Recently, I saw many people in the community debating between left-side and right-side trading methods. This is a very good question. I’ve also made plenty of mistakes in this area myself, so today I want to discuss from a practical perspective why right-side trading is the correct approach for retail investors.

First, let’s briefly explain the difference between the two trading logics. Left-side trading involves buying before the price hits the bottom, betting that it will go up. Right-side trading is about entering the market after the trend is confirmed and the price starts rising, riding the elevator with the capital. It may sound like right-side trading is “reactive,” but in reality, this is precisely where retail investors have an advantage.

Why can large institutions play the left side while retail investors cannot? There are two key reasons. First, retail investors simply cannot accurately judge the true value range. Even many research institutions and fund companies often get it wrong—how can ordinary people be more precise than them? Often, we think we’re picking up bargains, but after buying in, not only does the price fall, but the project itself can also turn face. Second, it’s a matter of time cycles. Left-side trading requires patience and sometimes waiting a long time. Once retail investors get caught in a trap, their mindset collapses. They tend to want to sell at the slightest rebound, often missing out on big gains. Large funds have patience and sufficient capital, but retail investors usually don’t have that luxury.

On the other hand, right-side trading is different. When the price starts rising and the trend is confirmed, what does that mean? It indicates that the capital has already done its homework and is optimistic about the project. Following the capital into the market essentially means letting the funds do the research for you. This is much more reliable than blindly analyzing project fundamentals. Plus, right-side trading avoids the pain of floating losses—buy in and start making money immediately. It keeps your mindset comfortable and makes it easier to hold on.

So how exactly do you operate right-side trading? I’ve summarized a few ironclad rules. First, trend breakouts must be confirmed; don’t rush in just because it looks like it’s about to break out. Look for three signals: the price hitting a short-term new high, breaking through a long-term resistance level, and moving averages starting to turn upward. All three must be present for a true breakout. Second, trading volume must increase; upward moves without volume are just false signals. The third pitfall to watch out for is fake breakouts. Sometimes it looks like it’s about to rise, but then it pulls back. At this point, don’t add to your position—be patient and wait for the next buying opportunity. Lastly, during a pullback, consider adding to your position, but only if the overall trend remains intact.

Honestly, right-side trading seems simple, but actually doing it well isn’t easy. Compared to the long wait and psychological torment of left-side trading, right-side trading at least aligns with the flow of capital, making it more efficient. Especially for retail investors without professional research capabilities, following the trend and capital is the smartest choice.

What I want to say is that in the crypto world, the hardest part isn’t choosing which coin to buy, but waiting. In life, the hardest part isn’t effort, but making the right decisions. Sometimes, giving up on certain things is actually a form of wisdom. Many people see others making big money and get tempted, but steadily earning small amounts over time can accumulate into much more. Success and failure often hinge on a single thought—whether you’re willing to change your mindset. The attitude you have in trading determines the results you get. What we can control is today’s effort; what we cannot control is tomorrow’s outcome. Doing well today is the best preparation for the future.