How does one trade options?

[ConfusedInvestor]

I've read the wikipedia page on options trading, but unfortunately i don't really understand what they are. Currently I just trade stocks and etfs, which is very simple. I would like to hear an explanation of how exactly someone trades options. The only thing i know so far is that the "strike price" is really important.

Thanks

 

[Sharky]

I've just started trading options myself, so I can offer some suggestions of where to start.

A couple of introductory books worth investing in:

Rookies Guide to Options: Mark Wolfringer
Options Plain and Simple: Lenny Jordan

The best online resource I've come across is called Option Alpha: https://optionalpha.com/ (esp. good if you prefer learning from videos, as they've got tons of them).

Then I'd say just dipping your toe in the water by putting on some real trades (whether paper or live - paper is always safer, but there's nothing quite like having real money on the line to keep the motivation going). Stick to the safer strategies like writing covered calls or credit spreads, 1 lot on liquid contracts.

 

[Panic!]

All institutional option traders start with these two books:

Hull: "Options, futures and other derivatives."
Natenberg: "Option Volaitlity & pricing."

 

[Sharky]

All institutional option traders start with these two books:

Hull: "Options, futures and other derivatives."
Natenberg: "Option Volaitlity & pricing."

Yeah those two plus McMillan: "Options as a strategic investment" are considered the bibles. In fact I've got all three sitting on my book shelf. But I wanted something a bit easier going to get started with, and the two I mentioned are ideal for that.

 

[Panic!]

Never read McMillan, but will get myself a copy. Thanks.

 

[Sharky]

Never read McMillan, but will get myself a copy. Thanks.

There's a companion workbook as well useful for testing your knowledge.

 

[hatemypips]

I've read the wikipedia page on options trading, but unfortunately i don't really understand what they are. Currently I just trade stocks and etfs, which is very simple. I would like to hear an explanation of how exactly someone trades options. The only thing i know so far is that the "strike price" is really important.

Thanks

Basically options are useful to construct different "hedged portfolios" where there is no risk in future associated with random market outcomes, but your positions have positive returns. Trading solely options is profitable too but risks are much higher especially if you are selling uncovered calls