A while ago, a friend told me he was eyeing a hot coin and went all-in with maximum leverage.

At the moment of entry, the price shot up rapidly, and he was spamming the group chat: "This time, I’ve got the rhythm right."

Not long after, a huge bearish candle slammed down, and his entire position was instantly liquidated.

He was stunned: "I didn’t get the direction wrong, why am I still out?"

I told him one thing: You’re betting on the trend, but they’re playing the game.

Many traders lose money not because of technical issues. The problem is—overestimating themselves and severely underestimating the opponent.

Behind this market, it’s not just a game of buying and selling; it’s a carefully designed test of human nature and emotions. While you’re studying candlestick patterns, they’re precisely calculating your impulsive points and hesitation points.

The most common tactics are just a few sets repeated over and over.

**First: Pump to Break Resistance and Induce Buying**

When the price just breaks a key resistance level, you see a nice pattern and rush in immediately. But the volume doesn’t follow. That rally is just a smokescreen to lure retail investors in. Then, they quickly reverse, smashing down, trapping all the chasing longs.

**Second: Long-term Sideways Drilling**

The price swings left and right, looking directionless. The more you wait, the more anxious you get. Occasionally, a small bullish candle teases you with hope, only to be reversed again. Eventually, you can’t hold back and sell your position, but those chips have already been quietly taken away.

**Third: Dual-direction Sweep**

First clear out the short’s stop-losses, then reverse to harvest the longs. The direction shifts so fast that by the time retail traders react, only transaction fees and liquidation records remain.

**Fourth: Creating Buzz and Atmosphere**

Large transfers on the chain, whale wallet screenshots flying everywhere. It looks like funds are surging, and more people are participating. But in reality, it’s all to pave the way for the market maker to offload. The higher the hype, the higher the concentration, and the greater the risk.

**Fifth: Low Volatility Drains Patience**

The price stays flat, neither rising nor falling, seeming peaceful. But it’s quietly eating away at your position. You relax your guard, and suddenly, real volatility strikes.

**Sixth: Lightning Contract Sweeps**

Perpetual contract prices temporarily deviate from spot, with a lightning-fast move that triggers all stop-loss orders. No matter how quick you are, you can’t dodge it.

These tactics differ in details, but the core logic is the same: to lure you into action first.

While you’re glued to the chart studying, they’re monitoring when you’ll press that button. That’s the gap.

Remember one thing: The liveliest places are the ones where you need to slow down the most.

Many understand the trend, but only those who understand the game can survive. That’s the qualification to stay in this market.

Opportunities are never lacking. What’s missing is the patience to restrain yourself and wait. Next time the market heats up, take a moment to cool down for three seconds.