ORDER ENTRY TIPS

• Tip #1: Don't leg into or out of complex spreads. Doing so turns a delta-neutral strategy into a directional bet.
• Tip #2: Don't trade spreads you don't understand. Trading options is hard enough for professionals.
• Tip #3: There's no opening trade that you absolutely have to make. Never “force” a trade.
• Tip #4: Trade price is critical. There's no such thing as a good trade at a bad price.
• Tip #5: Trade options that have reasonable liquidity. Don't be the only player.
  
• Tip #6: The average price of an option or spread is approximately fair value. Don't buy too much above or sell too much below.
  
• Tip #7: When selling premium, always look for more favorable prices when volatility is going up.
  
• Tip #8: Learn to use the tools that are available to you as well as option quotes from multiple exchanges.
  
• Tip #9: Don't be afraid to trade complex spreads during slow markets. Your orders get more attention.
  
• Tip #10: Don't be afraid to ask for help. If your brokerage firm can't support your trading, find a broker that knows their options.