Long Straddle (Buy Straddle)
A volatility strategy: buy a call and a put at the same strike/expiry to profit from a big move in either direction.
When it works
- You expect a large move (direction uncertain)
- IV is not too expensive vs expected move
- Event-driven setups with defined time
Warning
If the move doesn’t happen, time decay and IV crush can cause losses.
Practical deep‑dive
Info
Profile
Best suited when volatility and time-to-expiry are the main drivers (range or breakout views).
Strategy snapshot (quick)
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Style | volatility |
| Cost type | Usually a premium/volatility expression; timing and IV matter heavily. |
| Best when | You expect a big move or volatility change (direction may be uncertain). |
| Watch out | If the move doesn’t happen, theta + IV crush can be painful. |
Greeks to watch
Focus on these exposures first
| Greek | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vega | Volatility exposure is central |
| Theta | Time decay can be significant |
| Gamma | Near expiry, payoff sensitivity can increase |
Professional options traders focus on “structure first”: define risk, choose strikes/liquidity, and write down exit rules before entry. Most losses come from oversized positions and holding short-dated options without a plan.
Execution checklist
Use this before placing the trade
| Check | Why it matters | Quick test |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidity | Spreads can eat edge | Tight bid‑ask + decent volume/OI |
| Risk defined | Prevents blow-ups | Max loss is known and acceptable |
| Time horizon | Avoid time mismatch | Expiry matches your view timeframe |
| Volatility regime | Premium cost changes outcomes | IV not extreme vs recent range |
| Exit plan | Stops emotional decisions | Target/stop/time exit written down |
Mistakes to avoid
- Trading illiquid strikes (wide spreads) because premium looks “cheap”.
- Using market orders during fast moves and getting poor fills.
- Adding to losing positions without a predefined rule.
- Ignoring event risk (results, policy events) near expiry.
- Overusing weekly expiries before mastering risk control.
Summary (takeaways)
- Prefer defined-risk structures while learning.
- Liquidity and execution quality matter as much as strategy selection.
- Consistency comes from process, not predictions.