Getting Started as a Degen

0 of 16 lessons complete • 0%
  • 📱 Module 1: Wallet Setup & Security
    ● Creating Your Phantom Wallet
    ○ Security Best Practices
    ○ Funding Your Wallet
    ○ Your First Transaction
  • 🧠 Module 2: Understanding Meme Coins
    ○ What Are Meme Coins?
    ○ Solana vs Other Chains
    ○ Market Cycles & Narratives
    ○ Community & Culture
  • 🔍 Module 3: Research & Alpha Discovery
    ○ Finding New Tokens
    ○ Social Intelligence
    ○ On-Chain Analysis
    ○ Due Diligence Framework
  • 📈 Module 4: Trading Fundamentals
    ○ DEX Trading Basics
    ○ Entry & Exit Strategies
    ○ Risk Management
  • 🎯 Module 5: Final Assessment
    ○ Course Quiz
Module 1 • Lesson 1

Creating Your Phantom Wallet

⏱️ 15 minutes

Welcome to your first step into the world of Solana meme coin trading! The Phantom wallet is your gateway to the entire Solana ecosystem - it's where you'll store your SOL, trade meme coins, and interact with decentralized applications.

Screenshot of Phantom wallet main interface showing balance, tokens, and navigation buttons

Why Phantom Wallet?

Phantom is the most popular and user-friendly wallet for Solana because:

  • Native Solana Support: Built specifically for the Solana blockchain
  • Integrated DEX: Swap tokens directly in the wallet
  • DApp Browser: Access pump.fun and other platforms seamlessly
  • Mobile & Desktop: Synchronized across all your devices
  • Security Features: Advanced encryption and recovery options

Step-by-Step Installation

For Desktop (Chrome Extension):

  1. Visit phantom.app (always verify the URL to avoid phishing)
  2. Click "Download" and select "Chrome Extension"
  3. Click "Add to Chrome" in the Chrome Web Store
  4. Pin the extension to your browser toolbar for easy access

For Mobile:

  1. Download "Phantom" from App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
  2. Verify it's published by "Phantom Technologies, Inc."
  3. Install and open the app
🔒 Security First:
Only download Phantom from official sources. Scammers create fake versions to steal your funds. Always verify the publisher and read reviews before installing.

Creating Your First Wallet

Interactive Setup Guide

Follow these exact steps when you open Phantom for the first time:

  1. Click "Create New Wallet" (don't import unless you already have a wallet)
  2. Choose a Strong Password: Use 12+ characters with numbers, symbols, and mixed case
  3. Save Your Recovery Phrase: Write down all 12 words in order on paper
  4. Verify Your Phrase: Re-enter the words to confirm you saved them correctly
  5. Complete Setup: Your wallet is now ready to use!

Understanding Your Seed Phrase

Your 12-word recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. It's more important than your password because:

  • Complete Control: Anyone with these words controls your funds
  • Permanent Access: You can recover your wallet on any device
  • No Reset Option: Lost phrases mean lost funds forever
  • Phantom Can't Help: They don't store your phrases and can't recover them
⚠️ Critical Security Rules:
• Never share your seed phrase with anyone
• Don't store it digitally (no photos, emails, or cloud storage)
• Write it on paper and store in a safe place
• Consider making multiple physical copies
• Phantom support will NEVER ask for your seed phrase

📚 Essential Resources

Official Phantom Website Phantom Help Center Phantom Documentation Phantom Twitter (Official Updates)

✅ Lesson 1.1 Checklist

Downloaded Phantom from official source
Created new wallet with strong password
Wrote down seed phrase on paper and stored safely
Verified seed phrase during setup
Pinned Phantom extension to browser
Explored wallet interface and features
💡 Pro Tip:
Create a "test" transaction first by sending a tiny amount to yourself. This helps you understand the process before making larger transactions.
Module 1 • Lesson 2

Security Best Practices

⏱️ 20 minutes

Security is paramount in crypto. One mistake can cost you everything. This lesson covers essential security practices that every degen must follow to protect their funds and avoid common scams.

Digital security concept with shield, locks, and protection symbols representing wallet security best practices

The Security Mindset

In crypto, you are your own bank. This means:

  • No Chargebacks: Transactions are irreversible
  • No Customer Support: No one can recover your lost funds
  • 24/7 Threats: Scammers never sleep
  • Personal Responsibility: Your security is 100% up to you

Multi-Wallet Strategy

Never put all your eggs in one basket. Use multiple wallets for different purposes:

1. Hot Wallet (Daily Trading)

  • Purpose: Active trading and DeFi interactions
  • Amount: Only what you can afford to lose completely
  • Security: High convenience, moderate security
  • Example: Your main Phantom wallet

2. Warm Wallet (Medium-Term Holdings)

  • Purpose: Tokens you're holding but might trade
  • Amount: Moderate positions
  • Security: Separate device or browser profile
  • Example: Secondary Phantom on different device

3. Cold Wallet (Long-Term Storage)

  • Purpose: Long-term holdings, never for trading
  • Amount: Majority of your portfolio
  • Security: Hardware wallet or air-gapped device
  • Example: Ledger or completely offline wallet

🛡️ Wallet Security Setup

Complete this security checklist for each wallet:

  1. Unique Password: Never reuse passwords
  2. Secure Seed Storage: Physical backup in safe location
  3. Browser Security: Dedicated crypto browser profile
  4. Extension Management: Only essential crypto extensions
  5. Regular Backups: Test recovery process monthly

Common Scams to Avoid

1. Fake Websites (Phishing)

⚠️ How it works:
Scammers create fake versions of legitimate sites to steal your seed phrase or private keys.

Prevention:
• Always bookmark legitimate sites
• Double-check URLs before entering sensitive info
• Never enter seed phrases on websites
• Use hardware wallets for large amounts

2. Discord/Telegram Scams

⚠️ How it works:
Scammers impersonate admins or create fake "support" accounts to trick users into sharing sensitive information.

Prevention:
• Admins will NEVER DM you first
• Never share wallet info in DMs
• Always verify admin badges
• Report and block suspicious accounts

3. Malicious Tokens/NFTs

⚠️ How it works:
Scammers send malicious tokens that can drain your wallet when you interact with them.

