How to play short-term in the crypto market? Simply put, don't hold on too long—focus on capturing short-term price differences. To quickly make money in market fluctuations, you need a clear action plan. Mindset and discipline matter more than technical skills.

1. What exactly are you making money on in short-term trading?

The crypto market never closes, and volatility is high, providing ample room for short-term strategies. But short-term trading isn't about guessing whether prices will go up or down—it's about identifying relatively clear, small opportunities. For example, look at candlestick patterns (like hammer lines or engulfing patterns), changes in trading volume (such as volume spikes during breakouts or reduced volume during pullbacks), or short-term moving average crossovers—these help spot temporary capital movements. Stick to major or trending coins for easier entry and exit with minimal slippage. Don’t always aim to buy at the bottom or sell at the top—act when your criteria are met, and set stop-loss and take-profit levels. Take profits when reached, and cut losses when necessary.

2. How to execute it in practice?

Before entering: Wait until signals are clear before acting. Ideally, multiple signals should align—such as price breaking through a level, increased volume, and indicator crossovers—for higher success rates. Keep positions small—never risk more than 10–20% of your total capital on a single trade. Plan ahead: write down your entry price, exit price, and maximum acceptable loss.

While holding: Keep a close eye on the order book. Watch for abnormal order placements—large bids holding the price without movement may signal a trap; a sharp drop followed by a rapid recovery could present an opportunity. Don’t be greedy—exit in stages once your target is hit. If your stop-loss is triggered, act decisively. Never hold losing positions in short-term trading.

After exiting: Always review your trades. Document why you made or lost money—was it a flawed signal, or hesitation during execution? Gradually refine your strategy and reduce ineffective actions.

3. Mindset and discipline are the core

Avoid overtrading. Only act when real opportunities arise—otherwise, fees will eat into your profits. Don’t obsess over individual wins or losses; focus on the long-term probability of success. Stick to your own analysis and avoid following others’ signals. Market euphoria often signals danger.

4. Always remember the risks

In the crypto world, anything can happen suddenly—regulatory changes, black swan events—causing prices to swing wildly. Therefore, diversify your positions. Avoid trading during poor market conditions or prolonged downtrends; you’re more likely to get hurt. Don’t rely on luck to make money—losing money through luck happens even faster.

Playing short-term well is like guerrilla warfare: move in and out quickly, stay calm, don’t get greedy. Keep learning and improving, and you’ll survive and thrive in this market.

Let’s encourage each other!