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12 Best Options Trading Books in 2024

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best options trading books

Options trading is one of the riskiest and yet most exciting form of trading. As an options trader, you first need to recognize that options are meant for hedging and as a protection tool for an investment portfolio. However, many traders use the options markets these days to speculate on different financial assets and generate direct profits.

Nonetheless, due to the nature of the options market, you may want to become proficient at understanding how options work, and the benefits and risks associated with trading options. To help you get a leg up on options trading, we recommend the 10 best books for options traders in this article.

In this piece, you’ll learn:

  • What the top 12 options trading books are.
  • Answers to questions that may be bothering you around the topic

What are the Top 12 Books for Options Trading

Unlike futures trading which has a narrow range of books, there are many options trading books for new and experienced traders. So, in this section, we’ll break down the top 12 options trading books to buy for all levels of traders. 

1. Understanding Options 2nd Edition

Understanding Options 2nd edition

Author – Michael Sincere

If you are only going to read one book about options trading, then the second edition of Understanding Options by Michael Sincere is by far one of the best options trading books to read. Much like Sincere’s other book, Understanding Stocks, this book is a handy guide and another bestseller for traders. 

With just 176 pages, Understanding Options covers pretty much everything you need to know to open an options trading account and place your first trade in the market. Besides the basic information, Understanding Options also provides you with essential information, including LEAPS, Greeks letters, protective and married puts, credit and debit spreads, the collar, straddles and the strangle, risk management tools, and many other options tips.

Price: $9.99 – $13.38

Best for beginners who want to learn to trade options

2. Options Trading Crash Course: The #1 Beginner’s Guide to Make Money with Trading Options in 7 Days or Less!

Options Trading Crash Course, trading book

Author: Frank Richmond

Another excellent book for beginners who want to master options trading is the Options Trading Crash Course by Frank Richmond. This book is simple to understand and offers readers vital information to start their options trading journey. The book explains the mechanism of options trading and suggests multiple options trading strategies for beginners and intermediate trading levels.

With many positive reviews from readers, Richmond’s options trading guide is a simple-to-read book that includes basic tips and sections about setting up an account, placing orders, and understanding options volatility and pricing.

Price: $3.99 – $10.32

Best for new options traders

3. Options Trading QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Options Trading

Options Trading QuickStart Guide, trading book

Author: ClydeBank Finance

An extremely detailed book that rivals the first two books on our list and should provide readers with a complete understanding of options trading. Written by ClydeBank Finance, Options Trading QuickStart Guide is not as well known as many trading books but is undoubtedly a favorite book of many traders who have read it.

In this book, the author explains in simple terms how the options trading market works and how anyone can start trading options without the complex jargon and calculations of options pricing. 

Price: $6.99 – $27.49

Best for beginner options traders

4. The Forex Options Course: A Self-Study Guide to Trading Currency Options

The Forex Options Course, trading book

Author: Abe Cofnas

For those interested in trading forex options, the Forex Options Course by Abe Cofnas is an excellent choice to learn about this niche. This book will help you understand how the FX options market works and how to develop the required skills to trade options successfully.

This book is a practical guide designed to help traders get the knowledge they need to enter the forex market and start trading forex options. Furthermore, in this book, you will learn about vanilla calls and puts, greeks, vital elements of forex options, and different forex options strategies and techniques. 

Price: $36 – $37.3

Best for those who want to start trading FX options

5. Trading Options Greeks: How Time, Volatility, and Other Pricing Factors Drive Profits

Trading Options Greeks, options trading book

Author: Dan Passarelli

Trading Options Greeks is likely the most comprehensive book about options Greeks. For those unaware, Greeks are four measures known as Theta, Vega, Delta, and Gamma that provide a method to measure the sensitivity of an option’s price to its underlying parameters. This includes factors such as volatility, time, interest rates, and the price of the underlying asset.

