As an introduction to Front Running on the blockchain, I wanted to actually go and run my own full Ethereum node and listen (using code) to mempool transactions.

In this video, we will start with the basics and cover what a Sandwich attack is. We have all likely been victims of sandwich attacks. Then will show you Geth running on an AWS EC2 cloud machine along with some code to query the mempool. Will keep it light as this is not a coding channel. Have started a separate channel for coding only which will tell you about another time.

What I have learned about front running has made me entirely rethink Flash Loan arbitrage strategies in Crypto. Firstly, manual strategies just won't work unless paying high gas and low slippage. Secondly, unless your Front Running strategy runs on the latest and fastest client (Reth for example) and you are not taking on bespoke services offered to front runners, you will likely just lose money as your trades will be found by front runners faster than you.

From an ethics point of view, personally do not like front running in blockchain. I don't think it should be illegal in blockchain, as technically everyone has the same access...except they don't in reality. Therefore, but talking more about Front Running and exposing the "Dark Forest", feel we can encourage a healthier ecosystem which is a fairer playing field for all.

Use full resources:

Crypto Wizards Discord with GitHub code:

https://cryptowizards.net

Please support CW as a monthly or annual member to access the Discord/platform/Udemy resources. This is still not open to anyone from the public.

Useful links for everyone:
   • Frontrunning in Decentralized Exchang...  
   • Lecture 13.7: Sandwich Attacks  
https://arxiv.org/abs/1904.05234
  / ethereumisadarkforest