Trading, to put it simply, is a repetitive process of self-cultivation. I also started from a state of confusion and exploration. I still remember the excitement and nervousness when I first entered the market with 3,000 yuan. After more than half a year of tinkering, the numbers in my account suddenly increased by three zeros. This is not a legendary story; it’s the result of perseverance and a complete trading logic that I stuck to.

Today, I want to share fewer theoretical frameworks and instead focus on six practical insights I’ve gained from years of market experience. These are lessons learned at the cost of real money and blood. Mastering one can save you a lot of tuition fees; truly understanding three or more can help you leave most trend-following retail investors behind.

**1. The rhythm of rise and fall hides the secrets of the market makers**

Veterans in the crypto space understand a principle: the rhythm of price movements often reflects the intentions of the market makers. When you see the price surging rapidly but then slowly drifting down during a correction, what does that usually mean? The market makers are quietly accumulating.

This "lightning-fast rise and snail-paced fall" candlestick pattern has a simple logic behind it—shaking out retail traders with unstable positions. What does a true market top look like? It’s a sudden surge in volume followed by an unanticipated free fall, trapping late buyers. Conversely, a slow, gentle decline often indicates the market makers are accumulating at low levels. I’ve seen many traders panic and cut their positions at this stage, only to sell to smart funds, missing out on the subsequent rally.

To survive longer in this game, you must learn to distinguish what is a real bear market and what is just a trap set by the market makers. Rapid upward moves combined with slow corrections are signals of building positions, not signs of panic escape.

**2. Weak rebounds after a flash crash are often the last chance to get on board**

There’s another scenario that’s the complete opposite of the above: the price suddenly crashes hard, then attempts to rebound, but the rebound is particularly weak. When you see this kind of movement, many people think, "It’s fallen so much, it should bottom out soon," and buy in. But this mindset is the most dangerous.

The true bottom isn’t formed by one or two sharp drops; it requires multiple tests and confirmations. Those weak rebounds after a flash crash often mean that selling pressure hasn’t been fully released yet. The market is still consolidating, and this situation is usually a prelude to a deeper decline.

It may sound unbelievable, but this is a common pattern in crypto markets. Many newcomers get itchy at a big drop and buy the last leg of the decline, only to realize later that they’ve already crossed their psychological bottom.

**The essence of practical trading**

Instead of memorizing a bunch of indicators and theories, it’s better to develop a sensitivity to market rhythm through actual trading. Learn to understand the logic behind candlestick patterns, distinguish between shakeouts and panic exits, and you’ll be able to make smarter decisions at critical moments. It’s not some profound secret; it’s a process of repeated observation, comparison, and muscle memory formation.

The ups and downs of the crypto market are fundamentally about the transfer of chips between different hands. Those who can keenly perceive this rhythm of transfer will have the opportunity to pay less tuition.