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🖱️ Option Trade Execution Checklist

Updated over a week ago

🖱️ IG Platform Option Execution Checklist

Before you place your first live trade, use this checklist to ensure your deal ticket is set up correctly. This prevents the "tech-fear" and helps you trade with professional precision.

Step 1: Market Selection & Timeframe

  • [ ] Search for the Market: Type "US 500" or your chosen asset into the search bar.

  • [ ] Select "Options": Ensure you have clicked the Options tab (not the 'Cash' or 'Forwards' tab).

  • [ ] Choose Expiry: Select your timeframe—Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. (Tip: Our Income Engine usually focuses on Monthly or Weekly expiries).

Step 2: Strategy Configuration

  • [ ] Select Strike Price: Click on the specific price level where you want to open your trade.

  • [ ] Buy or Sell: * Select "Buy" if you are paying a debit (Long Calls/Puts).

    • Select "Sell" if you are receiving a credit (Short Puts/Credit Spreads).

  • [ ] Set Bet Size: Enter your amount "per point." (For beginners, we recommend starting with the platform minimum to practice execution).

Step 3: Risk Management (The "Safety Switch")

  • [ ] Check the Margin: Look at the "Margin Required" at the bottom of the ticket. Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover this.

  • [ ] Verify "Defined Risk": If trading a spread, ensure both legs are visible on your ticket so your maximum loss is capped.

Step 4: Final Verification

  • [ ] Confirm "Tax-Free": Verify you are in your Spread Betting Account (and not a CFD account) to ensure your profits remain CGT-exempt.

  • [ ] Review "Probability": Before clicking, remind yourself of the Probability of Profit for this setup (refer to our Options Strategy Cheat Sheet).

Step 5: Post-Trade Action

  • [ ] Monitor in "Open Positions": Once the trade is live, it will move from the 'Order' tab to 'Positions'.

  • [ ] Set a Price Alert: Right-click the position and set an alert to notify your phone if the market hits your target or your "profit or danger zones."


🧪 Practice Before You Trade (Risk-Free)

We strongly recommend that all our students start by practicing these strategies in a simulated environment. This allows you to master the IG deal ticket, understand price fluctuations, and test your "Option Income Engine" without risking a single penny.

Switch to a live account only once you are comfortable with the platform and your strategy execution.


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Trading theory is only 10% of the journey. The remaining 90% is mastering strategy application, market psychology, and capital preservation under live conditions.

Don't risk your capital making avoidable beginner mistakes. Leverage the experience of a dedicated trading mentor.

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