Prevention:
• Never interact with unexpected tokens
• Use token approval checkers
• Revoke permissions regularly
• Keep trading and holding wallets separate

4. Pump and Dump Schemes

⚠️ How it works:
Groups coordinate to pump a token's price, then dump on late buyers.

Prevention:
• Avoid "guaranteed" returns
• Research token fundamentals
• Don't FOMO into sudden pumps
• Exit if it feels too good to be true

Browser and Device Security

Browser Setup

SECURE CRYPTO BROWSER SETUP: 🌐 DEDICATED PROFILE: Create separate browser profile for crypto Use only for crypto-related activities Never browse general internet on crypto profile 🔒 SECURITY EXTENSIONS: MetaMask/Phantom only AdBlock Plus Privacy Badger HTTPS Everywhere ❌ AVOID: Random extensions Torrent clients Pirated software Sketchy websites

Device Security

  • Operating System: Keep updated with latest security patches
  • Antivirus: Use reputable antivirus software
  • Firewall: Enable system firewall
  • Public WiFi: Never access wallets on public networks
  • Screen Recording: Be aware of malware that records screens

Transaction Security

Before Every Transaction:

Verify the exact contract address
Check recipient address character by character
Confirm transaction amount is correct
Review gas fees and slippage settings
Test with small amount first for new contracts

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Urgent Pressure: "Act now or miss out forever"
  • Guaranteed Returns: Nothing is guaranteed in crypto
  • Seed Phrase Requests: Legitimate services never ask for this
  • Too Good to Be True: 1000% APY offers are usually scams
  • Suspicious URLs: Always double-check domains

Emergency Procedures

If You Think You've Been Compromised:

  1. Stop Everything: Don't make any more transactions
  2. Create New Wallet: Generate fresh wallet immediately
  3. Transfer Funds: Move remaining funds to new wallet
  4. Revoke Permissions: Cancel all token approvals
  5. Change Passwords: Update all related passwords
  6. Scan Device: Run full antivirus scan

🎮 Security Assessment Tool

Rate your current security setup:





Complete the assessment above to see your security score

Knowledge Check: Security Practices

You receive a DM from someone claiming to be Phantom support asking for your seed phrase to "help with an issue." What should you do?
  • Provide the seed phrase since they're trying to help
  • Ask them to verify their identity first
  • Block and report - this is definitely a scam
  • Check with the community first

🔒 Security Resources

Revoke.cash - Token approval checker RugCheck - Contract security scanner Scam Detector - Check suspicious websites Phantom Security Guide
🏆 Advanced Security Tips:
• Use a dedicated computer/phone for large transactions
• Consider multi-signature wallets for team funds
• Use time-locked contracts for large holdings
• Keep multiple encrypted backups in different locations
• Never discuss your holdings publicly
Module 1 • Lesson 3

Funding Your Wallet

⏱️ 25 minutes

Now that your wallet is set up securely, it's time to fund it with SOL so you can start trading. This lesson covers all the ways to get SOL into your wallet safely and cost-effectively.

Various funding methods including exchanges, credit cards, and peer-to-peer transfers flowing into a Solana wallet

Understanding SOL Requirements

Before buying meme coins, you need SOL for:

  • Transaction Fees: ~0.00025 SOL per transaction
  • Account Creation: ~0.00204 SOL per new token account
  • Rent Exemption: Small amount locked per account
  • Trading Capital: The actual amount you want to trade

Recommended Starting Amounts:

  • Beginner Trader: 0.5 - 2 SOL
  • Active Trader: 5 - 20 SOL
  • Experienced Degen: 50+ SOL

Funding Methods Comparison

1. Centralized Exchanges (Recommended for Beginners)

🏢 Major Exchanges with SOL:
  • Coinbase: Most user-friendly, higher fees
  • Binance: Lower fees, more complex interface
  • Kraken: Good security, moderate fees
  • FTX: (Check current status)
  • OKX: Global access, competitive rates
Pros:
  • Easy fiat onramp (credit card, bank transfer)
  • Customer support available
  • Insurance on some funds
  • Familiar interface for traditional investors
Cons:
  • KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements
  • Higher fees than DEXes
  • Withdrawal limits
  • Not your keys, not your crypto

2. Direct Purchase in Phantom Wallet

Phantom has built-in purchase options:

  • MoonPay Integration: Buy SOL directly with credit card
  • Fees: Usually 3-5% for card purchases
  • Limits: $500-5000 depending on verification
  • Speed: Instant to your wallet

3. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Platforms

  • LocalCryptos: Trade directly with people
  • Bisq: Decentralized P2P exchange
  • Telegram Groups: Local trading communities
  • Benefits: More privacy, potentially better rates
  • Risks: Scam potential, no customer support

Step-by-Step: Coinbase to Phantom

📱 Complete Walkthrough

  1. Create Coinbase Account:
    • Visit coinbase.com
    • Complete KYC verification
    • Add payment method (bank account recommended for lower fees)
  2. Buy SOL on Coinbase:
    • Search for "Solana" or "SOL"
    • Click "Buy" and enter amount
    • Choose payment method
    • Confirm purchase
  3. Get Your Phantom Address:
    • Open Phantom wallet
    • Click "Receive" or wallet address at top
    • Copy the full address (starts with letters/numbers)
  4. Withdraw from Coinbase:
    • Go to SOL portfolio page
    • Click "Send"
    • Paste your Phantom address
    • Enter amount (leave some for fees)
    • Confirm withdrawal
⚠️ Important Notes:
• Always send a small test amount first (0.01 SOL)
• Double-check the address - crypto transactions are irreversible
• Coinbase may hold funds for 3-7 days for new accounts
• Network congestion can delay transfers

Understanding Fees and Timing

Fee Breakdown by Method:

FUNDING COSTS COMPARISON: 💳 CREDIT CARD (Phantom/MoonPay): Purchase fee: 3-5% Instant delivery Higher limits with verification 🏦 BANK TRANSFER (Coinbase): Purchase fee: 0.5-1.5% Withdrawal fee: ~$1-3 1-3 days for bank transfer 10-30 minutes for blockchain transfer 🤝 P2P TRADING: Premium/discount: -2% to +5% Payment method dependent Higher risk but potentially better rates

