Option Trading Introduction to Options Trading Strategies
Options trading is one of the most versatile areas of financial markets. Unlike buying and selling stocks directly, options allow traders to take advantage of different market conditions—whether bullish, bearish, neutral, or highly volatile. An option is essentially a financial contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (Call option) or sell (Put option) an underlying asset at a predetermined price (strike price) within a certain time (expiry).
While options can be used for speculation, hedging, or income generation, their real power lies in combining them into strategies. A strategy is nothing but a structured position involving one or more options (and sometimes the underlying asset) to create a favorable risk–reward setup.
Why are strategies important? Because trading options without a plan is risky—premiums decay, volatility shifts, and market direction can change suddenly. With the right strategy, a trader can limit losses, protect gains, and even profit when the market doesn’t move much.
This is why professional traders, institutions, and hedge funds rely on well-designed options strategies to manage risk and generate consistent returns.
Why Strategies Are Needed in Options
Options are unique compared to equities or futures. While buying a stock means unlimited upside and downside exposure, options introduce time decay (theta), volatility risk (vega), and sensitivity to price changes (delta). Without strategies, a trader might:
Lose money despite being directionally correct.
Face unlimited risk when shorting naked options.
Fail to take advantage of sideways or volatile markets.
For example: Suppose you are bullish on a stock trading at ₹100. You buy a Call at strike ₹105 for ₹5. If the stock moves to ₹110, you gain ₹5. But if it just stays at ₹100 till expiry, you lose the entire premium—even though your view wasn’t wrong about stability. This is why strategies like spreads, straddles, and condors exist—they help fine-tune payoffs.
Thus, option strategies allow you to customize risk and reward as per your market outlook.
Chart Patterns
Part 2 Support and Resistance Advantages of Options Trading
Leverage: Control a large position with limited capital.
Hedging: Protect stock holdings from adverse movements.
Flexibility: Multiple strategies for different market conditions.
Income Generation: Sell options for premium income.
Speculation: Profit from both rising and falling markets.
Market Dynamics and Participants
Options markets involve diverse participants:
Retail Traders – Individual investors trading for speculation or hedging.
Institutional Traders – Hedge funds, mutual funds, and banks use options for portfolio strategies.
Market Makers – Ensure liquidity by continuously quoting bid-ask prices.
Regulators – SEBI in India, SEC in the US, maintain fair and transparent trading practices.
Options trading occurs in exchanges like NSE, BSE, CBOE, offering standardized contracts. Indian markets primarily trade in equity options and index options.
Practical Tips for Options Trading
Start Small – Begin with limited capital while learning strategies.
Understand Greeks – They help manage risk and strategy adjustments.
Focus on Liquid Options – Avoid thinly traded contracts for better execution.
Use Stop Loss and Risk Management – Limit losses in volatile markets.
Monitor Time Decay – Be aware of how options lose value as expiration nears.
Combine Strategies – Mix calls, puts, and spreads for hedging or speculation.
Stay Updated on Market News – Earnings, policy changes, and global events impact volatility.
Part 1 Support and Resistance Option Trading Strategies
Options are highly versatile, allowing traders to implement strategies for bullish, bearish, or neutral markets. Some key strategies include:
a) Basic Strategies
Long Call – Buy a call option expecting price rise.
Long Put – Buy a put option expecting price fall.
Covered Call – Own the underlying stock and sell a call for income.
Protective Put – Own the stock and buy a put for downside protection.
b) Intermediate Strategies
Straddle – Buy both call and put with the same strike to profit from volatility.
Strangle – Buy out-of-the-money call and put to capture larger moves.
Bull Call Spread – Buy a lower strike call and sell a higher strike call to reduce premium.
Bear Put Spread – Buy a higher strike put and sell a lower strike put to limit risk.
c) Advanced Strategies
Iron Condor – Sell an out-of-the-money call and put while buying further OTM options to limit loss; profits in low volatility.
Butterfly Spread – Use multiple calls/puts to profit from minimal movement.
Calendar Spread – Sell a near-term option and buy a long-term option to profit from time decay differences.
Risk and Reward in Options
Options provide leverage, meaning a small price movement can result in substantial gains or losses. Understanding risk is crucial:
For Buyers
Maximum loss is the premium paid.
Potential profit can be unlimited (for calls) or substantial (for puts).
For Sellers (Writers)
Maximum loss can be unlimited if uncovered (naked) calls.
Premium received is the maximum gain.
Key Risks
Time decay (Theta) erodes value.
