Seeing someone ask how to participate in the crypto market with just $10, I feel both amused and a bit heartbroken. This is not playing with coins; it's clearly playing with life. But then I think, who didn't start from small amounts and struggle their way up? Today, I want to share some harsh truths, give a cold shower to those still struggling, and point out a possible way forward.

**Fantasy or Trap: Why 10U leverage contracts are all pitfalls**

All those tutorials online are more and more aggressive, claiming "Open 100x with 10U, three waves to turn into thousands of users." Sounds exciting, but in reality, it's just a trap set by the whales. Do you really think the market will follow your script? With 100x leverage, Ethereum only needs to move 1%, and you'll be liquidated instantly, with no chance to react.

Even worse are the slippage and fee schemes, which can eat up most of your principal. There are stories of turning 10U into 1000U, but behind that, 99% of people end up with nothing. Instead of relying on contracts to turn things around, better to buy a lottery ticket—at least the odds are transparent.

**10U survival tips: stay calm, don’t waste it**

Option 1: Dollar-cost averaging into mainstream coins, using time to gain space

Divide 10U into 10 parts, and invest 1U weekly into BTC or ETH. The amount looks small, but top-tier exchanges allow starting with as little as 0.1U. Stick with it for half a year, and your costs are averaged out. When the real bull market arrives, the chances of doubling are much more reliable than contracts. This approach tests not luck, but your mindset and patience.

Option 2: Earning through airdrops and airdrop farming, exchanging effort for tokens

Projects like zkSync, StarkNet, and other Layer2 solutions, require only about 0.1U per interaction via email tools. Accumulate 100 interactions for about 10U, and you might catch future airdrops. It’s tiring, but the benefit is that your principal won't vanish overnight. Plus, during this process, you also learn how to interact with on-chain projects.

Option 3: Small positions for short-term trading, gaining experience rather than quick profits

Use 3U as tuition and practice in spot markets. The goal isn’t to get rich overnight but to understand buying, selling points, and risk management in real market conditions. The experience gained from small losses is often more valuable than listening to a hundred influencers’ lectures. Once you truly understand the market’s temperament, then consider scaling up your funds.

**Reiterate the key point**

Small capital entry, mindset always comes first. Going all-in on contracts? That’s gambling, not investing. Dollar-cost averaging, farming airdrops, and short-term practice—these three paths may not bring instant wealth, but at least they won’t wipe out your pants. Opportunities in crypto are abundant; don’t rush for quick gains in one or two months. Survive first, and there will be more chances ahead.