ABOUT OPTIONS TRADING IQ

Our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their financial destinies.

Since our start in 2010, we’ve been driven by a deep-rooted conviction that financial freedom is not a distant dream but an achievable reality for everyone.

We’ve created free tutorials on just about every possible option topic. If you think there is anything missing, drop us a line and we’ll cover any subject matter you want to learn about.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Gavin McMaster – Option Trading Mentor

option trading mentor

Gavin is a self-taught option trader with 19 years experience. He has a masters in Applied Finance and Investment and has mentored thousands of option traders over the last 13 years.

To him, there’s no greater feeling in the world than teaching somebody and watching the light bulb switch on when they have that ‘aha, I get it now!’ moment.”

In addition to running Options Trading IQ, Gavin does consulting in the hedge fund industry.

He specializes in income trading using options, has a very conservative approach and believes patience in waiting for the best setups is the key to successful trading.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Trading is hard work. Anyone who tells you otherwise is spouting BS. You will have many ups and downs, and we would consider it a privilege to help you on that journey.

We wish you good trading and every success.

73 Comments
  1. Bevjackson says:

    Hi,  I signed up and that video is still not available to me?   Anyway, look forward to see what’s coming.  I’m enjoying your blog.

  2. Djohnsonhot says:

    Do you use DELTA figures on your RUT trades on the sold legs? I use a -.08 on the SOLD PUTS and a +.12 on the SOLD CALLS as we are biased long as I write this, Sept 1, 2012. Thanks! Dave ([email protected])

    1. Hi Dave, yes I do incorporate the deltas of the short legs into my process.

  3. jon k says:

    You should join Stocktwits.com instead of just using twitter. Huge difference!

  4. Chris says:

    Hi there
    Very keen to subscribe to your newsletter if possible?
    I am a weekly options trader ( newby) and wondered if you focus only on monthlies in your training etc
    Does you’re alerts subscription give weekly trades or just monthly ?

    Good job for writing. Book! Will definetly read it as soon as I can access it on Amazon

    Kind regards
    Chris

  5. James Chin says:

    Just surfed onto your website.

    It is just great…thanks for your contributions.

  6. Ronald Temple says:

    Is a free download of your “Bull Put Spread Calculator” still available?

  7. Gavin says:

    Hi Ronald, yes I just sent it to you via email.

    1. paul patane says:

      Gavin i just started trying to learn about options lam only doing this about 3 weeks now,and like you saidit is not easy but iam determined I see you sent Ronald a free download of your bull Put Spread calculator if you think it could help me in my learning or what ever else i can learn i apprreciate it thank you. [email protected]

      1. Gavin says:

        Hi Paul, welcome to the wonderful world of options trading. I’ll send you an email.

    2. sean green says:

      May I please request one too

      1. Gavin says:

        We’ve sent it to you.

        1. Jack says:

          Also interested in bull put spread calculator. Thank you so much.

          1. Gavin says:

            Just sent to you.

  8. DW says:

    Hi,
    Enjoyed your books.
    But, many of your spreadsheets (.xlt format) are corrupt when I download them, or at least OpenOffice thinks they are.

    Could you send me via email the BullPutSpeadCalculator sheet?

    Thanks!

  9. don says:

    to: Gavin McMaster
    On https://optionstradingiq.com/adjusting-iron-condors/ you describe 6 scenarios.
    Why not put stops on the sold options to be triggered by the underlying security?
    Some broker platforms allow such contingent orders.

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Don,

      Yes you can do that as a fail safe, but it does have issues, some of which are discussed here:

      https://optionstradingiq.com/are-you-shark-bait/

      Another example of a potential problem. What happens if you get stopped out of the shorts, only for the market to immediately rebound the other way? You will get killed on your remaining longs.

  10. Dr Dave says:

    Fantastic, I really appreciate your approach to options.
    I lost too much money over the years with the buy and hold mentality.

    finally took control of my own finances instead of trusting a financial planner.
    I will never go back.