Timing Expectations:

  • Credit Card Purchases: 5-30 minutes
  • Bank Transfer + Exchange: 1-3 days total
  • Exchange Withdrawal: 10-60 minutes
  • P2P Trading: Variable (1 hour to several days)

Best Practices for Funding

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Instead of buying all at once, consider spreading purchases:

  • Benefits: Reduces timing risk, smooths out price volatility
  • Strategy: Buy same dollar amount weekly/monthly
  • Example: $100/week instead of $400/month

Market Timing Considerations

  • SOL Price Volatility: SOL can swing 10-30% daily
  • Gas Fee Patterns: Lower fees during off-peak hours
  • Market Conditions: Bear markets = cheaper entry
  • News Events: Avoid buying during major FUD

Alternative Funding Strategies

Cross-Chain Bridges

If you have crypto on other chains:

  • Wormhole: Bridge from Ethereum, BSC, Polygon
  • Allbridge: Multi-chain bridge protocol
  • Benefits: No need for new fiat purchases
  • Risks: Bridge exploits, temporary failures

Earning SOL

  • Staking Rewards: 5-8% APY for staking SOL
  • DeFi Yields: Lending, liquidity provision
  • Airdrops: Free tokens for using protocols
  • NFT Trading: Flip Solana NFTs for SOL

🧮 Fee Calculator

Calculate the real cost of different funding methods:

Enter amount above to see cost breakdown

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Transaction Not Showing Up

  1. Check Transaction Status: Use Solscan.io with your wallet address
  2. Refresh Wallet: Sometimes just needs a refresh
  3. Network Congestion: Can delay transactions 10-60 minutes
  4. Wrong Network: Make sure you sent on Solana network

Exchange Withdrawal Issues

  • Address Verification: Some exchanges require email confirmation
  • Withdrawal Limits: Daily/monthly limits may block large amounts
  • Security Holds: New accounts often have waiting periods
  • Network Maintenance: Exchanges pause withdrawals during upgrades

Knowledge Check: Funding Methods

You want to buy $1000 worth of SOL to start trading. Which method would be most cost-effective?
  • Credit card purchase through Phantom (5% fee)
  • Bank transfer to Coinbase, then withdraw (1.5% total)
  • P2P trading with stranger (3% premium)
  • Cross-chain bridge from Ethereum (4% fees)

💰 Funding Resources

Coinbase - Beginner-friendly exchange Binance - Advanced trading features MoonPay - Direct crypto purchases Solscan - Solana transaction explorer

✅ Lesson 1.3 Checklist

Chose funding method based on my needs
Set up account on chosen exchange/platform
Verified my Phantom wallet address
Sent test transaction first
Successfully funded wallet with SOL
Calculated my total fees paid
💡 Pro Tip:
Keep 10-20% of your SOL as "gas money" for transactions. Running out of SOL for fees when you need to exit a position is a common mistake that can cost you significantly.
Module 1 • Lesson 4

Your First Transaction

⏱️ 30 minutes

Time to make your first trade! This lesson walks you through executing your first transaction safely, understanding the Phantom interface, and avoiding common beginner mistakes.

Phantom wallet interface showing a successful swap transaction with before and after token balances

Before Your First Trade

Preparation is key to successful trading. Before making any trades:

Wallet funded with SOL for trading and fees
Backup of seed phrase stored securely
Browser bookmarks for legitimate trading sites
Basic understanding of slippage and fees
Mental preparation for potential losses

Understanding the Phantom Interface

Main Wallet View

  • Portfolio Value: Total USD value of all holdings
  • SOL Balance: Your native Solana balance
  • Token List: All SPL tokens you own
  • Activity Tab: Recent transaction history
  • Swap Button: Direct token swapping interface

Swap Interface Breakdown

🔄 Swap Components:
  • From Token: What you're selling
  • To Token: What you're buying
  • Amount Fields: Quantity for each side
  • Slippage Settings: Maximum price deviation accepted
  • Rate Display: Current exchange rate
  • Fee Breakdown: Network fees and swap fees
  • Review Button: Final transaction confirmation

Making Your First Swap

Practice Transaction: SOL to USDC

We'll start with a safe, stable swap to practice the mechanics:

📝 Step-by-Step Process:
  1. Open Phantom: Click the extension or open mobile app
  2. Click "Swap": Main button in the wallet interface
  3. Set "From" Token: Select SOL
  4. Set "To" Token: Search for and select USDC
  5. Enter Amount: Start small - try 0.1 SOL
  6. Check Rate: Verify the SOL/USDC exchange rate looks reasonable
  7. Review Fees: Should be ~0.00025 SOL network fee
  8. Adjust Slippage: 1% is fine for USDC swaps
  9. Click "Review": Double-check all details
  10. Confirm Transaction: Sign the transaction
  11. Wait for Confirmation: Usually 30-60 seconds

Understanding Slippage

Slippage is the difference between expected and actual trade prices due to market movement:

Slippage Settings Guide:

  • 0.1% - 0.5%: Major tokens (SOL, USDC) with high liquidity
  • 1% - 3%: Popular meme coins with decent volume
  • 5% - 10%: New or low-liquidity tokens
  • 15%+: Extremely volatile or illiquid tokens (high risk)
⚠️ Slippage Risks:
• High slippage can result in much worse prices
• MEV bots may front-run high slippage transactions
• Some tokens have hidden taxes that require higher slippage
• Always check if your slippage tolerance makes sense for the token

Transaction Analysis

Reading Transaction Results

After your transaction completes, analyze what happened:

TRANSACTION BREAKDOWN: 💰 EXPECTED OUTCOME: 0.1 SOL at $100 = $10 USDC expected 📊 ACTUAL RESULT: Received: 9.95 USDC Network fee: 0.00025 SOL (~$0.025) Slippage: $0.05 (0.5%) Total cost: $10.075 ✅ SUCCESS METRICS: Transaction confirmed quickly Slippage within tolerance No unexpected fees Tokens appeared in wallet

Using Solscan for Transaction Details

  1. Copy your transaction signature from Phantom
  2. Visit solscan.io and paste the signature
  3. Review detailed breakdown of what happened
  4. Check for any unexpected token movements
  5. Verify fee amounts and recipients

