Understanding Options 2E Paperback – January 6, 2014

I have been investing in common stocks, ETFs and mutual funds for a few years, but options were always intimidating. I have searched and read many “free” articles and pieces online. But nothing I have found put the whole package together for me and nothing I found breaks down actually how to make an options trade.UNTIL NOW…I received this book thinking ok, I will skim through and see what I can learn… but WOW, it actually is exactly what I have been searching for. I sat down and couldn’t peel away from this book today. As a true beginner, this book is written so clearly and the author has done a phenomenal job articulating what is perceived as a complex topic into terms and explanations I could read and understand. Granted, I have read plenty of other articles online, so had a basic understanding already, but this clarifies so much for me and validates what I thought I knew.I agree with some reviews that this is not for those who have been trading options for years. This is not a book about how to put your actual personal strategy together. This book teaches what options are, how they work, how you place a trade (literally step by step) and some risks that accompany them, but also some very practical advice for beginners.I say if you are a new options trader or simply considering it, this book is a great and cheap place to start.

Very well written, helped me to get trading options! Lost $900 on my first one, earned $1200, and $2900 on my second and third options!

The first 2/3 of the book presents to the reader the terminology and the mechanics of investing in options. It is well written and I found it easy to read and the pages are laid out well. I have not delved into the more intermediate/advanced part of the book (with option spreads etc.) as I'm not really that interested in it. However I have skimmed a few of the advanced trades and they are explained in every day language and I had no trouble understanding the concepts.I would like to emphasize, as other readers and the author have said, that you shouldn't be investing in options if you do not have experience with buying and selling individual stocks. The same reason you would by an individual stock is the reason you would buy an option. If you do not understand what a good stock is, and how prices of stock move, then stay away from options and go buy a good stock book.Anyway, after brushing up on a few things with this book, I went out and bought some calls which is very easy and straight forward to do (do not pay the ask price, I put in buy prices halfway between the bid and ask as the author said to do and they were filled immediately by my broker).Best of luck with your future investments.

The teaching techniques used in this book are superb, engaging the reader with multiple examples tying every-day real life experiences to trading strategies and techniques. Complexity of the material is presented step-by-step, each new topic building slowly on the last. The author is humorous, self-deprecating, and obviously has thorough and practical knowledge of the options market. You get the sense reading this book that Mr. Sincere cares deeply about his readers losing money; at every opportunity he points out potential dangers, and minces no words describing how quickly a portfolio can be lost.The print quality is excellent. Fonts are comfortably large enough to be legible, and graphics are crystal clear and legible as well.If you are a new trader, or one with limited experience, you could not find a better primer than this one. An experienced trader might find the information too basic, and yet there are gems of wisdom to be found even for the old hand.

This has been very helpful!!!

I read Sincere's first edition of this book years ago - and never bothered much with options, Certainly not the more advanced strategies. As I readdressed options recently, it became clear that this new edition was mandatory. Things change in the investment world - especially electronic trades - very rapidly.Sincere's style of writing is clear, concise and very easy to read and follow. Terminology is explained in simple terms - he does a good job of assuring the reader that one will not get boggled in technical terms. As he says ... one doesn't need to understand a combustable engine to drive a car.Sincere develops the chapters very well, progressing from topic to topic in an understandable and fluid manner.As he suggests, one must be familiar with stocks, the market, and trading in general, before reading this book. There are many stock market and investment books available as primers, including one by the same author. Read and know investing before you start this book.Understanding Options is a primer for the beginning option investor, as refresher for the more experienced, and covers very technical and advanced strategies for the seasoned investor.My first edition - being in book form - is highlighted and dog eared. This edition I bought electronic - easy to read and many links are included which make it nicer to move within the volume to various topics. Of course it can still be 'page marked' and sections saved and highlighted for rereads.