You already know laddering: placing several buys at lower prices instead of one. Scaling in is the next question. Once you decide to build in pieces, how big should each piece be? The two simplest shapes are the flat ladder and the pyramid, and they lead to very different averages.
A flat ladder puts the same amount at every rung. Say you plan three buys of one hundred dollars each, at two dollars, one dollar fifty, and one dollar. You spend three hundred dollars total and end up with about two hundred seventeen tokens, so your average lands near one dollar thirty-eight. Equal buys, evenly spaced. Simple and calm.
A pyramid tilts the weight lower. You buy small up high and bigger down low. Same three hundred dollars, but fifty at two dollars, one hundred at one dollar fifty, and one hundred fifty at one dollar. Now you own about two hundred forty-two tokens, and your average drops to around one dollar twenty-four. You put your biggest money where the price was best, so your average sits lower.
A flat ladder buys equal amounts at each level. A pyramid buys more as price falls, which pulls your average lower because your biggest buys happen at the cheapest prices.
Tip. A pyramid rewards you only if price actually reaches your lower rungs. Never load the bottom rungs so heavy that you run out of cash before the dip is done. Plan the whole shape first, then let price come to you.