Your First Meme Coin Purchase

Choosing Your First Meme Coin

For your first meme coin trade, look for:

  • Established Token: At least 1-2 weeks old
  • Good Liquidity: $50K+ daily volume
  • Reasonable Market Cap: $100K - $10M range
  • Active Community: Telegram/Twitter presence
  • No Red Flags: Verified contract, no scam reports

Safe First Purchase Process

🎯 Conservative Approach:
  1. Research First: Spend 30+ minutes researching the token
  2. Start Tiny: Risk only $10-50 on your first trade
  3. Test Liquidity: Buy a small amount to see how it works
  4. Check Sellability: Immediately try to sell a tiny portion back
  5. Monitor Price: Watch how the token behaves
  6. Scale Gradually: Only increase position size after gaining confidence

Common First-Trade Mistakes

Mistake #1: FOMO Buying

⚠️ The Problem:
Seeing a token pump and buying at the peak without research

Prevention:
• Never chase pumps on your first day
• Set price alerts instead of market buying
• Wait for pullbacks to enter positions
• Research before trading, not during

Mistake #2: Using Too Much Slippage

⚠️ The Problem:
Setting 15%+ slippage and getting terrible fills

Prevention:
• Start with low slippage (1-3%)
• Increase gradually only if needed
• Check if high slippage indicates liquidity issues
• Consider waiting for better market conditions

Mistake #3: Not Planning Exit Strategy

⚠️ The Problem:
Buying without knowing when/how you'll sell

Prevention:
• Set profit targets before buying
• Decide your maximum loss tolerance
• Practice selling small amounts
• Don't get emotionally attached to positions

Transaction Security Checklist

Before Every Transaction:

Verified I'm on the correct website
Double-checked token contract address
Confirmed transaction amounts are correct
Set appropriate slippage tolerance
Have sufficient SOL for transaction fees

Practice Exercises

🎮 Transaction Simulator

Practice calculating transaction outcomes:

Enter trade details above to see expected outcome

Building Good Habits Early

Daily Trading Routine:

  1. Market Check: Review overall crypto market conditions
  2. Portfolio Review: Check your current positions
  3. News Scan: Look for relevant developments
  4. Technical Analysis: Check charts before trading
  5. Risk Assessment: Don't trade if stressed or emotional
  6. Transaction Log: Record all trades with reasoning

Record Keeping

Track every transaction for learning and tax purposes:

  • Date and Time: When the trade occurred
  • Token Pair: What you traded (e.g., SOL/BONK)
  • Amount: Quantity traded
  • Price: Exchange rate
  • Fees: Total transaction costs
  • Reasoning: Why you made the trade
  • Outcome: Profit/loss and lessons learned

Knowledge Check: First Transaction

You're about to buy a new meme coin but the required slippage is 25%. What should you do?
  • Proceed with the trade - high rewards need high slippage
  • Reduce the slippage to 5% and try again
  • Investigate why such high slippage is needed - possible red flag
  • Increase the trade size to get better slippage

🔧 Transaction Tools

Solscan - Transaction explorer DexScreener - Token prices and charts RugCheck - Contract safety verification Phantom Wallet - Official documentation
💡 Success Tip:
Your first transaction should be about learning the mechanics, not making money. Focus on understanding the process, fees, and interface. Profits will come naturally as you gain experience and confidence.
Module 2 • Lesson 1

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes

Meme coins represent a unique category of cryptocurrency driven by internet culture, community sentiment, and viral marketing rather than traditional utility or technology. Understanding their nature is crucial for successful trading.

Timeline showing evolution from Dogecoin to modern Solana meme coins with various popular meme characters and symbols

Defining Meme Coins

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies that:

  • Derive Value from Culture: Based on jokes, memes, or cultural phenomena
  • Community-Driven: Success depends on community engagement and viral spread
  • Limited Utility: Often have no inherent technological purpose
  • High Volatility: Prices can swing dramatically based on sentiment
  • Speculative Nature: Investment thesis based on hype and adoption

The Psychology Behind Meme Coins

Why People Buy Meme Coins:

🧠 Psychological Drivers:
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Not wanting to miss the next 1000x
  • Community Belonging: Being part of a movement or tribe
  • Humor and Entertainment: Fun aspect of "gambling" with memes
  • Low Barrier to Entry: Can buy millions of tokens for small amounts
  • Lottery Mentality: Small investment, potentially huge returns
  • Social Proof: Following influencer recommendations

The Memetic Spread

Successful meme coins follow predictable patterns:

  1. Creation: Someone creates a token based on a meme
  2. Early Adoption: Small community starts forming
  3. Viral Moment: Content goes viral on social media
  4. FOMO Phase: Rapid price increase as more people buy
  5. Peak Attention: Maximum social media buzz
  6. Reality Check: Price correction as hype fades
  7. Community Building: True believers continue development

Historical Evolution

Generation 1: Bitcoin Era (2013-2017)

  • Dogecoin (2013): The original meme coin, created as a joke
  • Characteristics: Simple concept, small community
  • Technology: Bitcoin forks or simple blockchains
  • Examples: DOGE, SHIB precursors

Generation 2: Ethereum Era (2017-2021)

  • ERC-20 Tokens: Easier creation on Ethereum
  • DeFi Integration: Yield farming with meme tokens
  • Examples: SHIB, FLOKI, ELON
  • Innovation: Tokenomics and redistribution mechanisms

Generation 3: Multi-Chain Era (2021-Present)

  • Chain Diversity: BSC, Solana, Polygon, etc.
  • Lower Fees: More accessible trading
  • Faster Cycles: Rapid creation and pump/dump cycles
  • Examples: BONK, WIF, PEPE on various chains

Types of Meme Coins

Category 1: Classic Memes

CLASSIC MEME CHARACTERISTICS: 🐕 ANIMAL-BASED: Dogs (DOGE, SHIB, FLOKI) Cats (CAT, GRUMPY) Frogs (PEPE, APU) 🎭 INTERNET CULTURE: Gaming references Social media trends Pop culture phenomena 📈 MARKET BEHAVIOR: Longer lifecycles More stable communities Potential for "blue chip" status

Category 2: Trend-Based

  • Seasonal Trends: Halloween, Christmas, etc.
  • News Events: Election tokens, celebrity coins
  • Cultural Moments: Viral videos, social media trends
  • Lifecycle: Very short-lived, explosive potential

Category 3: Meta-Memes

  • Self-Referential: Coins about being meme coins
  • Community Jokes: Inside jokes within crypto communities
  • Platform-Specific: Memes about specific blockchains
  • Examples: "Dog with hat" (WIF), chain-specific mascots

Meme Coin Fundamentals

What Drives Value?

