A recent encounter with a newcomer in the crypto circle, holding only two or three thousand USDT, and eager to find the secret to doubling their money. My answer might not be very motivational, but it’s quite sobering: don’t think about doubling first, think about how not to lose it all in a week.

Over the years, I’ve seen too many people with tiny accounts but reckless courage. And what’s the result? Before the market even shows any signs, the principal is gone.

**1. Small funds must be split and bet separately**

The most common mistake for those with limited capital is trying to gamble their way to a change of fate. I know a guy who started with 1300 USDT, and he split the money into three parts:
- 500 USDT for short-term trades: at most one opportunity per day, take small profits and stop, never be greedy
- 500 USDT for mid-term positioning: wait for key support levels in Bitcoin or positive news in Ethereum, and make a move every one and a half months
- 300 USDT as emergency funds: sleep through normal times, only use when the first two strategies go wrong or the market crashes

Splitting isn’t about making more crazy profits, but about surviving longer. As long as the account is still there, there’s still a chance to turn things around.

**2. Only earn with what you understand, rest of the time just relax**

90% of the market time is actually garbage time, with prices bouncing around and frustrating traders. Many people lose money, but it’s not because they lack skills; it’s because they can’t sit still.

That guy has a good habit: when he doesn’t understand the market, he prefers to stay out and watch dramas, rather than randomly opening trades.

Bitcoin consolidating? Stay out. Altcoins suddenly surge? Unless he’s been prepared in advance, he won’t even look. News is chaotic? Just shut down and sleep.

Resisting the urge to trade might seem lazy, but it’s actually an art of survival. Small capital can’t afford to be tossed around repeatedly.

**3. Write rules in stone, let emotions stand aside**

The easiest thing for small funds is to have a mental breakdown. Lose money and want to go all-in to recover, make profits and want to add more. The most effective way is to set rules in advance and follow them mechanically.

When to add positions, when to cut losses, how much loss triggers stop-loss — all written clearly on paper. When executing, don’t think, just follow the rules.

Small accounts have no cost for mistakes. The longer you survive, the more chances you have to turn things around.