The 10 Best Options Trading Books for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of options trading, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. There are so many different strategies and concepts to learn. The good news is that there are plenty of great resources out there to help you get started. In this article, I’ve come up with a list of the 10 best options trading books for beginners. These books will teach you the basics of options trading, as well as some more advanced concepts so that you can get started on your journey to becoming a successful options trader.

Please note: some of the links below may be affiliate links and if you purchase through them, we may earn a very small commission as a result.

If you’re actually looking to get started trading options, I recommend you read our article on the best options trading alert services online here.

What to Look for in a Good Options Trading Book

When it comes to options trading, there are a lot of different books out there that can offer helpful information. But how do you know which book is right for you? Here are a few things to look for in a good options trading book:

Clear Explanations of Key Concepts

A good options trading book will take the time to clearly explain important concepts like puts and calls, strike price, and expiration date.

Real-World Examples

The best options trading books will provide readers with plenty of examples from the real world to illustrate key points.

Step-By-Step Guidance

A good options trading book will walk readers through the process of placing an options trade from start to finish.

Up-to-Date Information

The book should be written by an experienced author who knows the ins and outs of the options market and is actively trading options today.

A Winning Strategy

The best options trading books have a solid winning strategy that is easy to follow and implement. It should provide clear and concise explanations of the various option strategies available to traders.

With so many options trading books on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. However, by keeping these things in mind, you can narrow down your choices and find a book that will give you the information you need to be a successful options trader.

The 10 Best Options Trading Books for Beginners

Book #1:
Options as a Strategic Investment by Lawrence G. McMillan: Book on Options Strategies

f you’re looking to get started in options trading, this Options Trading Crash Course is the book for you. Frank Richmond takes the reader through all the basics, from what an option is and how it’s priced, to the different types of options and how they can be used. He also covers the risks and rewards of options trading, so you can make informed decisions before putting your money on the line. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is your essential guide to getting started in options trading.

Book #3:
Option Volatility and Pricing by Sheldon Natenberg – Best Options Trading Strategy Book

Option Volatility and Pricing is a book by Sheldon Natenberg that explains the concepts of option volatility and pricing. It covers topics such as the Black-Scholes model, implied volatility, historical volatility, and more. The book is geared toward helping readers understand how to price options and make better trading decisions.

Sheldon Natenberg is one of the most respected authorities on the subject of options trading and volatility. In this second edition of his classic work, he updates and expands his coverage of option pricing concepts, factors, and strategies.

Book #4:
The Options Playbook – Best Options Strategy Books

The Options Playbook is a book by Brian Overly that provides readers with a comprehensive guide to options trading. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of options trading, the different types of options, and how to use options to trade stocks. In addition, the book includes a number of case studies and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts.

Book #5:
The Best Options Investing Books – Trading Options For Dummies

Joe Duarte’s “Trading Options For Dummies” is a great resource for those looking to learn more about trading options. This book covers the basics of options trading, including call and put options, as well as more advanced topics like covered calls and straddles. Duarte also provides readers with plenty of real-world examples to illustrate key concepts.

Book #6:
Understanding Options Books – The Fundamentals of Futures and Options Markets by John Hull

The book “Fundamentals of Futures and Options Markets” by John Hull is a comprehensive guide to the world of futures and options markets. The book covers the basics of these markets, including their history, structure, and operation. In addition, the book provides an in-depth look at the various types of contracts traded in these markets, as well as the strategies used by traders to profit from them.

Book #7:
The Option Trader’s Hedge Fund: A Bible for Business Framework for Trading Equity and Index Options

The Option Trader’s Hedge Fund by Dennis Chen and Mark Sebastian is a book that provides a detailed look at how to trade options successfully. The book covers a wide range of topics, including how to choose the right options, how to manage risk, and how to develop and implement trading strategies.

With clear and concise explanations, The Option Trader’s Hedge Fund is an essential guide for anyone looking to improve their option trading skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, this book will give you the tools you need to trade options like a pro.

Book #8:
Trading Options Greeks: How Time, Volatility, and Other Pricing Factors Drive Profits

If you’re serious about trading options, you need to understand what the Greeks are and exactly how they can affect option pricing.

And Dan Passarelli’s book is one of the best when it comes to examining all the options and explaining each Greek and what you need to look for when you start trading options.

Book #9:
The Short Book on Options: A Conservative Strategy for the Buy and Hold Investor

Mark D. Wolfinger’s The Short Book on Options is a great resource for anyone looking to learn about options trading. This book provides readers with a clear and concise overview of the different types of options and how they work.

Wolfinger covers everything from the basics of call and put options to more advanced topics like spreads, straddles, and collars. He also includes helpful tips on how to manage risk and maximize profits. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, you’ll find valuable insights in this book.

Book #10:
Covered Calls for Beginners: A Risk-Free Way to Collect “Rental Income” Every Single Month on Stocks You Already Own (Options Trading for Beginners)

Covered calls are a great way for beginner investors to make money in the stock market. This book by Freeman Publications will teach you everything you need to know about covered calls, including how to find the best stocks for covered calls and how to maximize your profits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do beginners learn options trading?

In the world of options trading, there are a few different ways that beginners can learn the ropes. One way is to find a mentor or another experienced trader who can teach them the ins and outs of trading. Another way is to take an online course or join a trading group where members share knowledge and resources (like following the trade alerts of a service like The Empirical Collective). Most importantly, beginners need to be willing to put in the time and effort to learn about options trading. This means reading books, articles, and other materials on the subject. They also need to practice trading in order to gain experience and become comfortable with the process.

Can a beginner trade in options?

The short answer is yes, but there is more to it than that. Options trading is not for everyone, and it comes with a lot of risks. But if you're willing to put in the time to learn about options and how they work, then you can start trading.

Which study is best for options trading?

In the world of options trading, there are many different studies that can be used to make decisions on when to buy or sell. So, which one is the best? The answer may depend on who you ask but ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you. Some traders swear by technical analysis, while others prefer to use fundamental analysis. If you're just starting out, it might be a good idea to try out both types of studies and see which one you're most comfortable with. Once you have a better understanding of how each study works, you can start to tailor your trading strategy around it. No matter which study you use, always remember to do your own research before making any trades. And never risk more money than you can afford to lose.

What are the 4 levels of options trading?

When it comes to options trading, there are four different levels that traders can choose from. The first level is known as a covered call, which is when a trader buys underlying security and then sells a call option on that same security. The second level is known as a naked put, which is when a trader sells a put option without owning the underlying security. The third level is known as a straddle, which is when a trader buys both a put and a call option on the same underlying security. Finally, the fourth level is known as a spread, which is when a trader buys or sells multiple options on the same underlying security.

What is an options trader's salary?

The average salary for an options trader is $130,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $50,000 to over $1 million per year. The most successful options traders make millions of dollars per year.