Unlike traditional assets, meme coin value comes from:

💎 Value Drivers:
  • Community Size: Number of holders and active participants
  • Social Media Presence: Twitter followers, Telegram members
  • Viral Potential: Shareability and meme quality
  • Celebrity Endorsements: Influencer and celebrity mentions
  • Exchange Listings: Accessibility on major platforms
  • Narrative Strength: Compelling story or movement
  • Holder Conviction: Community's belief in long-term success

Tokenomics Patterns

Common meme coin economic models:

  • High Supply: Trillions of tokens for psychological pricing
  • Burn Mechanisms: Reducing supply over time
  • Redistribution: Rewarding holders with more tokens
  • Tax Systems: Fees on transactions for various purposes
  • Liquidity Locks: Preventing rug pulls

The Solana Meme Coin Ecosystem

Why Solana Became Meme Coin Central

  • Low Fees: Pennies per transaction vs. $50+ on Ethereum
  • Fast Transactions: Near-instant confirmation
  • Easy Creation: pump.fun makes token creation trivial
  • Growing Ecosystem: More users and liquidity
  • Community Culture: "Degen" culture embraces high-risk trading

Solana Meme Coin Lifecycle

TYPICAL SOLANA MEME JOURNEY: 🚀 LAUNCH (pump.fun): Token created in minutes Initial liquidity provided Bonding curve mechanism 📈 GRADUATION: Reaches $69K market cap Liquidity moves to Raydium Real price discovery begins 🌟 GROWTH PHASE: Community building Social media campaigns Potential exchange listings 💀 OR DEATH: Fails to maintain interest Price crashes to zero Token becomes worthless

Risk Assessment Framework

High-Risk Factors

⚠️ Red Flags:
• Anonymous team with no transparency
• Unrealistic promises of guaranteed returns
• Heavy marketing with no community building
• Complex tokenomics that benefit insiders
• Pressure tactics and urgency ("buy now or miss out")

Moderate-Risk Factors

🟡 Caution Needed:
• New token with no track record
• Small community size
• Unproven team or anonymous developers
• High concentration of tokens in few wallets
• Lack of clear roadmap or vision

Lower-Risk Factors

✅ Positive Signs:
• Established community with organic growth
• Transparent team with public identities
• Clear utility or future development plans
• Wide token distribution
• Consistent development activity

Investment Strategies

Portfolio Allocation

Conservative approach to meme coin investing:

  • 5-10% of Portfolio: Maximum exposure to meme coins
  • Diversification: Multiple small positions rather than one large bet
  • Risk Capital Only: Money you can afford to lose completely
  • Time Limits: Set maximum holding periods

🎮 Meme Coin Value Calculator

Estimate a meme coin's potential based on key metrics:

Enter metrics above to get a potential assessment

Success Stories and Failures

Epic Wins

  • Dogecoin: $0.0002 to $0.74 (370,000% gain)
  • Shiba Inu: Early investors saw 100,000,000%+ returns
  • BONK: 10,000%+ in 2022 during Solana recovery
  • WIF: $0.0001 to $4+ in 2024

Spectacular Failures

  • SQUID: Rug pull during peak hype (-99.9%)
  • TITAN: Death spiral from $60 to $0 in days
  • Countless pump.fun tokens: 95%+ fail within weeks

Knowledge Check: Meme Coin Basics

What is the primary factor that differentiates meme coins from traditional cryptocurrencies?
  • Superior technology and faster transactions
  • Value derived from community sentiment and cultural relevance
  • Backing by major corporations and institutions
  • Guaranteed returns and lower volatility

📖 Meme Coin Resources

CoinMarketCap - Meme Coin Category CoinGecko - Meme Token Rankings pump.fun - Solana meme coin creation platform DexScreener - Solana token tracking

✅ Lesson 2.1 Checklist

Understand what defines a meme coin
Know the psychological drivers behind meme coin popularity
Can identify different categories of meme coins
Understand the Solana meme coin ecosystem
Can assess basic risk factors in meme coins
🎯 Key Takeaway:
Meme coins are a unique asset class driven by culture, community, and sentiment rather than fundamentals. Success requires understanding social dynamics, viral potential, and community psychology more than traditional financial analysis.
Module 2 • Lesson 2

Solana vs Other Chains

⏱️ 30 minutes

Understanding why Solana became the dominant chain for meme coin trading is crucial for success. This lesson compares Solana to other blockchains and explains why it's the preferred platform for degens.

Side-by-side comparison chart showing transaction speeds, fees, and features across Ethereum, BSC, Polygon, and Solana blockchains

The Multi-Chain Landscape

Ethereum: The Original DeFi Hub

ETHEREUM CHARACTERISTICS: 💰 COSTS: Gas fees: $20-200+ per transaction Token creation: $500-2000+ DEX trading: $50-100+ per swap ⚡ PERFORMANCE: 15 transactions per second 12-15 second block times Network congestion common 🎯 MEME COIN SCENE: High barrier to entry Fewer launches due to costs Quality tends to be higher Examples: SHIB, PEPE, FLOKI

Binance Smart Chain (BSC): The Early Alternative

  • Lower Fees: $0.20-2 per transaction
  • Faster Speed: 3-second block times
  • Centralization Trade-off: More centralized than Ethereum
  • Meme Coin History: SAFEMOON, BABYDOGE era

Polygon: Ethereum's Scaling Solution

  • Ultra-Low Fees: $0.01-0.10 per transaction
  • Ethereum Compatibility: Same tools and wallets
  • Bridge Requirement: Assets must be bridged from Ethereum
  • Limited Meme Scene: Smaller community

