Types of calls in option buy call and sell call with buying puts and selling puts real view.
In options trading, there are four basic types of positions:
- Buying a Call (Long Call)
- Selling a Call (Short Call)
- Buying a Put (Long Put)
- Selling a Put (Short Put)
Each of these has different risk-reward characteristics. Let’s understand them with real-world views.
Contents
1. Buying a Call (Long Call) – Bullish View
- When to use? When you expect the price of a stock to go up.
- Example: Suppose TCS stock is at ₹3500. You buy a call option with a strike price of ₹3600 by paying a premium of ₹50.
- Outcome:
- If TCS rises to ₹3700, your profit = (₹3700 – ₹3600 – ₹50) = ₹50 per share.
- If TCS falls or stays below ₹3600, you only lose the premium ₹50.
Low risk, high reward potential
Premium paid is your maximum loss
2. Selling a Call (Short Call) – Bearish View
- When to use? When you expect the stock price to stay neutral or fall.
- Example: Suppose you sell a call option of TCS at ₹3600 and receive a premium of ₹50.
- Outcome:
- If TCS stays below ₹3600, you keep the ₹50 premium as profit.
- If TCS rises to ₹3700, you must sell the stock at ₹3600 and buy it at ₹3700 (Loss ₹100 – ₹50 premium = ₹50 per share).
Good for steady markets
Unlimited loss if stock rises too much
3. Buying a Put (Long Put) – Bearish View
- When to use? When you expect the price of a stock to go down.
- Example: Suppose Infosys is at ₹1600. You buy a put option at a strike price of ₹1550 for ₹30.
- Outcome:
- If Infosys falls to ₹1500, profit = (₹1550 – ₹1500 – ₹30) = ₹20 per share.
- If Infosys stays above ₹1550, the maximum loss is just the ₹30 premium.
Limited risk, high reward
Premium is lost if price doesn’t fall
4. Selling a Put (Short Put) – Bullish View
- When to use? When you expect the stock to stay neutral or rise.
- Example: You sell a put option of Infosys at ₹1550 and receive ₹30 premium.
- Outcome:
- If Infosys stays above ₹1550, you keep the ₹30 premium as profit.
- If Infosys falls to ₹1500, you must buy it at ₹1550 (Loss ₹50 – ₹30 premium = ₹20 per share).
Profitable in a sideways/up market
Unlimited loss if stock crashes
Comparison Table
Position | Market View | Maximum Profit | Maximum Loss | Risk Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
Buy Call | Bullish | Unlimited | Limited (Premium Paid) | Low |
Sell Call | Bearish | Limited (Premium Received) | Unlimited | High |
Buy Put | Bearish | Almost Unlimited | Limited (Premium Paid) | Low |
Sell Put | Bullish | Limited (Premium Received) | Unlimited | High |
Conclusion: Which Strategy to Use?
- If bullish → Buy a Call or Sell a Put
- If bearish → Buy a Put or Sell a Call
- If uncertain but expecting high volatility → Buy both Call & Put (Straddle)
- If expecting low volatility → Sell both Call & Put (Strangle)
This practical approach will help you understand how to use options in real trading scenarios.