The crypto world is no stranger to volatility, but the flash crash that rocked markets on October 10, 2025, was a brutal reminder of just how quickly things can spiral. Triggered by President Trump's announcements of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and new export controls, Bitcoin dipped as low as $102,000 on some exchanges, with altcoins and meme tokens plummeting even harder—some down 70% or more in mere hours. Billions in liquidations wiped out leveraged positions, leaving many traders reeling.
In times like these, level-headed advice is gold. A tweet from @ltrd_ (original post), a trader specializing in high-frequency and algorithmic strategies, offers a simple yet powerful routine for the next few days. It's especially relevant for meme token traders, where hype and FOMO (fear of missing out) often amplify risks. Let's break it down step by step, with some context on why this matters in the meme coin space.
Step 1: Skip the Revenge Trading
Revenge trading is that impulsive urge to jump back in after a loss, hoping to "get even" with the market. But as @ltrd_ points out, it's still early post-crash, with low liquidity making the market ripe for manipulation. Meme coins, built on community sentiment and viral trends, are particularly vulnerable here—think of how tokens like $DOG crashed 50% but bounced back quickly due to their cult-like followings.
Why avoid it? Without solid volume, prices can swing wildly on minimal trades. A potential big drop when markets reopen (like on Monday) could compound your losses. Instead, sit tight. In meme trading, this means resisting the temptation to ape into the next "recovery pump" without due diligence.
Step 2: Analyze Your Trades Thoroughly
Take a breather and review what went wrong. What leverage did you use? Where did you hit ADL (Auto-Deleveraging, a mechanism on exchanges like Binance where profitable positions are forced to cover losses of others during extreme volatility) or get liquidated? Which coins tanked hardest in your portfolio?
For meme token holders, this is crucial. Many memes rely on high leverage for quick gains, but the crash showed how borrowing protocols and margin trading can backfire. Tools like on-chain analytics (e.g., via DexScreener or Solana explorers) can help spot patterns—did your token's liquidity pool dry up, causing slippage? Use this to refine your strategy: maybe lower leverage to 2-5x instead of 20x, or diversify beyond pure memes into more utility-based tokens.
Step 3: Spot the Opportunities That Emerged
Flash crashes aren't one-offs; they're part of crypto's DNA. Yesterday's chaos revealed bargains—meme coins like $JAILSTOOL dipped to attractive levels, and resilient ones like $AURA held steady amid the red sea.
Reflect on what you missed: Was there a token with strong community support that weathered the storm? In the meme space, these events often shake out weak hands, paving the way for stronger rallies. Keep an eye on launchpads like Pump.fun, where post-crash activity might surge as traders shift from leveraged alts to fun, narrative-driven plays.
Step 4: Master Market Leverage Mechanics
Dive deeper into how leverage works: margin trading (borrowing funds to amplify bets), borrowing protocols (like Aave or Compound), and ADLs. Understanding these can elevate your game, especially in crypto's unique environment where 24/7 trading meets global events.
Meme tokens often thrive on leveraged hype, but the crash exposed risks like depegging stablecoins (e.g., USDe's brief wobble) triggering cascades. Educate yourself—read up on resources like CoinDesk archives or xAI's insights—to anticipate these. This knowledge turns you from a gambler into a strategic player, spotting when a meme's borrow rates spike as a sell signal.
Step 5: Touch Grass and Practice Gratitude
Finally, step away from the screens. Spend time outdoors ("touch grass" is crypto slang for getting offline), connect with loved ones, and focus on what's unchanged in your life. Portfolio dips hurt, but gratitude grounds you.
In the high-stakes world of meme coins, where emotions run hot, this mental reset is key. Trading psychology often decides winners—avoid tilt (poker term for emotional decision-making) by remembering: crypto's volatile, but your health and relationships aren't tied to tickers.
@ltdr_'s advice boils down to focus: don't overdo it. For meme insiders, this crash is a teachable moment. Volatility creates legends, but only if you learn from the falls. Stay informed, trade smart, and remember— the next bull wave could be just around the corner. If you're building your knowledge base, check out more on meme token strategies right here on Meme Insider.