Why Solana Won the Meme Coin Race

Technical Advantages

⚡ Solana's Edge:
  • Speed: 2,000+ TPS vs. Ethereum's 15 TPS
  • Cost: $0.00025 vs. Ethereum's $20-200
  • Finality: 400ms vs. Ethereum's 12+ seconds
  • No Mempool: Reduced MEV opportunities
  • Native Multi-threading: Parallel processing

Economic Impact on Meme Coins

COST COMPARISON EXAMPLE: 🔥 LAUNCHING A MEME COIN: Ethereum: $500-2000 in gas fees Solana: $5-10 total cost 💸 TRADING $100: Ethereum: $100 + $50 gas = $150 total cost Solana: $100 + $0.00025 = $100.00025 🔄 10 TRADES PER DAY: Ethereum: $500+ in fees alone Solana: $0.0025 in fees

The pump.fun Revolution

What Made pump.fun Special

pump.fun democratized token creation on Solana:

  • No-Code Launch: Create tokens in 2 minutes
  • Built-in Liquidity: Bonding curve mechanism
  • Fair Launch: No presales or insider allocations
  • Graduation System: Automatic Raydium listing at $69K market cap
  • Social Features: Comments, likes, community building

The Bonding Curve Explained

📈 How pump.fun Works:
  1. Token Creation: 1 billion tokens minted
  2. Bonding Curve: Price increases as more tokens are bought
  3. Liquidity Growth: SOL accumulates in the curve
  4. Graduation: At $69K market cap, liquidity moves to Raydium
  5. Free Market: Normal AMM trading begins

Chain-Specific Trading Strategies

Ethereum Strategy: Quality Focus

  • Higher Capital Requirements: Minimum $500+ positions
  • Longer Hold Times: Fees make frequent trading unprofitable
  • Quality Screening: Only well-funded projects survive
  • Narrative-Driven: Major cultural moments

Solana Strategy: Volume & Speed

  • Micro-Positions: Can start with $10-50
  • Rapid Trading: Multiple positions per day
  • Early Discovery: Get in at launch
  • Quick Exits: Take profits without fee worry

Cross-Chain Opportunities

Arbitrage Potential

Same memes often exist on multiple chains:

  • Price Differences: Different supply/demand dynamics
  • Timing Arbitrage: News hits different chains at different times
  • Community Arbitrage: Smaller communities on some chains

Migration Patterns

TYPICAL MEME MIGRATION: 1️⃣ BIRTH ON SOLANA: Low cost experimentation Quick community building pump.fun launch 2️⃣ ETHEREUM PORT: If Solana version succeeds Higher fees filter out weak hands More "serious" investors 3️⃣ MULTI-CHAIN EXPANSION: BSC, Polygon, Base versions Each with different communities Fragmented liquidity

Ecosystem Comparison

🧮 Chain Cost Calculator

Compare trading costs across different chains:

Enter your trading parameters to see cost breakdown

Future Outlook

Emerging Competitors

  • Base (Coinbase L2): Growing meme coin scene
  • Avalanche: Fast and cheap, smaller community
  • Sui & Aptos: New high-performance chains
  • Bitcoin L2s: Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens

Solana's Moat

Why Solana will likely remain dominant:

  • Network Effects: Established community and tools
  • Cultural Fit: "Degen" culture aligned with fast trading
  • Infrastructure: pump.fun and supporting ecosystem
  • Liquidity: Where the volume is, more volume comes

Knowledge Check: Chain Comparison

What is the main advantage of Solana for meme coin trading compared to Ethereum?
  • Better security and decentralization
  • Dramatically lower fees enabling micro-trading
  • More established DeFi ecosystem
  • Larger developer community

✅ Lesson 2.2 Checklist

Understand Solana's technical advantages
Know how pump.fun revolutionized token creation
Can compare costs across different blockchains
Understand chain-specific trading strategies
Module 2 • Lesson 3

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 2 • Lesson 4

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 3 • Lesson 1

Finding New Tokens

⏱️ 35 minutes

Alpha discovery is the holy grail of meme coin trading. Finding the next 1000x token before everyone else can make your year. This lesson teaches you systematic approaches to discover gems early.

Flowchart showing token discovery process: Sources → Screening → Analysis → Entry Decision, with various tools and platforms feeding into each stage

The Alpha Discovery Mindset

Successful alpha hunters think differently:

  • Speed vs. Accuracy: Being first beats being perfect
  • Volume Approach: Screen many, invest in few
  • Pattern Recognition: What made previous winners special?
  • Risk Management: Small bets on high-conviction plays
  • Network Effects: Your sources matter more than your analysis

Primary Discovery Sources

1. pump.fun (The Alpha Factory)

Where 90% of Solana meme coins are born:

  • New Launches: 1000+ tokens daily
  • Trending Page: Tokens gaining momentum
  • Graduated Tokens: Successful pump.fun launches
  • Live Activity: Real-time trading and comments

🎯 pump.fun Hunting Strategy

  1. Filter by Timeframe: Last 24 hours for fresh launches
  2. Sort by Volume: Find tokens with early traction
  3. Check Market Cap: Look for $10K-100K sweet spot
  4. Analyze Comments: Community engagement quality
  5. Quick Social Check: Twitter/Telegram presence
  6. Small Test Buy: $20-50 if promising

2. DexScreener (The Scanner)

Multi-chain token discovery and analysis:

  • Trending Tokens: Tokens pumping across all chains
  • New Pairs: Recently launched tokens
  • Advanced Filters: Market cap, volume, age filters
  • Chart Analysis: Technical patterns and trends

3. Birdeye (Solana Specialist)

Deep Solana ecosystem analysis:

  • Token Explorer: Comprehensive Solana token data
  • Trending Searches: What traders are researching
  • Portfolio Tracking: Follow successful wallets
  • Holder Analysis: Distribution and whale activity

4. Social Media Intelligence

Where narratives are born:

