I recently came across a heartbreaking case: someone used 10,000 USDT to fully leverage a 10x long position, and after just a 3% pullback, their account was wiped out. Looking into their trading records, I finally understood—they threw 9,500 USDT all in without any stop-loss or backup plan, essentially betting all their chips on a single gamble.
Many people mistakenly believe that full leverage is more "tough," but in reality, it's quite the opposite. The most deadly aspect of full leverage isn't the leverage itself, but the fact that you cut off all your exit routes.
Let's consider a different number to feel it: opening a 10x position with 1,000 USDT to trade 900 USDT, just a 5% adverse move will blow the account; but if you only trade 100 USDT, the market would need to move 50% against you to get stopped out. With the same market fluctuation, the outcome is completely different—the difference isn't in the market but in position control.
Trading is about surviving long enough to wait for the right market conditions. The secret to longevity boils down to three points:
**First: No single position should exceed 20% of total funds**
For an account of 10,000 USDT, the maximum single trade should be 2,000 USDT. Even if you make a wrong call and set a 10% stop-loss, you'd only lose 200 USDT, leaving room to try again at any time. Leaving enough room for adjustment isn't conservative—it's rational.
**Second: Limit single-loss to 3% of total position**
For a 2,000 USDT position with 10x leverage, set a stop-loss to cap maximum loss at 300 USDT. Even if you make several consecutive mistakes, your principal remains intact. This risk management framework helps you stay steady amid volatility.
**Third: Only trade trend breakouts, avoid ranging markets**
Don't participate in sideways markets no matter how tempting, and once you have profits, stay firm and don't chase or add positions. Stop immediately if emotions get out of control. Following this bottom line helps you avoid most unnecessary losses.
There was a trader who kept blowing up accounts every month, but after following these three rules and starting over, his account grew from 5,000 USDT to 30,000 USDT in three months. He once said something that left a deep impression:
View Original
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.
6 Likes
Reward
6
4
Repost
Share
Comment
0/400
MintMaster
· 4h ago
Full liquidation of the entire position is really self-inflicted; looking back at the trading records, there are a bunch of flaws. Going all-in with 9500U in one shot is just ridiculous.
Living long-term, these three tips are indeed effective, especially the one about not chasing trades. Many people ruin themselves by chasing highs.
View OriginalReply0
SigmaBrain
· 4h ago
All-in is really a common pitfall for crypto beginners. Just look at that guy who went all-in with 9500U—he clearly didn't take risk management seriously.
The concept of surviving longer is actually very simple, but very few people can truly do it. I've seen too many people think they can turn things around with one shot, only to end up wiped out.
The 20% single trade and 3% stop-loss framework is indeed a bit risky, and the rule of not chasing trades and adding positions is really a test of human nature.
View OriginalReply0
GateUser-2fce706c
· 4h ago
The three rules this guy mentioned, I've already talked about them long ago. Opportunity must not be missed. Seize this wave of pullback to layout for the future. While others are still debating about full positions, I have already started making long-term plans. Time waits for no one.
Full position is garbage. I mentioned this three years ago. I’ve always said that stop-loss is the secret to trading wealth. Now finally someone understands, but it's too late.
Traders without stop-losses won't last three months. That's an iron law. Going from 5,000 to 30,000 is really a first-mover advantage. Those who grasp the big trend have all made money.
It's the same old spiel. I heard a similar case last year. Every time, someone repeats this story, but only a few actually follow through. It's a matter of perspective.
The three iron laws are good, but the core is actually one word—control. Those who can control live longer; those who can't control will always get wiped out.
This kind of risk control framework is actually a way to screen traders' IQ. Those who can stick to 20% positions have long achieved financial freedom. Most people are still gambling on a big bet.
Honestly, living to make money is more important than dying to make money. It's an old saying, but why do some people still not understand?
View OriginalReply0
DAOTruant
· 5h ago
Full position is a gambler's mentality and won't last more than three months...
Exactly, position management is the moat, not some fancy technique.
I need to remember the 3% stop-loss; it's more useful than any indicator.
I recently came across a heartbreaking case: someone used 10,000 USDT to fully leverage a 10x long position, and after just a 3% pullback, their account was wiped out. Looking into their trading records, I finally understood—they threw 9,500 USDT all in without any stop-loss or backup plan, essentially betting all their chips on a single gamble.
Many people mistakenly believe that full leverage is more "tough," but in reality, it's quite the opposite. The most deadly aspect of full leverage isn't the leverage itself, but the fact that you cut off all your exit routes.
Let's consider a different number to feel it: opening a 10x position with 1,000 USDT to trade 900 USDT, just a 5% adverse move will blow the account; but if you only trade 100 USDT, the market would need to move 50% against you to get stopped out. With the same market fluctuation, the outcome is completely different—the difference isn't in the market but in position control.
Trading is about surviving long enough to wait for the right market conditions. The secret to longevity boils down to three points:
**First: No single position should exceed 20% of total funds**
For an account of 10,000 USDT, the maximum single trade should be 2,000 USDT. Even if you make a wrong call and set a 10% stop-loss, you'd only lose 200 USDT, leaving room to try again at any time. Leaving enough room for adjustment isn't conservative—it's rational.
**Second: Limit single-loss to 3% of total position**
For a 2,000 USDT position with 10x leverage, set a stop-loss to cap maximum loss at 300 USDT. Even if you make several consecutive mistakes, your principal remains intact. This risk management framework helps you stay steady amid volatility.
**Third: Only trade trend breakouts, avoid ranging markets**
Don't participate in sideways markets no matter how tempting, and once you have profits, stay firm and don't chase or add positions. Stop immediately if emotions get out of control. Following this bottom line helps you avoid most unnecessary losses.
There was a trader who kept blowing up accounts every month, but after following these three rules and starting over, his account grew from 5,000 USDT to 30,000 USDT in three months. He once said something that left a deep impression: