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Options

Technical Indicators • Price Action • Chart Signals

derivative contracts with defined risk and flexible strategies

Options are derivative contracts that grant the holder the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an underlying asset at a specified strike price before or at a set expiration date. In crypto and traditional markets alike, options are leveraged tools used for hedging, speculation, and income generation. There are two main types: call options (right to buy) and put options (right to sell). Options strategies require knowledge of premiums, volatility, and timing—making them powerful but complex instruments.

Use Case: A trader holding a large amount of ETH buys put options as insurance against a short-term decline, allowing them to lock in a minimum exit price while maintaining upside exposure.

Key Concepts:

  • Call Option — Gives the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price before expiration
  • Put Option — Gives the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price before expiration
  • Premium — The cost paid to buy the option, representing the maximum loss for the buyer
  • Implied Volatility — A measure of expected future price movement, heavily impacting option pricing
  • Derivatives — The broader category of financial contracts options belong to
  • Perpetual Futures Markets — Alternative leveraged instrument with different risk profile
  • Hedgers — Traders who use options to protect existing positions
  • Market Maker — Entities that provide liquidity in options markets

Summary: Options are versatile contracts that enable market participants to hedge, speculate, or earn income with defined risk. While institutions use them for sophisticated strategies, retail traders must understand risk-reward dynamics and volatility metrics before deploying capital in options markets.

Option Type Right to… Used When… Risk Profile
Call Option Buy the asset Expecting price to rise Limited loss, unlimited gain
Put Option Sell the asset Expecting price to fall Limited loss, strong downside protection
Writing Options Obligation to fulfill the contract Earn premium; neutral to bearish or bullish view High risk if uncovered

The Options Greeks

key metrics that determine option pricing and behavior

Delta (Δ)
How much option price moves per $1 move in underlying • Calls: 0 to 1 • Puts: -1 to 0 • Higher delta = more directional exposure
Gamma (Γ)
Rate of change in delta • Higher near strike price • Accelerates gains/losses as price moves • Important for risk management
Theta (Θ)
Time decay per day • Options lose value as expiration approaches • Works against buyers • Works for sellers (premium collectors)
Vega (V)
Sensitivity to implied volatility • Rising IV = higher premiums • Falling IV = lower premiums • Critical before major events
Practical Use: Delta tells you direction exposure. Theta tells you time cost. Vega tells you volatility exposure. Master these three and you understand 90% of option behavior.

Basic Options Strategies

common approaches for different market outlooks

Long Call (Bullish)
Buy call option • Max loss = premium paid • Max gain = unlimited • Best when expecting strong upside
Long Put (Bearish)
Buy put option • Max loss = premium paid • Max gain = strike – premium • Best for downside protection or bearish bet
Covered Call (Income)
Own asset + sell call • Earn premium income • Cap upside at strike • Best in sideways/slightly bullish markets
Protective Put (Hedge)
Own asset + buy put • Insurance against crash • Keep full upside • Best for long-term holders wanting protection
Straddle (Volatility Bet)
Buy call + put at same strike • Profit from big move either direction • Max loss = both premiums • Best before major events
Iron Condor (Range Bound)
Sell call spread + put spread • Profit if price stays in range • Defined risk both sides • Best in low-volatility markets
Strategy Selection: Bullish? Long call or covered call. Bearish? Long put. Uncertain but expecting big move? Straddle. Expecting calm? Iron condor. Match strategy to market outlook.

Options vs Perpetuals

choosing the right derivative for your strategy

Options
Defined max loss (premium)
No liquidation risk for buyers
Time decay works against you
Complex pricing (Greeks)
Lower liquidity in crypto
Best for: Hedging, defined-risk bets
Platforms: Deribit, Lyra, Dopex
Perpetuals
Unlimited loss potential
Liquidation risk with leverage
Funding rate cost/income
Simple pricing (mark vs spot)
Highest crypto liquidity
Best for: Active trading, scalping
Platforms: Binance, Bybit, GMX
Decision Framework: Use options when you want defined risk and can afford time decay. Use perpetuals when you need liquidity and can manage liquidation risk. Options = insurance mindset. Perpetuals = trading mindset.

Options Risk Profile

understanding who wins and loses in options trades

Option Buyers (Long)
Pay premium upfront
Max loss = premium paid
Unlimited profit potential (calls)
Time decay works against you
Need price to move significantly
Win rate typically lower
Risk: Paying too much premium
Option Sellers (Short)
Receive premium upfront
Max gain = premium received
Unlimited loss potential (naked)
Time decay works for you
Profit if price stays stable
Win rate typically higher
Risk: Catastrophic loss on big moves
Common Buyer Mistakes
Buying out-of-the-money options
Ignoring time decay
Paying inflated IV before events
Holding too long (theta bleed)
Not understanding breakeven
Common Seller Mistakes
Selling naked without hedges
Underestimating tail risk
Selling too close to the money
Not having exit plan for losers
Over-leveraging premium income
Market Truth: Option sellers win more often but lose bigger when wrong. Option buyers win less often but can win big. Neither is “better”—choose based on your edge, capital, and risk tolerance.

 
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