Without a doubt, knowing how to use Greek in options trading is essential and extremely valuable for options traders and long-term investors. And if there’s one book out there that perfectly explains the Greeks is Trading Options Greeks by William J. Brodsky. 

Price: $47.90 – $54.00

Best for traders and investors who want to learn options Greeks

6. Study Guide for Options as a Strategic Investment 5th Edition

Study Guide for Options as a Strategic Investment

Author: Lawrence G. McMillan

Currently, in its fifth edition, the Study Guide for Options as a Strategic Investment is one of the most popular books about options trading. This book is handy for those with some trading experience in the options markets who want to have more in-depth knowledge and integrate more trading strategies into their existing trading plan.

Some of the topics covered in this book include LEAPS, futures and futures options, hedging, technical analysis, and various option trading strategies. Long story short, this book covers everything you need to know about options trading.

Price: $33.72

Best for long-term investors who want to use options as a hedging or speculative tool

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

The Option Trader's Hedge Fund

Authors: Dennis Chen and Mark Sebastian

As we mentioned previously, investors mainly use options for hedging rather than speculating. Therefore, it is a great tool to protect your portfolio from unexpected events and reduce the risk involved in trading. In this aspect, authors Chen and Sebastian do an excellent job explaining how to create a steady income and protect your portfolio using options trades.

In this book, you’ll get some valuable tips on developing a profitable business using options trading – meaning creating a stable income rather than speculating on asset prices.

Price: $36.71 – $70.87

Best for those who want to set up a business model using options

8. The Options Playbook: Featuring 40 strategies for bulls, bears, rookies, all-stars, and everyone in between

The Options Playbook, options trading book

Author: Brian Overby

The options playbook, written by Brian Overby, suggests 40 options trading strategies for all levels of traders and different types of scenarios in the markets. This book is more practical than many other books and is considered a valuable asset for options traders.

In the book, the author breaks down 40 strategies for rookie traders, intermediate, and advanced traders. Also, the book is categorized into different market sentiments – bull, bear, and neutral markets. In a nutshell, it is the ideal book for every investor looking to read about practical strategies for options trading.

Price: $9.95 – $36.85

Best for investors who are looking for options trading strategies

9. 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 for Beginners, options trading book

Author: Brian Overby

Released by Freeman Publications, Covered Calls for Beginners is considered a classic text for investors who want to earn basic income using stocks and securities they already own.

This book gives readers a basic understanding of covered calls and how you can write covered call options to create consistent rental income. It is a perfect choice for those who want a passive income using covered calls or a retirement plan. 

Price: $7.99 – $23.00

Best for long-term investors who wish to earn basic income on stocks they already own

10. The Unlucky Investor’s Guide to Options Trading

The Unlucky Investor's Guide to Options Trading

Authors: Julia Spina and Tom Sosnoff (Foreword)

Finally, another popular options trading book is The Unlucky Investor’s Guide to Options Trading by Julia Spina. In this book, the author Spina will walk you through all the details and the necessary tools to succeed as an options trader.

Bear in mind that this book is primarily focused on the mathematics of probability and statistics of options trading. Unlike other books, it is not a simple guide for options traders; instead, Spina explains the market theory and statistical data needed to succeed as an options trader. 

Price: $17.00 – $22.62

Best for investors looking to learn the probabilities behind premium-selling strategies

11. The Bible of Options Trading

Author: Guy Cohen

The Bible of Options Trading is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about options trading. It offers a clear and comprehensive explanation of various strategies, along with practical advice for implementation.

It covers a wide range of strategies, from basic calls and puts to more advanced concepts like spreads, butterflies, and condors. The book explains complex concepts clearly and understandably, even for those new to options. Having said that, though, beginners may need additional resources to grasp the absolute options trading basics, and experienced traders might find the explanations of certain concepts too basic.

Regardless, this is a good read.

Price: $41.99 – $125.58

Best for: Intermediate options traders who want to expand their trading strategy armory.

