Short Strangle

neutral2 legs

Sell OTM call + sell OTM put. Wider profit zone than a short straddle; UNLIMITED risk.

Payoff shape at expiration (illustrative)

Shape illustration on a normalized underlying — open the Lab below to price it on a real option chain.

How it works

Sell an out-of-the-money call and an out-of-the-money put. A wider profit zone than the short straddle in exchange for less premium.

When to use it

The premium-seller's workhorse in rich-volatility regimes: the stock can drift either way and both options still expire worthless. Width is chosen from the expected move.

What can go wrong

UNLIMITED beyond either short strike. The defined-risk version is the iron condor — same shape, wings bought, sleep retained.

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Educational content — not investment advice. Options involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. All trading on Opus Options Trading is simulated.