Crypto investing essentially boils down to two approaches—buying spot assets and holding or playing contracts for a quick win. It seems simple, but the consequences of each choice are vastly different.

An experienced trader in the community, let's call him Brother Zhang, is a laid-back trader. Five years ago, he invested 50,000 yuan, focusing solely on Bitcoin and Ethereum, the top two coins. His approach is straightforward: during market dips, he gradually adds to his position, like regular savings; when prices reach his target, he sells in parts, never greedy, and never considers trading contracts. What was the result? Over three years, his account grew to 2 million. His own summary is very direct: "Holding mainstream coins, patiently waiting, keeping a steady mindset—that's how you live comfortably."

Another example is Brother Li, a die-hard contract trader. He once made an exaggerated move—using $3,000 with tenfold leverage, turning it into $200,000 within a week. It felt like he had a cheat code. But good times didn't last. Liquidation became almost routine for him, and within three days, his account was wiped out. He later reflected: "Contracts can be a money printer or a money shredder; wins and losses often come down to a one-second judgment."

Now, let's consider a more realistic scenario: if you only have 10,000 yuan right now, would you honestly buy spot assets or take a shot at trading contracts? Which approach is more likely to help you turn things around quickly?

**The Spot Path: Stability First**

The benefits are obvious—risk is tightly controlled, and there's little chance of overnight liquidation. It's especially suitable for those who want to hold long-term and value investing. But honestly, the downsides are also significant. With a small principal, returns grow slowly, like a snail crawling. You often have to wait for a big market move to see your investment double, which tests your patience.

**The Contract Path: Wagering on Waves**

The appeal lies in leverage magic—small money can generate big gains. For example, with 10x leverage, a 10% market move can double your principal. Sounds exciting, right? The reality is, most people can't hold on for more than three months; liquidation becomes a common story. This route is only suitable for those with strict discipline, exceptional mental resilience, and the ability to accept their account being wiped out instantly.

Why do some people admire those who consistently profit from contract trading? Because they perform delicate maneuvers under high market pressure—while spot traders are satisfied with 10% gains, these experts can extract 100%. Behind this is near-cold rationality, precise strategies like a scalpel, and machine-like execution.

**How do true game winners play?**

They usually don’t choose between one or the other. Mature traders often walk both paths: use spot to build a solid foundation for long-term holdings, and use contracts to capture short-term swings, increasing profits without damaging their core positions. This way, they can sleep peacefully and still seize opportunities for quick gains.