> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.battle.fyi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.battle.fyi/trader-score/climbing.md).

# Climbing the Ladder

Practical advice for moving up the rank tiers.

## Paper Hands to Retail (0 to 300)

Play 10+ battles. Focus on not blowing up. Use low leverage (2x-3x), small position sizes (10-25%), and close losers quickly. You don't need to win -- you just need to not be last.

## Retail to Swing Trader (300 to 600)

Start reading the chart before entering trades. Use trailing stops to lock in profits. Diversify across assets. Your consistency pillar matters more here than raw returns.

## Swing Trader to Market Maker (600 to 900)

This is where risk management separates you from the pack. Keep max drawdown under 10% per battle. Use limit orders for better entries. Start using sabotage weapons strategically -- a well-timed BLACKOUT in the final minute is worth more than a slightly better entry price.

## Market Maker to Whale (900 to 1200)

You need a high win rate AND good risk-adjusted returns. That means winning without excessive leverage. Play more Elimination and Marathon formats -- they reward the consistency that Blitz doesn't test.

## Whale and beyond (1200+)

At this level, every battle matters. One blowup can cost you weeks of progress. Size positions conservatively, protect your gains with HEDGE and FIREWALL, and focus on capital preservation during bad sessions.

## Universal tips

1. **Play frequently.** Battle count is only 5% of your score, but inactivity decay is real.
2. **Favor consistency over home runs.** Top-half finishes every time beats occasional first-place finishes with frequent eliminations.
3. **Manage drawdown religiously.** Max drawdown is only 10% of your score weight, but it drags everything else down when it's bad.
4. **Learn from losses.** Review what went wrong. Was it the entry, the size, the leverage, or the timing?


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