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Best Option Strategies For ThinkOrSwim

I'm brand new to options, wanted to start learning how to day trade options on a smaller time frames. Would there be a way to post a label on the chart showing the break even line or price for your current open options position? How about the profit/loss? Thanks if it's obvious, or even if it's not, did a search and couldn't come up with anything.
 
@lostcoastsurf I am not aware of any way to extrapolate and transpose the EntryPrice() of an Option onto the underlying Stocks chart... We don't have access to portfolio trade data... The correlation between the underlying and option is fairly complex and you don't buy the option at a specific underlying price, the transaction takes place totally separately... I run charts for both the stock and the option during trades, along with Active Trader for the option...

yuoK6JX.png
 
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@lostcoastsurf I am not aware of any way to extrapolate and transpose the EntryPrice() of an Option onto the underlying Stocks chart... We don't have access to portfolio trade data... The correlation between the underlying and option is fairly complex and you don't buy the option at a specific underlying price, the transaction takes place totally separately... I run charts for both the stock and the option during trades, along with Active Trader for the option...
Thanks for the reply. How do you get the chart and AT for the option? Is that the contract ID or something?
 
Thanks for the reply. How do you get the chart and AT for the option? Is that the contract ID or something?

Right-Click on the Option in the Trade tab and select Copy <option symbol> and then Paste as the symbol in your Chart panel...

8VzqsHR.png


An alternate method is to Click on the symbol dropdown in your Chart panel, Click on the Options tab, enter the underlying symbol, and select your option from the condensed Option Chain...

sYO60gY.png
 
Right-Click on the Option in the Trade tab and select Copy <option symbol> and then Paste as the symbol in your Chart panel...

An alternate method is to Click on the symbol dropdown in your Chart panel, Click on the Options tab, enter the underlying symbol, and select your option from the condensed Option Chain...
Thanks for the schooling, really appreciate it. TOS really is pretty slick. The Active Trader window really gives you all you need. Would love to know how you use those labels and studies in your options trading strategies... of course ;-) Do you ever use Market Orders when exiting or entering an options contract?
 
@lostcoastsurf Yes, I do use market orders at time... And sometimes I use Bid + Ask / 2 for entry and other times Ask if the market is trending fast... For exits I mostly use either a Limit Order or the Flatten Now button... I should probably start using TrailingStop more often... Oh, and that image isn't totally accurate because I almost always open trades with a But with OCO that automatically places my Limit and Stop prices that can then be adjusted if needed... I have a bunch of Active Trader templates saved... In fact I was just trimming the list down over the weekend...
 
@lostcoastsurf .... I almost always open trades with a But with OCO that automatically places my Limit and Stop prices that can then be adjusted if needed... I have a bunch of Active Trader templates saved... In fact I was just trimming the list down over the weekend...
So you like to use hard stops on option contracts? Are they less inclined to get "hit" or "taken out" verses buying/selling shares? I have not had very good success with hard stops in trading on shorter timeframes. Seems like my stops get taken out to the $0.01 - $0.05 and then reverse too many times, makes me think "they" can see my stops and deliberately take them out.
 
So you like to use hard stops on option contracts? Are they less inclined to get "hit" or "taken out" verses buying/selling shares? I have not had very good success with hard stops in trading on shorter timeframes. Seems like my stops get taken out to the $0.01 - $0.05 and then reverse too many times, makes me think "they" can see my stops and deliberately take them out.
Market Makers can see your stops... Sometimes I remove the Stop and never take my eyes off of the Active Trader Ladder... I primarily scalp options so I'm hands-&-eyes-on throughout the trades... The most important aspect of scalping options is that if momentum slows a bit, exit... Options prices plummet far faster then the underlying so I take what the market presents me... Limits are good for long trends but if the market changes I just hit Flatten Now before I'm stuck trying to catch falling knives and end up having a win turn into a loss... It's a tough habit to get into and when I break my own rules it costs me... Take what the market gives you rather than trying to read tea leaves... Better to take that small profit and then re-enter again and ride the trend up again if it rebounds rather riding the trade down to a potentially unrecoverable level... For scalping a .25 - .50 drop in the underlying can be unrecoverable for your option position, depending on the market... Rather than hoping for recovery, exit and look for a better trade...

