To be honest: I’m not here to call trades today; I just want to give friends with less than $800 in funds a reality check.

It’s not impossible to turn around in the crypto world, but the prerequisite is to learn how to make money while staying alive, not gambling for a turnaround. I previously guided a trader with $500, who turned it into $28,000 in three months, with zero liquidation along the way — and it’s definitely not luck, but strict adherence to three ironclad rules.

**Rule 1: Treat your principal as three independent chess pieces**

For the $500-$800 range, break it down like this:

30%-40% for intraday rhythm. Focus only on $BTC and $ETH, take profits immediately with 3%-5% volatility, at most two trades per day, then close for the day. Altcoins? Don’t even touch them.

Another 30%-40% for swing strategies. Only act when the 4-hour K-line truly breaks out of the range with significantly increased volume. Usually hold for 3-5 days, aiming for 15%-20% profit and being content with that.

The remaining 20%-30% is your escape pod. Never move it even in extreme market conditions, because without this reserve, the chance to turn things around is gone.

**Rule 2: Follow the trend, don’t fight the sideways**

80% of the time in crypto is spent grinding, and frequent trades are just paying tuition to the exchange.

Wait patiently without clear signals. Once you reach a 12% profit, sell half to lock in gains. The advantage of small capital is flexibility — so be content.

**Rule 3: Rules are your insurance to survive**

The stop-loss for a single trade should be 3% of your principal. When hit, you must exit — no bargaining.

Once profits exceed 5%, immediately cut half of your position, and set the remaining at your cost basis as a stop-loss point. If you lose money, never add to your position; don’t let emotions hijack your account.

The game rules for small funds are simple: preserve your principal, accumulate gains. Turning $800 into $20,000 is entirely feasible — the problem lies in discipline and patience. I used to stumble blindly in the dark; now I have a light. The key is whether you’re willing to follow that light.