Volatility risk (Vega) can reduce option price.
Liquidity risk if the option is thinly traded.
Part 2 Candle Stick Pattern Types of Options
There are two primary types of options:
a) Call Options
Gives the holder the right to buy an underlying asset at a specified strike price.
Investors buy calls when they expect the underlying asset price to rise.
Example: If stock ABC is trading at ₹100 and you buy a call with a strike price of ₹110, you profit if ABC rises above ₹110 plus the premium paid.
b) Put Options
Gives the holder the right to sell an underlying asset at a specified strike price.
Investors buy puts when they expect the underlying asset price to fall.
Example: If stock XYZ is trading at ₹200 and you buy a put with a strike price of ₹190, you profit if XYZ falls below ₹190 minus the premium paid.
Option Pricing and Valuation
Option pricing is crucial in determining potential profits and risks. Two main components influence the price of an option:
a) Intrinsic Value
For a call option: Current Price – Strike Price
For a put option: Strike Price – Current Price
Intrinsic value is zero if the option is out-of-the-money.
b) Time Value
Time value depends on:
Time to Expiry: Longer time increases the premium.
Volatility: Higher volatility increases the likelihood of profitable movements.
Interest Rates: Small effect on option premiums.
Dividends: Impact options on dividend-paying stocks.
c) Black-Scholes Model
Widely used for European-style options pricing.
Formula incorporates current stock price, strike price, time to expiration, volatility, and risk-free rate.
d) Greeks
Measures the sensitivity of option prices to various factors:
Delta: Sensitivity to the underlying asset price.
Gamma: Rate of change of delta.
Theta: Time decay effect.
Vega: Sensitivity to volatility.
Rho: Sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Part 1 Candle Stick Pattern Introduction
Options trading is one of the most versatile and powerful instruments in the financial markets. Unlike traditional stock trading, options allow traders and investors to gain exposure to an asset's price movements without actually owning the asset. Options belong to the derivatives family because their value derives from an underlying asset, such as stocks, indices, commodities, currencies, or ETFs.
Options trading has become increasingly popular in India, the United States, and global markets due to its flexibility, potential for leveraged profits, and ability to hedge risks. Investors use options for speculation, income generation, and risk management, making it a crucial tool in modern portfolio strategies.
Basics of Options
An option is a contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price on or before a specific date. This differentiates options from futures, where both parties are obligated to execute the contract.
Key terms in options trading:
Underlying Asset: The stock, index, commodity, or currency on which the option is based.
Strike Price: The price at which the option holder can buy (call) or sell (put) the underlying asset.
Expiry Date: The date on which the option contract expires.
Premium: The cost of buying an option, paid by the buyer to the seller.
Intrinsic Value: The difference between the current price of the underlying and the strike price, if favorable to the option holder.
Time Value: The extra value based on the time remaining until expiration and expected volatility.
In-the-Money (ITM), At-the-Money (ATM), Out-of-the-Money (OTM): Terms used to describe an option’s profitability status.
Options provide flexibility, allowing investors to profit from rising, falling, or sideways markets, depending on the chosen strategy.
Part 9 Trading master ClassOptions trading involves the buying and selling of financial contracts that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specific price (the strike price) before a set expiration date. There are two main types: call options, which grant the right to buy, and put options, which grant the right to sell. Traders pay a premium to the seller for this right. Options can be used to speculate on an asset's price movements or to manage risk by hedging existing positions.
How it Works
The Contract: An options contract specifies the underlying asset (like a stock), the strike price (the agreed-upon price for the transaction), and the expiration date (the deadline for the contract to be valid).
The Buyer: The buyer pays a premium to the seller for the option. They gain the right to exercise the contract if it becomes profitable but is not obligated to do so
The Seller: The seller receives the premium and is obligated to fulfill the contract if the buyer chooses to exercise it.
Exercise: If the price of the underlying asset moves favorably, the buyer can exercise the option. For example, with a call option, if the stock price is above the strike price, the buyer can purchase the stock at the lower strike price.
Expiration: If the market price doesn't reach a profitable level by the expiration date, the option can expire worthless, and the buyer loses the premium paid.
Why Trade Options?
Leverage: Options require less upfront capital than buying the underlying asset directly, allowing traders to potentially profit more from smaller price movements
Risk Management (Hedging): Options can be used to protect existing investments from potential losses.
Flexibility: Options offer greater flexibility than traditional stocks, allowing traders to profit from both rising and falling markets without needing to own the asset.
Part 8 Trading master ClassWhy Trade Options?
