In the crypto market, playing the short-term game appears to be a contest of reaction speed on the surface, but in reality, it's a comprehensive battle of technical skills, emotional control, and execution.

Those who truly make stable profits from short-term trading never succeed just because they place orders quickly, but because they know exactly what they're doing.

These 5 trading iron rules can help you avoid most of the pitfalls that beginners fall into:

**Rule 1: Technical skills are your entry ticket**
Don't mistake luck for skill. How do you read moving averages? Where are the support levels? Is the volume sufficient? What signals do the candlesticks give you?
If you don't understand these things, you're just gambling. Technical analysis isn't a holy grail, but without it, you can't even get in the game.

**Rule 2: News is the catalyst for capital flow**
Bullish or bearish news, new coin launches, breaking headlines... By the time you see the push notification, the smart money has already moved.
Experts don't chase hot topics—they can smell where the money is going ahead of time.

**Rule 3: Intraday trading allows no hesitation**
Intraday trading is all about speed, precision, and decisiveness.
You need to understand volatility, withstand pullbacks, and execute your strategy. If you can't even be bothered to watch the charts, don't touch intraday trading—otherwise, you'll be the one getting slapped back and forth.

**Rule 4: Breakout moves are the most tempting and the most deceptive**
A real breakout with volume is an opportunity; a fake breakout without volume is a trap.
The key isn't whether you dare to go in, but whether you can tell the difference. Going all-in on every breakout? That's just giving away your money.

**Rule 5: Swing trading relies on patience**
Swing trading isn't about blindly catching the bottom or chasing the top.
It's about riding the trend and taking the middle section—not being greedy for the start or hanging on for the end. Remember: the middle slice is the tastiest and the safest.

**The essence of short-term trading isn't making quick money, but cutting losses quickly and achieving consistent profits**

Short-term trading is never about skill—it's about discipline.

✔ Cut your losses decisively
✔ Keep your position size in check
✔ Maintain a steady mindset
✔ Admit when you're wrong
✔ Lock in your profits

Without these, short-term trading is no different from gambling. Whether it's ETH or other major coins, the market won't go easy on you just because you're feeling lucky.