0DTE SPX Scalp#

Quick directional plays on same-day expiration options.

High Risk Strategy - Only for experienced traders with strict discipline.

Overview#

Attribute Value
Timeframe 5-30 minutes
Risk per trade 0.5-1% of account
Win rate target 55%+
R:R ratio 1:1.5 minimum
Max trades/day 3

Setup Criteria#

Required Conditions#

  • VIX between 15-25 (not extreme)
  • No major economic data in next 30 min
  • Clear directional bias from pre-market analysis
  • Price at or near a key technical level

Pattern Recognition#

  • Rejection from key level with volume
  • Break and retest of support/resistance
  • Momentum continuation after pullback

Entry Rules#

Call Entry:

  • Price holds above key support
  • Green candle closes above prior candle high
  • Buy ATM or 1-strike OTM call

Put Entry:

  • Price rejects from key resistance
  • Red candle closes below prior candle low
  • Buy ATM or 1-strike OTM put

Position Sizing#

Account Size: $50,000
Risk per trade: 1% = $500
Max loss on option: $500

If option premium is $5.00:
Max contracts = $500 / $500 = 1 contract

Exit Strategy#

Stop Loss#

  • Exit if option loses 50% of value
  • Time stop: Exit if no movement after 15 min

Take Profit#

  • Scale out 50% at 50% gain
  • Trail remaining 50% with 25% trailing stop
  • Full exit at 100% gain or end of day

Trade Management#

  1. Set stop immediately after entry
  2. Do not average down
  3. Do not add to position
  4. If stopped, wait 30 min before next trade
  5. After 2 consecutive losses, stop trading for the day
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