Options are popular because of their flexibility. They can serve multiple purposes:
Hedging (Insurance)
Just like insurance, options protect against downside risk.
Example: Buying a put option to protect your stock holdings.
Speculation (Profit from Price Movements)
Traders use options to bet on direction, volatility, or even stability of prices.
Income Generation
Selling covered calls or cash-secured puts generates steady premium income.
Leverage
Options allow large exposure with smaller capital compared to stocks.
How Options Work: Pricing
Option pricing is complex, but two main values exist:
Intrinsic Value → Difference between stock price and strike (if favorable).
Time Value → Extra value based on time left till expiry and expected volatility.
Example:
Stock = ₹1,000
Call strike = ₹950, Premium = ₹70
Intrinsic = ₹1,000 – ₹950 = ₹50
Time Value = ₹20
Options Market Structure
The options market involves:
Buyers of Options – Limited risk (premium), unlimited potential reward.
Sellers (Writers) of Options – Limited reward (premium), potentially high risk.
Exchanges (like NSE in India, CBOE in US) – Standardized contracts.
Clearing Corporations – Ensure smooth settlement, reduce counterparty risk.
Part 7 Trading master ClassIntroduction to Options Trading
Financial markets offer countless opportunities for investors and traders to grow wealth. Among them, options trading stands out as one of the most versatile, powerful, and misunderstood tools. Options can help protect a portfolio from risk, generate extra income, or allow a trader to speculate on price movements with limited upfront capital.
At its core, options trading is about making calculated decisions on probabilities — the probability of a stock rising, falling, or staying stable. While stocks represent ownership in a company, options are contracts that give special rights tied to those stocks (or other assets).
Before diving deep, remember this: options are not inherently risky. Misuse of options is risky. With the right understanding, options can be a trader’s best friend.
Basics of Options
What is an Option?
An option is a financial contract that gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an underlying asset (like a stock, index, or commodity) at a predetermined price (strike price) before or on a certain date (expiry date).
Two main types exist:
Call Option → Right to buy the underlying at strike price.
Put Option → Right to sell the underlying at strike price.
The buyer pays a fee, known as the premium, to acquire this right.
Example:
Stock: Reliance Industries trading at ₹2,500
You buy a Call Option with strike ₹2,600, expiring in 1 month, premium ₹50.
If Reliance rises to ₹2,700 before expiry:
You can buy at ₹2,600, sell at ₹2,700, and profit (₹100 – ₹50 = ₹50 per share).
If Reliance stays below ₹2,600:
The option expires worthless, and you lose only the premium (₹50).
Key Terms
Strike Price → Fixed price at which option can be exercised.
Expiry Date → Last date to exercise the option.
Premium → Cost of buying the option.
Lot Size → Minimum quantity per option contract.
In the Money (ITM) → Option has intrinsic value.
Out of the Money (OTM) → Option has no intrinsic value.
At the Money (ATM) → Strike price is close to current market price.
Part 6 Institutional TradingStrategies in Option Trading
Basic Strategies
Buying Calls: Profiting from price increases.
Buying Puts: Profiting from price decreases.
Covered Calls and Protective Puts
Covered Call: Holding a stock and selling a call to earn premium.
Protective Put: Buying a put to hedge potential losses in a stock position.
Spreads
Bull Call Spread: Buy a call at a lower strike, sell at a higher strike.
Bear Put Spread: Buy a put at a higher strike, sell at a lower strike.
Calendar Spreads: Different expiration dates for long and short options.
Advanced Strategies
Straddles: Buying a call and put at the same strike, betting on volatility.
Strangles: Buying out-of-the-money calls and puts.
Iron Condors & Butterflies: Limited-risk strategies combining multiple options for steady income.
Real-World Examples
Apple Stock Call: Investor buys 100 Apple call options at ₹150. Stock rises to ₹180; profit realized by exercising or selling the call.
Hedging a Portfolio: Investor holds ₹10 lakh in shares, buys put options to limit losses during market decline.
Income Generation: Investor sells covered calls on a stock they own to earn premium income.
Part 4 Institutional TradingOption Styles
Options come in different styles, which dictate when they can be exercised:
American Options
Can be exercised anytime before expiration.
European Options
Can be exercised only on the expiration date.
How Option Trading Works
Buying vs Selling Options
Buying an option: You pay the premium for the right to buy/sell.
Selling an option (writing an option): You collect the premium but take the obligation if the buyer exercises it.
Exercising Options
Exercising is when the holder uses their right to buy or sell at the strike price.