    Looking forward to learning about your approach.
    Make yours a profitable day.

  11. Charlie Simmons says:

    How do I sign up for your services?

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Charlie, I’m not running anything at the moment, but I will be doing a group mentoring course later this year. If you have signed up for my newsletter you will be notified.

  12. SR says:

    Hi Gavin,

    Where is the best screener to find optimal bull put spreads, on a risk/reward basis? I’ve tried using the scan function on ThinkorSwim, but it doesn’t let you screen for open interest. Thanks!

  13. TOM LAMENA says:

    HI GAVIN,

    Great website.

    I’m starting my journey towards professional trader. I’ve given myself 10 years to master the “challenge”.I’m committed. Deeply committed, believe me.
    I’m “learning/bootcamping/reading/tradeshowing” around the clock to grasp the world
    of finacial markets yet i’m not a rookie in the financial world.

    I have a question for you. Why option trader as a choice in your case? Did you try FOREX, Equities long/short, Futures…? If not/yes, what was your motive ?
    Would you do the same choice today? After many years of experience?

    Kind regards

    Tom Lamena

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Tom,

      Love your enthusiasm my man! Given your attitude, I have no doubt you will make a success of it.

      Options always appealed to me due to their huge amount of flexibility. You can trade directionally, neutral, short-term, long-term, volatility, income strategies. The possibilities are almost endless. I would definitely stick with options if I had my time over again.

      Enjoy the journey, keep in touch.
      Gav.

  14. TOM LAMENA says:

    Hi Gavin,

    I’ve the gut feeling you are a cool, reliable guy.
    I will keep in touch with you.

    Take care

    Tom

    1. Gavin says:

      I’m not sure about cool, I’m a bit of a nerd really. 🙂 Definitely reliable though.

  15. Bob Penzien says:

    Hi Gavin,
    Please put me on your email list for options trading. Thanks. Have a great day!
    Bob Penzien
    San Francisco Bay Area

    1. Gavin says:

      Consider it done Bob. Nice part of the world you live in.

  16. Mark says:

    Hi Gavin,

    Put me on your newsletter list please. Looks like you Iron Condor course just arrived in my mail box. Will start my education now!

    Thank you,

    1. Gavin says:

      Awesome Mark! What a great way to start 2017. Let me know if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

  17. Theo says:

    Hi Gavin: Couple quick questions.

    1) I’ve seened your material on ‘Double Diagonals”. How do they differ than ‘Double Calenders’ in application? I’m assuming they are not ‘interchangeable’ strategies. And which strategy is more appropiate for trading Earnings?

    2) Also, what are your fav ‘go to’ option strategies u rely on frequently? Thanks

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Theo:

      1. They are fairly similar. For Diagonals the option you are buying is further out-of-the-money whereas a calendar uses the same strike price. You wouldn’t want to have a double calendar and double diagonal open on the same stock at the same time. To be honest, I don’t like trading earnings so I can’t answer the second part of your question.

      2. I have 6 core strategies in 2 groups – Short-term Trading strategies – Condors, Trapdoors, Bearish Butterflies, Weekly Diagonals and Strangles. Long-Term – The Wheel

  18. Richard Leslie says:

    Gavin, do you the Bull Put spread calculator available to send to me? This is great! I plan starting your courses this weekend. Thanks so much!

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Richard, I sent it to you yesterday, did you not get it?

  19. Bang Pham says:

    Hi Gavin, I’ve tried to buy your books on Amazon (eg. Iron Condors Butterfly Spreads), but the website notifies “This title is not currently available for purchase”. Is it something to do with the location I am living in (Singapore), or your books are no longer available for sale? Thank you.

    1. Gavin says:

      I’ll email them to you.