All that said, Auto-Send and Flatten Now can be lifesavers... The default button in Active Trader is Flatten but I change it to Flatten Now... When I want out, I want out right now, without confirmation...
 
I'm brand new to options, wanted to start learning how to day trade options on a smaller time frames. Would there be a way to post a label on the chart showing the break even line or price for your current open options position? How about the profit/loss? Thanks if it's obvious, or even if it's not, did a search and couldn't come up with anything.
If you want to trade options correctly, join RightwayOptions,... Stay for several months as mainly trading only with options.
 
@lostcoastsurf I am not aware of any way to extrapolate and transpose the EntryPrice() of an Option onto the underlying Stocks chart... We don't have access to portfolio trade data... The correlation between the underlying and option is fairly complex and you don't buy the option at a specific underlying price, the transaction takes place totally separately... I run charts for both the stock and the option during trades, along with Active Trader for the option...

yuoK6JX.png
Any chance I could get a try with that My_TTM_Squeeze_Pro?
 
Any chance I could get a try with that My_TTM_Squeeze_Pro?
@Vorlauf Here you go... I wasn't even aware I was running this version instead of the one I wrote because, which is essentially the same... :eek:

Ruby:
# TTM_Squeeze_Pro_rad14733
# Based on: A version of the Squeeze Pro
# https://usethinkscript.com/threads/john-carters-squeeze-pro-indicator-for-thinkorswim-free.4021/post-60807
# Modified by rad14733
# v1.0 : 2021-01-24 : Added Momo Average and Vertical Squeeze Fire On/Off lines
# v1.1 : 2021-03-13 : Added avgMomo Acrylic line color and optional avgMomo cloud

declare lower;

input length = 20;
input avglength = 20;
input showVerticalLines = yes;
input showAvgMomoCloud = yes;
input momoAverageType = AverageType.SIMPLE;

#Keltner Channels
def hb = 1.0;
def mb = 1.5;
def lb = 2.0;
def avg = Average(close, length);
def k1 = avg + (hb * Average(TrueRange(high, close, low), length));
def k2 = avg + (mb * Average(TrueRange(high, close, low), length));
def k3 = avg + (lb * Average(TrueRange(high, close, low), length));

#Bollinger Bands
def BB_offset = 2.0;
def sDev = stdev(close, length);
def mid = Average(close, length);
def bb = mid + BB_offset * sDev;

#Squeeze
def s0 = bb > k3;
def s1 = bb < k1;
def s2 = bb < k2;
def s3 = bb < k3;

# Code taken from Momentum Squeeze by Mobius
# code is slightly modified to remove the squeeze portion

def c = close;
def h = high;
def l = low;
def K = (Highest(h, length) + Lowest(l, length)) / 2 + ExpAverage(c, length);
plot Momo = if isNaN(close) then double.nan else Inertia(c - K / 2, length);
Momo.setPaintingStrategy(PaintingStrategy.HISTOGRAM);
Momo.setLineWeight(3);
Momo.assignValueColor(
   if Momo > Momo[1] and Momo > 0
   then Color.Cyan
   else if Momo > 0 and Momo < Momo[1]
   then Color.DARK_ORANGE
   else if Momo < 0 and Momo < Momo[1]
   then Color.Red
   else Color.Yellow
);
# End Code - Mobius' Momentum Squeeze

# Momo average line - rad14733 - v1.0
#plot avgMomo = Average(Momo, avglength);
plot avgMomo = MovingAverage(momoAverageType, Momo, avglength);
avgMomo.SetLineWeight(2);
# avgMomo Acrylic Line Color - rad14733 - v1.1
avgMomo.AssignValueColor(
      if Momo > avgMomo and Momo > 0
      then Color.WHITE
      else if Momo > 0 and Momo < avgMomo
      then Color.RED
      else if Momo < 0 and Momo < avgMomo
      then Color.WHITE
      else Color.CYAN
);

