What is the biggest fear when playing with coins? Making money only to lose it back. So we need to learn how to protect our profits.

For example, if you are bullish on a coin and it rises more than 10% after purchase, be especially cautious. Once it falls back to your cost price, don’t hesitate—liquidate immediately. If it reaches a 20% gain? Okay, this time set a rule—at least 10% profit must be maintained before selling, unless you are 100% sure this is the top of the stage, then hold on. The same logic applies for a 30% increase, with a minimum safeguard of 15%. What’s the benefit of doing this? Even if you can’t pinpoint the high, your profits can still grow on their own.

Conversely, stop-loss is even more critical. After buying a coin, if it drops 15% (you can set this number yourself, but 15% is a good reference), cut your losses and exit quickly. Many people are reluctant to take this loss, ending up sinking deeper and finally selling at the floor price. Remember, timely stop-loss is to protect your principal. Every trade must have a pre-set stop-loss point. This isn’t cowardice; it’s discipline.

Here’s a clever trick: if you sell a coin and it drops, but you still believe in its prospects, buy back the same amount at the original price. This way, the number of coins in your account stays the same, but you have more cash on hand. If you didn’t buy back after a small dip and the price later recovers to your sell price, you must buy back unconditionally. Although it may cost a bit more in fees, it helps avoid missing out on gains. Use this approach: buy back when the price returns to the original, stop-loss if it drops further. If the coin keeps bouncing within a certain range, it’s time to switch to another coin and reselect entry points.

Ultimately, short-term trading must follow principles. Quick in and out isn’t reckless, chasing hot spots isn’t aimless, taking profits when the time is right isn’t cowardly, and sitting on the sidelines isn’t quitting the game. Don’t obsess over the lowest and highest prices; grasping the rhythm is the key.