Crypto Twitter:
  • Influencer Lists: Curated feeds of alpha callers
  • Hashtag Monitoring: #SolanaGems, #MemeCoins, #pump
  • Reply Mining: Good calls often hidden in replies
  • Notification Setup: Alerts for key influencers
Telegram Alpha Groups:
  • Paid Groups: Premium alpha (verify quality first)
  • Free Communities: Larger but noisier signals
  • Regional Groups: Local market insights
  • Niche Groups: Specific themes or chains
Discord Servers:
  • Trading Communities: Real-time alpha sharing
  • Project Discords: Early announcements
  • NFT Communities: Often early on meme trends
  • Developer Groups: Technical insights

Advanced Discovery Techniques

Wallet Tracking Strategy

Follow successful traders to find their next moves:

WALLET TRACKING SYSTEM: 🎯 IDENTIFY SUCCESSFUL WALLETS: Check recent 100x+ token holders Find wallets with consistent profits Look for early adopters of trends Analyze influencer wallet addresses 📊 TRACK THEIR ACTIVITY: New token purchases Portfolio changes Exit strategies Timing patterns 🔔 SET UP ALERTS: Nansen wallet alerts Birdeye portfolio tracking Custom blockchain scanners Discord/Telegram bots

Contract Analysis

Quick technical screening for new tokens:

  • Liquidity: Sufficient for your position size
  • Holder Count: Growing and distributed
  • Top Holders: No single wallet owns >20%
  • Contract Security: No obvious backdoors
  • Trading Activity: Organic vs. bot volume

Cross-Chain Opportunity Mining

Successful concepts often migrate between chains:

  1. Monitor Ethereum: New meme concepts emerging
  2. Look for Ports: Same concept launching on Solana
  3. Base to Solana: Coinbase ecosystem spillover
  4. Reverse Flow: Solana concepts going to other chains

Screening and Filtering System

First-Pass Screening (30 seconds per token):

Market cap under $1M
Volume over $10K daily
Holder count growing
No single wallet owns >50%
Has social media presence

Second-Pass Analysis (5 minutes per token):

  • Meme Quality: Is it shareable and memorable?
  • Community Vibe: Quality of early supporters
  • Timing: Does it fit current narratives?
  • Uniqueness: What makes it different?
  • Potential: Can you see it 10x-100x from here?

Deep Dive (30+ minutes for high conviction):

  • Team Background: Previous projects and success
  • Roadmap Analysis: Realistic and achievable goals
  • Competitive Landscape: Similar projects and advantages
  • Risk Assessment: What could go wrong?
  • Price Targets: Realistic upside scenarios
💡 The 48-Hour Rule:
Most successful meme coins show signs of life within 48 hours of launch. If nothing happens in that window, move on to the next opportunity.

Building Your Discovery Pipeline

Daily Alpha Hunting Routine:

  1. 6 AM - Market Open Scan: Check overnight developments
  2. 10 AM - Social Media Sweep: Twitter, Telegram updates
  3. 2 PM - Platform Scanning: pump.fun, DexScreener new tokens
  4. 6 PM - Community Check: Discord, alpha group updates
  5. 10 PM - Research Deep Dive: Analyze promising finds

Tools and Setup:

ALPHA HUNTER TOOLKIT: 🖥️ BROWSER SETUP: Dedicated crypto browser profile Bookmarked discovery platforms Social media monitoring tabs Price tracking extensions 📱 MOBILE SETUP: Telegram for instant alerts Twitter for breaking news Phantom for quick trades Note-taking app for tracking 🔔 ALERT SYSTEM: Price/volume alerts on promising tokens Social media notifications for key accounts Wallet tracking alerts News alerts for narrative changes

🎮 Alpha Discovery Simulator

Practice screening tokens with this exercise:

Enter token data above to practice screening

Knowledge Check: Alpha Discovery

You find a token with $20K market cap, 50 holders, launched 6 hours ago, and already has a Telegram with 200 members. What's your assessment?
  • Red flag - too much social activity too fast
  • Promising - good community building pace
  • Wait - need more time to evaluate
  • Ignore - market cap too small

🔍 Discovery Platform Links

pump.fun - Solana meme token launcher DexScreener - Multi-chain token scanner Birdeye - Solana token analytics RugCheck - Token safety analysis Nansen - Wallet tracking & analytics

✅ Lesson 3.1 Checklist

Set up discovery platform bookmarks
Created screening criteria checklist
Built daily alpha hunting routine
Practiced token screening with simulator
Identified key social media sources
Module 3 • Lesson 2

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 3 • Lesson 3

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 3 • Lesson 4

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 4 • Lesson 1

DEX Trading Basics

⏱️ 40 minutes

Decentralized exchanges (DEXes) are where meme coin magic happens. Understanding how to navigate Jupiter, Raydium, and other Solana DEXes efficiently is essential for successful trading.

Split screen showing Jupiter and Raydium trading interfaces with token selection, slippage settings, and swap confirmations

Understanding DEX Mechanics

How DEXes Work

Unlike centralized exchanges, DEXes use smart contracts and liquidity pools:

  • Liquidity Pools: Token pairs locked in smart contracts
  • Automated Market Makers (AMM): Mathematical formulas set prices
  • No Order Books: You trade against the pool, not other users
  • Permissionless: Anyone can create pools or trade
  • Non-Custodial: You control your tokens throughout

Key Solana DEXes

🔄 Major Solana DEXes:
  • Jupiter: DEX aggregator - finds best prices across all DEXes
  • Raydium: Largest native DEX, most liquidity
  • Orca: User-friendly interface, concentrated liquidity
  • Serum: Order book DEX (deprecated but still referenced)
  • Phoenix: New order book DEX

Jupiter: Your Trading Command Center

Why Jupiter Is Essential

Jupiter aggregates liquidity from all Solana DEXes:

  • Best Prices: Automatically finds optimal routes
  • Split Routing: Divides large trades across multiple DEXes
  • Price Comparison: Shows savings vs. individual DEXes
  • Advanced Features: Limit orders, DCA, perpetuals

Jupiter Interface Breakdown

JUPITER TRADING INTERFACE: 🔄 SWAP SECTION: From/To token selection Amount input fields Current exchange rate Price impact indicator ⚙️ SETTINGS: Slippage tolerance (0.1% - 50%) Direct route only toggle Versioned transaction toggle MEV protection options 📊 ROUTE INFORMATION: Best route visualization Price comparison vs other DEXes Estimated fee breakdown Time to execution