Options in the Secondary Market
Options can also be traded without exercising. Traders can buy and sell options in the market to profit from changes in premiums.
Hedging and Speculation with Options
Options are used both for hedging (reducing risk) and speculation (betting on price movement). For example:
Hedging: Buying put options to protect a stock portfolio.
Speculation: Buying call options to profit from anticipated upward movement.
Part 3 Learn Institutional Trading Types of Options
Call Options
A call option gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price before or on the expiration date. Investors buy calls when they anticipate the price of the underlying asset will rise.
Example: You buy a call option for a stock at ₹100 strike price. If the stock price rises to ₹120, you can exercise your option, buy the stock at ₹100, and make a profit.
Put Options
A put option gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price. Investors buy puts when they expect the price of the asset to fall.
Example: You buy a put option for a stock at ₹100. If the stock falls to ₹80, you can sell it at ₹100, making a profit.
Option Pricing: How Options Are Valued
The price of an option is called the premium, and it consists of two components:
Intrinsic Value
Intrinsic value represents the real, tangible value of the option if it were exercised today.
Call Option Intrinsic Value = Current Stock Price − Strike Price
Put Option Intrinsic Value = Strike Price − Current Stock Price
Time Value
Time value is the extra cost investors are willing to pay for the potential of future gains. It decreases as the option approaches expiration, a process known as time decay.
Factors Affecting Option Prices (The Greeks)
Options are affected by multiple factors called the Greeks:
Delta: Measures how much the option price changes with the underlying asset price.
Gamma: Measures the rate of change of delta.
Theta: Measures the effect of time decay on the option.
Vega: Measures sensitivity to volatility.
Rho: Measures sensitivity to interest rates.
Part 2 Ride The Big MovesIntroduction to Options
Option trading is a sophisticated financial strategy that allows investors to hedge, speculate, or generate income in financial markets. Unlike buying a stock or a commodity directly, trading options gives you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time period.
The concept of options is not new. Options have been used for centuries to hedge risks and manage investments. In modern financial markets, options are widely used by retail investors, institutional investors, and professional traders because they provide flexibility, leverage, and strategic opportunities that are not available in traditional stock trading.
An option derives its value from the underlying asset, which can be a stock, commodity, index, currency, or ETF. Because options have time-limited value, they are classified as derivatives, meaning their price depends on the price movement of the underlying asset.
Key Terminology
Understanding option trading requires familiarity with basic terms:
Underlying Asset: The security or instrument on which the option is based. For example, Apple stock for an Apple options contract.
Strike Price: The predetermined price at which the option can be exercised.
Expiration Date: The date when the option contract expires. After this date, the option is worthless if not exercised.
Premium: The price paid to buy the option. Think of it as the cost of the “insurance” provided by the option.
In-the-Money (ITM): A call option is ITM when the stock price is above the strike price; a put option is ITM when the stock price is below the strike price.
Out-of-the-Money (OTM): Opposite of ITM. Call options are OTM when the stock price is below the strike price, and put options are OTM when the stock price is above the strike price.
At-the-Money (ATM): When the stock price equals the strike price.
Part ! Ride The Big MovesWhat is an Option?
An option is a financial derivative that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price (strike price) on or before a specified date (expiration date).
Underlying Asset: This can be a stock, index, commodity, currency, or ETF.
Strike Price: The price at which the asset can be bought or sold.
Expiration Date: The date on which the option contract expires.
Premium: The price paid to purchase the option.
There are two main types of options:
Call Option: Gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price.
Put Option: Gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price.
Call Options Explained
A call option becomes profitable when the price of the underlying asset rises above the strike price plus the premium paid.
Example:
Stock price: ₹1,000
Strike price: ₹1,050
Premium: ₹20
If the stock rises to ₹1,100:
Profit = (Stock Price – Strike Price – Premium) = 1,100 – 1,050 – 20 = ₹30
If the stock remains below ₹1,050, the option expires worthless, and the loss is the premium paid.
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Part 2 Trading Master ClassTypes of Options: Calls and Puts
There are only two fundamental types of options:
Call Option – Gives the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price.
Example: Nifty is at 20,000. You buy a call option with a strike of 20,100. If Nifty rises to 20,400, you can buy at 20,100 and profit.
Put Option – Gives the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price.
Example: Infosys is at ₹1,500. You buy a put option with a strike of ₹1,480. If Infosys falls to ₹1,400, you can sell at ₹1,480 and profit.
So, calls = bullish bets; puts = bearish bets.