# Squeeze dots on zeroline
plot squeeze = if s0 or s1 or s2 or s3 then 0 else double.nan;#
squeeze.SetLineWeight(3);
squeeze.SetStyle(curve.POINTS);
squeeze.AssignValueColor(
   if s1 then color.orange
   else if s2 then color.red
   else if s3 then color.plum
   else color.green
);

# Add vertical lines to further demarcate start and end of Squeeze - rad14733 - v1.0
def aggOk = if GetAggregationPeriod() < AggregationPeriod.DAY then 1 else Double.NaN;
AddVerticalLine(aggOk and showVerticalLines and bb crosses below k3, "Squeeze On", Color.RED);
AddVerticalLine(aggOk and showVerticalLines and bb crosses above k3, "Squeeze Off", Color.GREEN);

# AddCloud - rad14733 - v1.1
AddCloud(if showAvgMomoCloud then 0 else Double.Nan, if showAvgMomoCloud then avgMomo else Double.Nan, Color.WHITE, Color.WHITE);

# end code
 
So you like to use hard stops on option contracts? Are they less inclined to get "hit" or "taken out" verses buying/selling shares? I have not had very good success with hard stops in trading on shorter timeframes. Seems like my stops get taken out to the $0.01 - $0.05 and then reverse too many times, makes me think "they" can see my stops and deliberately take them out.
You can place a stop in the conditional order of TOS the same as a stock stop.
 
@Vorlauf Here you go... I wasn't even aware I was running this version instead of the one I wrote because, which is essentially the same... :eek:

Ruby:
# TTM_Squeeze_Pro_rad14733
# Based on: A version of the Squeeze Pro
# https://usethinkscript.com/threads/john-carters-squeeze-pro-indicator-for-thinkorswim-free.4021/post-60807
# Modified by rad14733
# v1.0 : 2021-01-24 : Added Momo Average and Vertical Squeeze Fire On/Off lines
# v1.1 : 2021-03-13 : Added avgMomo Acrylic line color and optional avgMomo cloud

declare lower;

input length = 20;
input avglength = 20;
input showVerticalLines = yes;
input showAvgMomoCloud = yes;
input momoAverageType = AverageType.SIMPLE;

#Keltner Channels
def hb = 1.0;
def mb = 1.5;
def lb = 2.0;
def avg = Average(close, length);
def k1 = avg + (hb * Average(TrueRange(high, close, low), length));
def k2 = avg + (mb * Average(TrueRange(high, close, low), length));
def k3 = avg + (lb * Average(TrueRange(high, close, low), length));

#Bollinger Bands
def BB_offset = 2.0;
def sDev = stdev(close, length);
def mid = Average(close, length);
def bb = mid + BB_offset * sDev;

#Squeeze
def s0 = bb > k3;
def s1 = bb < k1;
def s2 = bb < k2;
def s3 = bb < k3;

# Code taken from Momentum Squeeze by Mobius
# code is slightly modified to remove the squeeze portion

def c = close;
def h = high;
def l = low;
def K = (Highest(h, length) + Lowest(l, length)) / 2 + ExpAverage(c, length);
plot Momo = if isNaN(close) then double.nan else Inertia(c - K / 2, length);
Momo.setPaintingStrategy(PaintingStrategy.HISTOGRAM);
Momo.setLineWeight(3);
Momo.assignValueColor(
   if Momo > Momo[1] and Momo > 0
   then Color.Cyan
   else if Momo > 0 and Momo < Momo[1]
   then Color.DARK_ORANGE
   else if Momo < 0 and Momo < Momo[1]
   then Color.Red
   else Color.Yellow
);
# End Code - Mobius' Momentum Squeeze

