In the crypto market, many people only prefer big waves – where prices rise steadily, buying is winning. But the truth is: strong trends are not always present, and sideways is actually the most common market state. And if you know how to play within the sideways, this is the easiest phase to accumulate coins.
Sideways Is Not Scary – Not Having a Strategy Is The Real Fear
Many people get discouraged when the market moves sideways:
Buying fears it won’t run up
Selling fears of losing holdings
Doing nothing feels like missing opportunities
But for me, sideways is a gold mine for disciplined traders.
As long as the market stays within clear boundaries:
Above support, below resistance
Breakouts signal a new trend
No need to guess the top or bottom.
Just let the market tell you where it wants to go.
3 Survival Principles in a Volatile Market
Capital Management Is the Foundation
I always follow one rule:
Enter trades lightly – light enough to cut losses without hesitation.
Never “all-in”.
Never hold onto hope for a “sure rebound”.
Don’t hold onto losses.
Every trade has a clear exit point:
Break support or lose 2–3% and exit
Having cash allows you to continue trading.
Lock in Profits When in Profit
When I’m in profit:
The first thing I do is move the stoploss back to breakeven
Then take partial profits
Money back in the wallet, peace of mind follows.
No more fears of volatility.
No more red candles scaring me.
The remaining position is for trend following, much more relaxed.
Only Increase Positions When Winning
I only add to positions when:
Price moves in the right direction
Trend is clear
Never:
Chase the bottom constantly
Average down while in loss
Follow the trend as it moves.
Stop when it stalls.
DCA – Safety Rope in Sideways Markets
Many criticize DCA as “a slow person’s strategy”. But for me, DCA is the ultimate weapon in sideways markets.
Because:
Buying high is scary
Buying low feels risky
DCA completely removes emotional factors.
I split my capital:
Weekly or monthly
Buy only BTC, ETH
Buy less when prices are high.
Buy more when prices are low.
Overall, it significantly lowers the average cost.
BTC and ETH are like the foundation of a building.
They make up 60–80% of the portfolio.
The rest is for altcoins.
The Strongest Weapon: Psychology
In sideways markets, the most fragile thing isn’t price — it’s confidence.
Many people:
See a red candle and panic
See a green candle and change strategy
Trade differently every day
Result: buy at the top, sell at the bottom.
As for me:
Plan ahead
Trade according to a script
Act at the right points
Cut losses when wrong
No arguing with the market.
No gambling with emotions.
Conclusion
Sideways is not the problem.
Lack of a strategy is the real problem.
Markets are full of opportunities.
What’s missing is disciplined people willing to see it through.
If you know how to leverage it, sideways is the best phase to accumulate for the next cycle.
Slow but steady.
Few but durable.
Live long with discipline.
Crypto is not for the impatient – it’s for those who understand the game. Wishing you calm trading and steady hands through every wave 🚀
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
Survival Tips in a Sideway Market: How I Use the "Foolish Method" to Accumulate Coins
In the crypto market, many people only prefer big waves – where prices rise steadily, buying is winning. But the truth is: strong trends are not always present, and sideways is actually the most common market state. And if you know how to play within the sideways, this is the easiest phase to accumulate coins. Sideways Is Not Scary – Not Having a Strategy Is The Real Fear Many people get discouraged when the market moves sideways: Buying fears it won’t run up Selling fears of losing holdings Doing nothing feels like missing opportunities But for me, sideways is a gold mine for disciplined traders. As long as the market stays within clear boundaries: Above support, below resistance Breakouts signal a new trend No need to guess the top or bottom. Just let the market tell you where it wants to go. 3 Survival Principles in a Volatile Market