  20. Amir says:

    Hello Guys
    I have a question for you which options strategy: Delta Hedging or Straddle is less riskier and why

  21. lowtec1 says:

    Hi Garvin,
    Just came across your site. Very hard to find options traders in Oz.
    I’ve been trading on Commsec for about 3 years and have limited success, but really enjoy the process.
    I know they have high commissions and they don’t display the greeks on their standard platform. I dont use IRESS even though i get it for zero cost because of the number of trades I do.
    Have learnt a lot from the Tastytrade site, i think Tom Sosnoff is a legend.
    Funny how most people think it’s crazy when you tell them you trade options for a living.
    Glad to find someone out there trying (in Oz) to educate others in this fascinating field. I love it..
    It can be painful at times. Wish I’d realized the benefits years ago.
    Regards
    lowtec1

  22. braylen landkey says:

    its the year of 2020, IBKR – TWS has changed and updated

    Can you show us an example of how to enter the position below using IBKR Option?

    Shorting CVNA MKT. 164.64. using verticals; Short strike 45 Jan 21st, 2021 Put – Long Strike 115 Jan 21, 2021 Put.

    1. Gavin says:

      Actually the IB user interface hasn’t really changed in the 10+ years I’ve been using them See below for how to enter a bear put spread.

  23. Tony says:

    Hi Gavin

    I am reading several of your books (Iron Condors, Volatility) and it appears that several of the links within are broken. I would like some information on some of your trading classes, along with the calculators and sample trading journal referenced in the books. Is the website down to register for these items? I have also recently seen some articles you have written on IBD.

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Tony,

      Sorry about that. Those books were written many years ago so some of the links may have changed. Here are the tools and resources:

      https://optionstradingiq.com/free-tools/

      https://optionstradingiq.com/getting-started-with-options-trading-iq-2/

      I have a new class starting next month, you can register your interest here:

      https://optionstradingiq.com/coaching/

      And feel free to email me with any questions. [email protected]

  24. Jigz says:

    Gavin
    I am a newbe and just started options trading in 2021.
    Just came across your website and I could not stop reading. Kindly add my email to your newsletter and any other alerts you send out. Great work.
    Is there any company that is trustworthy that would send out option alerts every week?

    1. Gavin says:

      Thanks for the kind words and I will add you to the list. I don’t like following trade alerts so don’t want to make any recommendations, sorry.

  25. Aldo says:

    Well, I’m really astonished with what I’ve seen here. I mean, I couldn’t imagine that a so talented and proficient individual is helping others in this way, to overcome theirs financial ignorance (I’m talking about me here), so they can have at least a dignified life, precisely nowadays when the breach between economic classes area skyrocketing.
    I just have a couple of days here and all I have to say is: THANKS Gavin!

    God bless

    1. Gavin says:

      Haha, thanks Aldo. Very kind.

  26. Dan N says:

    I’ve been reading on and off about options for a while, but it hasn’t clicked (yet). Decided to make 2021 the year of understanding and trading options. Where do I start and what services do you offer?

    Thanks in advance
    Dan

    1. Gavin says:

      Great to have you here Dan. I sent you an email, not sure if you got it?

  27. Ben S. says:

    Hi.
    I just stumble upon on you site.
    I am new to options trading
    Very interesting content.I like it alot.
    please let me know how become subscriber.Thanks alot sharing you knowledge.
    Exellent work.
    Ben

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Ben, thanks for the kind words. I’ll be running a course in June/July, so I’ll send you an email closer that time.

      1. Jack says:

        Hi could you please add me to your mailing list and send info on your coaching? I have been investing for years and just started trading options about 2 months ago. Thank you.

        1. Gavin says:

          I see you’re on the list already, so all good.

  28. Paul Gorman says:

    Hi Gavin
    I started trading options earlier this year. I am still learning different strategies. I’m using the wheel right now with weekly options and ran into issues. My stock selection process was too aggressive. I was listening to option trainers who I suspect now, do not actually trade options at all. I went out to Amazon and ordered some of your books. I need to learn more about spreads, condors and butterflies. I found your 0 DTE SPX Option strategy and I am definitely interested in learning more and paper trading it.
    How does your course/coaching work? I would really like to be able to do this but I am in the US Eastern time zone. Is it pre-recorded content? I’m afraid live coaching is going to be impossible given our different time zones.