Advanced Trading Features

Limit Orders

Execute trades at specific price levels:

  • Buy Limits: Purchase when price drops to target
  • Sell Limits: Take profits at predetermined levels
  • Benefits: No need to watch charts constantly
  • Costs: Small fee for order placement

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

📈 DCA Strategy Setup:
  1. Choose Token Pair: Example: SOL → BONK
  2. Set Total Amount: How much SOL to spend total
  3. Choose Frequency: Daily, weekly, etc.
  4. Set Duration: How long to run the DCA
  5. Configure Conditions: Price ranges, volume minimums

Understanding Slippage and Price Impact

Slippage vs. Price Impact

  • Slippage: Maximum price change you'll accept
  • Price Impact: How much your trade moves the price
  • Example: 5% slippage tolerance, 2% actual price impact

Optimal Slippage Settings

SLIPPAGE GUIDE BY TOKEN TYPE: 🔵 MAJOR TOKENS (SOL, USDC): Recommended: 0.5-1% Market conditions: 1-2% 🟡 ESTABLISHED MEMES (BONK, WIF): Normal trading: 2-5% High volatility: 5-10% 🔴 NEW/MICRO TOKENS: Standard: 10-20% Extreme volatility: 25-50% ⚠️ High slippage = high risk

MEV Protection and Front-Running

What is MEV?

Maximum Extractable Value - bots profiting from your transactions:

  • Front-Running: Bots buy before your transaction
  • Sandwich Attacks: Buy before, sell after your trade
  • Back-Running: Copy successful trades immediately

Protection Strategies

  • Lower Slippage: Reduces MEV bot profit margins
  • Smaller Trades: Less attractive to MEV bots
  • Timing: Trade during high network activity
  • Jupiter Protection: Use built-in MEV protection

Reading Charts and Market Data

Essential Chart Patterns

📊 Basic Patterns to Know:
  • Breakout: Price breaks above resistance
  • Support/Resistance: Price levels that hold multiple times
  • Volume Confirmation: High volume validates price moves
  • Trend Lines: Connect highs or lows to see direction

Key Metrics to Monitor

  • Market Cap: Total value of all tokens
  • Volume: Dollar amount traded in 24 hours
  • Liquidity: Total value locked in trading pools
  • Price Change: 1h, 24h, 7d percentage moves
  • Holders: Number of unique wallet addresses

Risk Management in DEX Trading

Position Sizing

POSITION SIZE FRAMEWORK: 💰 ACCOUNT SIZE: $1,000 🎯 RISK PER TRADE: 2% = $20 maximum loss 📊 POSITION CALCULATION: Entry price: $0.001 Stop loss: $0.0008 (20% down) Risk per token: $0.0002 Maximum position: $20 ÷ $0.0002 = 100,000 tokens Position value: 100,000 × $0.001 = $100

Stop-Loss Strategies

Protect capital with disciplined exits:

  • Percentage Stops: Exit at -10%, -20%, etc.
  • Technical Stops: Exit if support level breaks
  • Time Stops: Exit if no progress in X days
  • Profit Stops: Move stop-loss up as price rises

🎮 DEX Trading Simulator

Practice calculating optimal position sizes:

Enter your parameters to calculate optimal position size

Common DEX Trading Mistakes

Mistake #1: Ignoring Liquidity

⚠️ The Problem:
Trading tokens with insufficient liquidity leads to massive slippage

Solution:
Check total liquidity before trading. Aim for 10x your position size minimum.

Mistake #2: FOMO Trading

⚠️ The Problem:
Buying pumping tokens without analysis

Solution:
Wait for pullbacks. Set price alerts instead of market buying.

Knowledge Check: DEX Trading

You want to buy $500 of a token, but the liquidity pool only has $2,000 total. What should you expect?
  • Normal trading with minimal slippage
  • High price impact and potential for significant slippage
  • Better prices due to lower competition
  • No difference compared to high-liquidity pools

🔗 DEX Trading Resources

Jupiter - DEX Aggregator Raydium - Native Solana DEX Orca - Concentrated Liquidity DEX DexScreener - Real-time DEX charts

✅ Lesson 4.1 Checklist

Understand how DEXes and AMMs work
Know how to use Jupiter for optimal trading
Can set appropriate slippage for different tokens
Understand MEV protection strategies
Can calculate proper position sizes
Module 4 • Lesson 2

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 4 • Lesson 3

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 4 • Lesson 4

What Are Meme Coins?

⏱️ 25 minutes
Module 5 • Final Assessment

Course Quiz

⏱️ 45 minutes

Congratulations on completing the Degen Academy course! This comprehensive quiz tests your understanding of all the key concepts covered throughout the modules. You need 80% to pass.

Graduation cap with cryptocurrency symbols and trading charts representing completion of the degen trading course

Question 1: Wallet Security

What is the most important security rule for your seed phrase?
  • Store it in your email for easy access
  • Write it down on paper and store securely offline
  • Share it with trusted family members
  • Take a screenshot and save to cloud storage

Question 2: Meme Coin Fundamentals

What is the primary driver of meme coin value?
  • Advanced blockchain technology
  • Community sentiment and viral potential
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Government regulation compliance

Question 3: Alpha Discovery

When screening new tokens, what market cap range is typically best for early entry?
  • $1M - $10M
  • $10K - $100K
  • $100M+
  • Under $1K

Question 4: Trading Fundamentals

What should you do if a token requires 25% slippage to trade?
  • Accept it - high rewards need high slippage
  • Investigate why - this may indicate liquidity issues
  • Increase your trade size to get better slippage
  • Trade immediately before slippage increases

Question 5: Risk Management

What percentage of your total portfolio should be allocated to meme coins?
  • 50-75% for maximum gains
  • 5-10% of risk capital only
  • 100% - go all in on the best opportunities
  • 25-40% for balanced exposure

🎓 Next Steps After Graduation

Advanced Degen Strategies Course Join the Degen Academy Community Essential Trading Tools & Setup Weekly Alpha Newsletter
🏆 You're Now a Certified Degen!
Remember: Start small, manage risk, never stop learning, and always DYOR (Do Your Own Research). The meme coin space is high-risk but high-reward. Trade responsibly and may your bags pump forever! 🚀