Key Terminologies in Option Trading
To understand options, you must master the vocabulary:
Strike Price → Pre-decided price where option can be exercised.
Premium → Price paid by the option buyer to the seller.
Expiry Date → Last day the option can be exercised.
In-the-Money (ITM) → Option already has intrinsic value.
At-the-Money (ATM) → Strike price is equal to current market price.
Out-of-the-Money (OTM) → Option has no intrinsic value.
Lot Size → Options are traded in lots, not single shares. For example, Nifty lot = 50 units.
Part 1 Trading Master ClassIntroduction to Options
Financial markets offer multiple instruments to trade: equities, futures, commodities, currencies, bonds, and derivatives. Among derivatives, options stand out as one of the most flexible and powerful tools available to traders and investors.
An option is not just a bet on direction. It’s a structured contract that can protect a portfolio, generate income, or speculate on volatility. Unlike buying stocks, where profits are straightforward (stock goes up, you gain; stock goes down, you lose), option trading allows for non-linear payoffs. This means you can design trades where:
You profit if the market goes up, down, or even stays flat.
You control large exposure with limited capital.
You cap your risk but keep unlimited potential reward.
Because of this flexibility, options have become an essential part of modern trading strategies across the world, from Wall Street hedge funds to Indian retail investors trading on NSE’s F&O segment.
What are Options? Basic Concepts
At its core, an option is a contract between two parties:
Buyer of the option → Pays a premium for rights.
Seller (writer) of the option → Receives the premium but takes on obligations.
Definition
An option is a financial derivative that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price (called strike price) on or before a certain date (expiry date).
Underlying assets can be:
Stocks (Infosys, Reliance, Apple, Tesla)
Indices (Nifty, Bank Nifty, S&P 500)
Commodities (Gold, Crude oil)
Currencies (USD/INR, EUR/USD)
Part 1 Candle Stick PatternIntroduction to Options
Financial markets offer multiple instruments to trade: equities, futures, commodities, currencies, bonds, and derivatives. Among derivatives, options stand out as one of the most flexible and powerful tools available to traders and investors.
An option is not just a bet on direction. It’s a structured contract that can protect a portfolio, generate income, or speculate on volatility. Unlike buying stocks, where profits are straightforward (stock goes up, you gain; stock goes down, you lose), option trading allows for non-linear payoffs. This means you can design trades where:
You profit if the market goes up, down, or even stays flat.
You control large exposure with limited capital.
You cap your risk but keep unlimited potential reward.
Because of this flexibility, options have become an essential part of modern trading strategies across the world, from Wall Street hedge funds to Indian retail investors trading on NSE’s F&O segment.
What are Options? Basic Concepts
At its core, an option is a contract between two parties:
Buyer of the option → Pays a premium for rights.
Seller (writer) of the option → Receives the premium but takes on obligations.
Definition
An option is a financial derivative that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price (called strike price) on or before a certain date (expiry date).
Underlying assets can be:
Stocks (Infosys, Reliance, Apple, Tesla)
Indices (Nifty, Bank Nifty, S&P 500)
Commodities (Gold, Crude oil)
Currencies (USD/INR, EUR/USD)
Types of Options: Calls and Puts
There are only two fundamental types of options:
Call Option – Gives the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price.
Example: Nifty is at 20,000. You buy a call option with a strike of 20,100. If Nifty rises to 20,400, you can buy at 20,100 and profit.
Put Option – Gives the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price.
Example: Infosys is at ₹1,500. You buy a put option with a strike of ₹1,480. If Infosys falls to ₹1,400, you can sell at ₹1,480 and profit.
So, calls = bullish bets; puts = bearish bets.
Option Trading Pros and Cons of Option Trading
Advantages
Limited risk (for buyers).
Leverage: control large positions with small capital.
Flexibility: profit in all market conditions.
Hedging tool.
Disadvantages
Complexity: requires deep understanding.
Option sellers face unlimited risk.
Time decay works against option buyers.
Requires good volatility forecasting.
Practical Examples of Option Trading
Example 1: Buying Call on Reliance
Reliance at ₹2,500. Buy 2600 CE for ₹50.
Expiry day: Reliance at ₹2,700.
Profit = (2700–2600) – 50 = ₹50 per share × lot size.
Example 2: Protective Put for Portfolio Hedge
You hold Nifty ETF at 20,000.
Buy 19,800 PE. If market crashes to 19,000, your put limits loss.
Psychology and Risk Control
Option trading is not just about math; it’s about discipline:
Avoid over-leveraging.