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Paul, I’m running a one-month course starting in late-June. There will be 4 live webinars as part of the course and they will be at 8pm Eastern time, so hopefully that works for you.

  29. Atul B Mathur says:

    Hi Gavin. Just happened to surf onto your website. Actually saw a reference to optionstraderiq in Barron’s. Just loved the content and your philosophy.
    Please put me on your email list. I sense you are not just another financial jerk who dishes out “advice” aka BS.

    Also, do you know of a stock screener tool which allows you to program custom requirements? As an example, I would like to find all stocks which satisfy the equation: Strike Price – (Stock Price + Call Premium) <= 1

    Thank you. Look forward to reading all your tutorials and recommendations.

    1. Gavin says:

      Thanks Atul, and welcome to OTIQ. Unfortunately I’m not aware of any scanners like that.

  30. Kannan says:

    I’m investing in Shares via Self Wealth and recently started looking at options trading. Which platform do you recommend trading options in Australia? From your other articles it seems you are using Interactive brokers. I have registered my interest for the options training. Do you have pricing details some where your website?

    1. Gavin says:

      Interactive Brokers is probably the best if you’re looking to trade US options. I’ll send you an email about the training.

  31. Fran Sheehy says:

    Gavin,
    Would you speak about your experience with mentoring with Dan Sheridan?

    1. Gavin says:

      He was good, but that was years ago now so not sure what it’s like now.

  32. Carl Wight says:

    Gavin,
    Can you sign me up for your news letter. I’ve been trading options for about 6 months now and had the worst teacher! (Myself) I should of used the 30K and bought a month worth of 1 on 1 coaching!! In good spirits and know one day the light will turn on!!

    1. Gavin says:

      Added you just now. Don’t be discouraged, this stuff takes time. I don’t really do one-on-one coaching any more, but you can email me any time if you have questions.

  33. George says:

    Gavin.

    How do I sign-up for the newsletter? Thanks

    1. Gavin says:

      You’re on the list George, so I guess you figured it out. 🙂

  34. Zee says:

    1) How do I sign up for the newsletter ?
    2) What coaching services do you provide? Is it a classroom session ? One-on-one ?
    3) And what is the cost of (2) above ?

    1. Gavin says:

      If you’re on my email list, you’ll receive details in due course.

  35. William Rempe says:

    If it is still available , I would like to receive your Bull Put Calculator.
    Thanks

    1. Gavin says:

      Just sent it to you.

  36. Carmen Arif says:

    Hi Gavin,

    I’m not smart like you. And I don’t have 20 years experience to add insult to injury . I stay within my pay grade and do excellent at what I’m really good at. I saw an article of yours $290 max loss if Disney didn’t go down to 85 this summer. Potential win $700+

    I have no idea how to buy this, trade this, sell this etc. Would you do it for me? Or do you have a company that you personally use that would do it for me? I’m in Dallas, TX USA

    Appreciate your sharing of your expertise

    Please reply to my email as I may not see your reply here.

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Carmen,

      Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, I don’t trade for anyone else, but I know of a company in Dallas who might help you. I’ll email you their details.

  37. Dave says:

    Hi Gavin –

    Thank you for provide this space.

    I have a covered call currently sitting in deep ITM. It supposed to due on July but I rolled it to Aug.
    Right now I just waiting the contract to be expired and get called away. I understand I will make profit with the premium and $3 spread of the upside.

    I wonder if there is another way to get out prior expired so I can move on with my money.
    Appreciate your advice.

    1. Gavin says:

      Hi Dave, not a whole lot you can do but wait.

  38. Himansu says:

    Hi Gavin, Is it possible to showcase an option buying strategy, preferably scalping.

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