

He invested $280,000 in the crypto market, and six months later, it was down to just $2,800. One night, around 2 AM, he texted me:

"Lend me some more money, I want to win it back..."

I replied bluntly, without hesitation: "If you hit me again, you won't have any pants left to wear."

I thought the story ended there.

Three months later, he sent me a screenshot of his account.

  • 2,800 → over 90,000.

Not only did they fill the gap in losses, but they also made a profit of over 30,000.

I was speechless. Not because of the money, but because I understood very well: it couldn't have been luck.

Crypto doesn't need geniuses, just people who don't break the rules.

After five years of observing the market, I've come to a harsh conclusion:

Crypto doesn't kill the stupid – it kills the undisciplined.

The longest-surviving people aren't those who correctly predict the peaks and troughs, but rather those who:

  • Not all-in

  • Don't try to force a loss.

  • Don't turn trading into gambling.

The three rules below are what saved my friend, and they are also the "life-saving laws" for many traders that still exist today.

Principle 1: Never Go All-In – Stop Loss is the Line Between Life and Death

His past mistakes were very typical:

  • Place a heavy order.

  • Climbing to the summit

  • No stop loss.

  • Hope for a "recovery"

You know the result.

After that collapse, he established an iron rule for himself:

  • Each order is limited to a maximum of 25% of the total capital.

  • A 10% loss is a stop-loss order; no arguing with the market.

Many people hate stop loss because they think it's like "cutting meat" (a metaphor for cutting flesh).
But the truth is: not using a stop loss is actually slow suicide.

I've seen countless accounts:

  • 10% loss → holding on

  • 30% loss → pray

  • 60% loss → paralysis

  • Finally: burning

Crypto operates 24/7. Opportunities always exist, as long as you have capital.

Principle 2: Don't Go Against the Trend – Don't Try to Make Yourself a Hero

"Buy low, sell high" is the most appealing phrase... to lure newcomers into a trap.

My friend used to be addicted to the feeling of "buying at the bottom."
Result: This bottom is lower than the previous bottom.

Then he changed his strategy:

  • The market is going up → trade according to the trend.

  • The market is going down → just a very light test.

Identifying trends is extremely simple:

  • Upward trending moving average

  • Trading volume increased

  • Price breaks through key resistance level.

Only place an order when 2 out of 3 conditions are met.

If the trend goes against the current:

  • Use a maximum of 5% of the capital.

  • A 3% loss is a sure way to withdraw immediately.

On the day he made his biggest profit, over $5,000, he didn't try to predict the bottom or the top – he simply went with the flow of money.

Principle 3: When there's a profit, close the deal – only when the money is in your pocket is it truly yours.

Greed is the quickest killer of traders.

His laws are cruel:

  • Retain only 15% of profits for reinvestment.

  • The remaining 85% is finalized immediately, no negotiation.

The market may still go up, but greed knows no bounds.

I've seen too many people:

  • 40% profit, not selling.

  • Dream 100%

  • Finally, it returns to the negative.

Crypto doesn't have an absolute peak, only people who take profits at the right time.

Crypto is not a casino – it's a battleground for humanity.

He later shared those principles with his friends:

  • Some people went from 3,000 to 9,000.

  • Some people almost went all-in against the trend, but were forced to cut their losses just in time.

It's a hard truth to hear, but it has to be said:

Your biggest enemy in crypto isn't the market – it's yourself.

  • Greed

  • Scared

  • FOMO

  • Blind hope

Whoever controls those things will live.

Conclusion

I've been in this market long enough to understand one thing: Crypto doesn't reward risk-takers – crypto rewards disciplined people.

If you're struggling, constantly losing, and feeling like "I'm not suited for crypto"—it's very likely not because you're incompetent, but because you haven't yet learned the rules to save yourself.

This market, however, shows no mercy to anyone. But it always offers opportunities to those who prioritize survival before thinking about getting rich.