Having been in the crypto space for seven years, from starting out to experiencing three complete bull and bear cycles, the most important lesson I've learned is — only those who live long enough can see profits. Many are attracted by the rapid rise of the bull market but end up getting caught in the downturn of the bear market. Today, I want to share some practical insights, all derived from real trading patterns.

**Bitcoin is always the lighthouse; other coins can only follow suit**

This is my deepest realization. Bitcoin is not just a specific asset; it is the heartbeat of the entire market. As long as you observe Bitcoin's direction, you can largely predict the subsequent trend. When Bitcoin starts to fluctuate sideways, altcoins will definitely accelerate downward; when Bitcoin steadily rises, even insignificant small coins can follow the rally. I have seen too many people try to "smartly" bypass Bitcoin to chase new coins, only to become the "sacrifices" of the market. Instead of analyzing hundreds of coins, it's better to first understand Bitcoin's pulse.

**USDT premium rate is a barometer of market sentiment**

This tactic might be a bit niche, but it works surprisingly well. When the USDT premium exceeds 3%, it often indicates that large funds are quietly converting into stablecoins and retreating, which usually leads to a short-term correction. Conversely, when the premium turns negative, it suggests that bottom-fishing funds are ready to strike. I relied on this signal to avoid two fairly sharp declines. Instead of obsessing over complex candlestick charts, consider the USDT premium as a contrarian signal light.

**Midnight dips are opportunities for the lazy**

Liquidity is thinnest between midnight and 1 AM, often causing sudden fluctuations of about 1%. My approach is simple: before bed, set up grid orders within a 2% range above and below the current price, then go to sleep. When I wake up, many of the grid orders have already triggered. This strategy is easy and effortless; the gains might just be enough for a breakfast, but over time, the small amounts add up. The key is not to constantly monitor the market, letting it give you opportunities on its own.