# Momo average line - rad14733 - v1.0
#plot avgMomo = Average(Momo, avglength);
plot avgMomo = MovingAverage(momoAverageType, Momo, avglength);
avgMomo.SetLineWeight(2);
# avgMomo Acrylic Line Color - rad14733 - v1.1
avgMomo.AssignValueColor(
      if Momo > avgMomo and Momo > 0
      then Color.WHITE
      else if Momo > 0 and Momo < avgMomo
      then Color.RED
      else if Momo < 0 and Momo < avgMomo
      then Color.WHITE
      else Color.CYAN
);

# Squeeze dots on zeroline
plot squeeze = if s0 or s1 or s2 or s3 then 0 else double.nan;#
squeeze.SetLineWeight(3);
squeeze.SetStyle(curve.POINTS);
squeeze.AssignValueColor(
   if s1 then color.orange
   else if s2 then color.red
   else if s3 then color.plum
   else color.green
);

# Add vertical lines to further demarcate start and end of Squeeze - rad14733 - v1.0
def aggOk = if GetAggregationPeriod() < AggregationPeriod.DAY then 1 else Double.NaN;
AddVerticalLine(aggOk and showVerticalLines and bb crosses below k3, "Squeeze On", Color.RED);
AddVerticalLine(aggOk and showVerticalLines and bb crosses above k3, "Squeeze Off", Color.GREEN);

# AddCloud - rad14733 - v1.1
AddCloud(if showAvgMomoCloud then 0 else Double.Nan, if showAvgMomoCloud then avgMomo else Double.Nan, Color.WHITE, Color.WHITE);

# end code
Wanted to offer something in return. Give this a try and let me know what you think. http://tos.mx/7oai1oA
 
Find the best options scalping strategy
In my opinion it would be one that I'd be looking to multiple time frames. The reasoning behind that is if the trend is moving in a direction for a longer period of time then you are more likely to come out profitable. Scalping options can cause you to either make or lose a lot of money really fast (since you'll likely pick options with a very short time to expiration). Because of the high risk high reward setup you want to do whatever you can to minimize potential downside. One of the ways I personally do this is by picking setups that have a potential trend in the direction I'm trading on bigger time frames, that way if I miss my exit on a really short time frame I still have a chance to get out alive without losing all of my money.

So, what does that look like? For me, I enter on short time frames (1m, 2m) when a large time frame (15m) is at the beginning of a trend and I exit when a slightly larger time frame (5m) signals reversal. You should also implement other rules such as what percentage you take profit, if it becomes overbought or oversold on your short timeframe you may want to exit or if the trend reverses right away you'll want to cut your losses early.

Cutting losses early and taking profit appropriately is going to be crucial to your success as a couple of big losses can ruin many big gains and just because you're in profit one minute doesn't mean you'll keep them for long since you have time against you (and potentially volatility) when buying short term options.
 
Does anyone have an indicator/study that works best for them when it comes to Options Trading ?
Thanks.

@Tuna7020 What style(s) of Options Trading are you interested in, and do you have a current setup that you are using...??? I mainly scalp and day trade Options based on momentum so I use indicators that monitor the underlying symbols for confirmed trend reversals and increased momentum... TTM_Squeeze and RSI are good indicators, as well as many others... I have used several setups successfully over the years... What is most important is what combination of indicators works best for you... I'm sure we can come up with something once we know more about your trading style(s)...
 
@Tuna7020 What style(s) of Options Trading are you interested in, and do you have a current setup that you are using...??? I mainly scalp and day trade Options based on momentum so I use indicators that monitor the underlying symbols for confirmed trend reversals and increased momentum... TTM_Squeeze and RSI are good indicators, as well as many others... I have used several setups successfully over the years... What is most important is what combination of indicators works best for you... I'm sure we can come up with something once we know more about your trading style(s)...
Ohh wow. Same here. I usually day trade but swing occasionally if the charts are looking promising. I usually use RSI,MACD, Volume and VWAP. Just got into TTM Sqeeze recently (still trying to figure out how it works). I agree with you. The key is finding the best combinations that works for you. What time frame/s do you use ?
 

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