# Simplifying Day Trading Options: A Clear Strategy Revealed
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Market's Simplicity
Many on Reddit may dismiss it, but the strategy for trading $SPY options based on buying when prices are "above-the-open" is incredibly straightforward. The stock market operates on a simple principle: it either rises or falls, yet many struggle to grasp this simplicity.
The Straightforward Approach
Critics often label options trading as a "fool's game," claiming that day trading options is unfeasible. However, this assertion is unfounded. The trades discussed here rely on a simple day-trading technique that favors going long on calls and puts. I once shared with someone how to achieve a 100% return from day trading options, and I suspect he remains skeptical.
The signal for entering a trade is direct. If call options are trading above their opening price, purchase those; if put options exceed their opening price, buy those. That’s all there is to it—just ensure you implement a stop-loss to manage your risks.
Review of Recent Results
On October 25, 2023, I shared the results of a day where I achieved over 100% profits on Reddit, primarily to see if fellow options traders would recognize the market's inherent simplicity. Unfortunately, it seems they remain unconvinced.
The post, titled "Another Day, Another 100% profit target locked," detailed my experience trading using the "Simple Strategy." I explained how I bought calls when they were above their opening price for a SPY options day trade. A chart showcasing Wednesday's 0DTE SPY 419CALL illustrated the successful trade.
However, the moderators of the Reddit Options community removed my post, citing the reason as "No low-effort posts." They insisted that I provide more detailed information for discussions about trading strategies.
The Expectations for Detail
They implied that my post lacked the necessary depth for a meaningful conversation about options trading. Their expectations included:
- A thorough explanation of the trading strategy and its rationale
- Justification for selecting the underlying asset
- Detailed trade specifics (ticker, call/put, long/short, strikes, expiration, cost, date)
- The underlying asset's price before and after the trade
- Intended profit margins and maximum loss thresholds
- Specific entry and exit dates/times
- Visuals that articulate my perspective
A Low-Effort Post?
A low-effort post? My previous message clearly outlined the "Simple Strategy" criteria and indicated the trigger for the call buy based on its price being above the opening. Who has time during a trading day to compile all that information, especially when day trading SPY options?
It’s amusing to see the same old skeptics among Reddit’s options traders, more inclined to engage in meaningless discussions than to pursue actual profits. The level of disbelief is astounding whenever someone presents evidence that making money through day trading options is indeed possible, even to the extent of earning a living or achieving wealth.
Chapter 2: Results from the Simple Strategy
Despite the pushback, two days later, I found myself with another clear "above-the-open" buy signal, as outlined in the "Simple Strategy." This pattern has occurred consistently during options day trading.
To date, there have been 18 trading days in this month, with this approach yielding profits on 13 of them. Remarkably, on these profitable days, the strategy has achieved a 100% return or more, including today. For instance, today's ITM SPY 423PUT generated a 170% profit, translating to $1,695 for every $1,000 invested.
I hesitate to share this on Reddit again; the community may erupt in outrage, or the moderators might swiftly dismiss it as another low-effort post lacking sufficient detail.