As a discretionary trader, my position management is not rigid but generally follows this approach:
First, I determine whether the trade is trending or counter-trend.
Butterfly Spread
● If trending, I size with full risk as we tend to see immediate resolution.
● If counter-trend, I enter with a smaller size, usually 1/4 or 1/2 risk, with the intention to add at a favorable price as long as my trade thesis remains valid. The reason for this approach is that picking tops and bottoms is generally a tough game to play.
● Regardless of trending or counter-trend I always consider scaling out half my position at 2x premium, to enter a no lose scenario. This greatly improves my win-rate on a strategy that generally doesn’t have a high win rate.
Credit Spread
● If trending, I size with full risk and practice patience, aiming to exit at a 30/10 premium.
● If counter-trend, I enter with half risk with the intention to add only at a more favorable price and if my thesis remains intact. I tend to be more defensive on counter-trend trades and may close for a 50% profit, especially if it happens quickly.
● If I run into trouble, sometimes I roll a position, either on the same day or out to a later date. However, I always determine this before entering the trade, and my reasoning for putting on the trade must still be valid. If an adjustment is unattractive, I use a 2x premium stop.
Regardless of my profit/loss, I consistently reassess positions at cycle extremes and/or at gamma support/resistance levels.
Rules
I abide by three rules in my trading:
Never sell credits in a gap zone.
Never trade counter to large moves in implied volatility (VIX)
Never sell credits on the fourth test/setup of a level
Although I generally stick to these rules, there are instances where I may break Rule 2. This happens when I believe the move is overdone or unjustified. Even in such cases, I adopt a low-risk approach.
While losses are an inevitable part of trading, my goal is to keep them small and manageable.