Always define stop-loss.
Respect time decay (theta).
Manage emotions – fear of missing out (FOMO) and greed are costly.
Divergence SecretsGreeks and Risk Management
Every option trader must understand Greeks, the risk measures that show sensitivity of option price to different factors:
Delta → Measures how much the option price changes if underlying moves 1 unit.
Gamma → Measures how delta itself changes with price movement.
Theta → Time decay; how much premium falls as expiry nears.
Vega → Sensitivity to volatility. Higher volatility increases premium.
Rho → Sensitivity to interest rates.
Greeks allow traders to hedge portfolios and adjust positions dynamically.
Strategies in Option Trading
Options shine because you can combine calls, puts, and different strikes to create unique strategies.
Directional Strategies
Buying Call → Bullish play.
Buying Put → Bearish play.
Covered Call → Own stock + sell call → generates income.
Protective Put → Own stock + buy put → insurance.
Neutral Market Strategies
Straddle → Buy call + put at same strike → profit from big moves either way.
Strangle → Buy OTM call + OTM put → cheaper version of straddle.
Iron Condor → Sell OTM call and put spreads → profit if market stays in range.
Advanced Plays
Butterfly spread, calendar spread, ratio spreads – for experienced traders.
Options vs. Futures and Stocks
Stocks → Simple ownership. Risk = unlimited downside, reward = unlimited upside.
Futures → Obligation to buy/sell at future price. High leverage, unlimited risk.
Options → Rights, not obligations. Limited risk (for buyer), flexible payoffs.
Part 2 Support And ResistanceTypes of Options: Calls and Puts
There are only two fundamental types of options:
Call Option – Gives the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price.
Example: Nifty is at 20,000. You buy a call option with a strike of 20,100. If Nifty rises to 20,400, you can buy at 20,100 and profit.
Put Option – Gives the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price.
Example: Infosys is at ₹1,500. You buy a put option with a strike of ₹1,480. If Infosys falls to ₹1,400, you can sell at ₹1,480 and profit.
So, calls = bullish bets; puts = bearish bets.
Key Terminologies in Option Trading
To understand options, you must master the vocabulary:
Strike Price → Pre-decided price where option can be exercised.
Premium → Price paid by the option buyer to the seller.
Expiry Date → Last day the option can be exercised.
In-the-Money (ITM) → Option already has intrinsic value.
At-the-Money (ATM) → Strike price is equal to current market price.
Out-of-the-Money (OTM) → Option has no intrinsic value.
Lot Size → Options are traded in lots, not single shares. For example, Nifty lot = 50 units.
How Option Pricing Works
Options are not priced arbitrarily. The premium has two parts:
Intrinsic Value (IV)
The real value if exercised now.
Example: Nifty at 20,200, call strike 20,100 → IV = 100 points.
Time Value (TV)
Extra value due to remaining time before expiry.
Longer expiry = higher premium because of greater uncertainty.
Option pricing is influenced by:
Spot price of underlying
Strike price
Time to expiry
Volatility
Interest rates
Dividends
The famous Black-Scholes Model and Binomial Model are widely used to calculate theoretical prices.
Part 1 Support And ResistanceIntroduction to Options
Financial markets offer multiple instruments to trade: equities, futures, commodities, currencies, bonds, and derivatives. Among derivatives, options stand out as one of the most flexible and powerful tools available to traders and investors.
An option is not just a bet on direction. It’s a structured contract that can protect a portfolio, generate income, or speculate on volatility. Unlike buying stocks, where profits are straightforward (stock goes up, you gain; stock goes down, you lose), option trading allows for non-linear payoffs. This means you can design trades where:
You profit if the market goes up, down, or even stays flat.
You control large exposure with limited capital.
You cap your risk but keep unlimited potential reward.
Because of this flexibility, options have become an essential part of modern trading strategies across the world, from Wall Street hedge funds to Indian retail investors trading on NSE’s F&O segment.
What are Options? Basic Concepts
At its core, an option is a contract between two parties:
Buyer of the option → Pays a premium for rights.
Seller (writer) of the option → Receives the premium but takes on obligations.
Definition
An option is a financial derivative that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price (called strike price) on or before a certain date (expiry date).
Underlying assets can be:
Stocks (Infosys, Reliance, Apple, Tesla)
Indices (Nifty, Bank Nifty, S&P 500)
Commodities (Gold, Crude oil)
Currencies (USD/INR, EUR/USD)






