12. Option Volatility and Pricing

Author: Sheldon Natenberg

This one is considered a classic in the field and has earned praise for its clear explanations, practical advice, and in-depth coverage of both theory and real-world application. It delves into a wide range of topics, including basic options concepts, the Black-Scholes model, volatility pricing, risk management, various trading strategies, and even advanced topics like volatility skews and contracts.

In addition, the book goes beyond theory, offering plenty of actionable strategies and insights that traders can implement in their trading practices. Furthermore, Sheldon Natenberg draws on his experience as a professional trader to provide realistic examples and practical considerations for applying the techniques in an actual market environment. Option Volatility and Pricing have helped even advanced traders improve their trading, so there’s something for everyone in this book.

Price: $38.99

Best for: Anyone who wants to learn the basics and build up to the advanced.

BONUS: What Additional Trading Books Do We Recommend?

As options trading is a broad concept that includes many trading styles and strategies, you might want to check other recommended trading books by HowToTrade that can help you find the way at the beginning of your trading journey. So, here are some additional trading books to improve your knowledge and gain a better understanding of financial markets.

Summary: The Best Options Trading Books

#BookAmazon scorePrice
1Understanding Options 2nd Edition4.6$9.99 – $13.38
2Options Trading Crash Course: The #1 Beginner’s Guide to Make Money with Trading Options in 7 Days or Less!4.2$3.99 – $10.32
3Options Trading QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Options Trading4.3$6.99 – $27.49
4The Forex Options Course: A Self-Study Guide to Trading Currency Options4.2$36 – $37.3
5Trading Options Greeks: How Time, Volatility, and Other Pricing Factors Drive Profits4.6$47.90 – $54.00
6Study Guide for Options as a Strategic Investment 5th Edition4.4$33.72
7The Option Trader’s Hedge Fund: A Business Framework for Trading Equity and Index Options4.4$36.71 – $70.87
8The Options Playbook: Featuring 40 strategies for bulls, bears, rookies, all-stars and everyone in between4.5$9.95 – $36.85
9Covered Calls for Beginners: A Risk-Free Way to Collect “Rental Income” Every Single Month on Stocks You Already Own (Options Trading for Beginners)4.5$7.99 – $23.00
10The Unlucky Investor’s Guide to Options Trading4.6$17.00 – $22.62
11The Bible of Options Trading4.3$41.99 – $125.58
12Option Volatility and Pricing4.4$38.99

Is options trading better than stocks?

It’s hard to say that one form of trading is better than the other one. Yet, options can be a favorite to other forms of trading such as buying stocks or FX currency pairs directly as they enable you to limit your loss and to make higher profits with less amount of capital potentially.

How can I learn options trading?

There are many ways to learn options trading. You can start by reading one of the best options trading books we mentioned above, sign up for an options trading course, or search online for educational videos about options trading.

What is the best options trading strategies book?

From our research, the best options strategies book is ‘The Options Playbook‘, written by Brian Overby. This book is a must-read for all levels of traders as it provides 40 options trading strategies. In short, it covers everything you need to start trading options.

Wrapping Up

Options is a complex financial instrument. But it’s not impossible to master. As you can see, there are numerous options trading books out there. We have rounded up the best for you, but you might want to read some other trading books and visit recommended online trading forums, and options trading blogs to expand your knowledge and get more insights into the lives of day traders and investors. Hopefully, all of these will cumulate to help you become a profitable options trader.

Keep in mind that this article solely focused on trading books about options. Additionally, we suggest you take a free online course and use our trading plan template to expand your trading knowledge further. You can also join an options trading community using tips from our Joining a Trading Community guide.


Risk Disclosure: The information provided in this article is not intended to give financial advice, recommend investments, guarantee profits, or shield you from losses. Our content is only for informational purposes and to help you understand the risks and complexity of these markets by providing objective analysis. Before trading, carefully consider your experience, financial goals, and risk tolerance. Trading involves significant potential for financial loss and isn't suitable for everyone.

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