I don't trade options (yet), but conceptually they're pretty fascinating in terms of their ability to quantify and manage risk, the multiple ways that a trader can make money trading them (as compared to the pure directional plays that
most stock and futures traders are limited too.
Having taken an expensive course myself I can see both sides of the argument, and basically it comes down to this:
a. if you need the spoon feding, hand holding, and want to have someone "standing beside you" while you learn how to trade, take a course, but don't expect it to deliver "untold millions", because that's not going to happen.
b. if you're independent and self motivated, try doing it by yourself, but it is going to take a LOT OF WORK just to get to intermediate level.
On that note, here's an interest list that I found, if you can work through the list, add in Charles Cottle and his wave spectrum diagrams, and you'll be set :eek:
Options booklist
There are some excellent books available if you would like to further your knowledge of options. Please note the prices are an indication only and you need to check with your local bookstore for availability.
Beginner (an introduction to options for beginners)
Options: A Complete Guide for Australian Investors
Guy Bower $39.95
Derivatives in a Nutshell
William S. Harper $19.95
Understanding Options Trading In Australia
Christopher Tate $29.95
Getting Started In Options
Michael Thomsett $39.95
Options in a Nutshell
Brad Booth Review by Daryl Guppy
$19.95
Intermediate (expands upon the basics and and introduces the reader to more involved strategies)
The Secret of Writing Options
Louise Bedford $37.95
Options for the Stock Investor
James Bittman $70.95
Options as a Strategic Investment
Lawrence McMillan $139.95
Trading Stock Options and Warrants
Chris Temby $37.95
Advanced (for experienced options investors)
Trading Index Options
James Bittman $75.95
Options A Personal Seminar
Scott H Fullman $52.65
Options Volatility and Pricing Strategies
Sheldon Natenburg $115.95
***
General (for general interest)
The Disciplined Trader: Developing Winning Attitudes Mark Douglas $69.95
Market Wizards: Interviews with Top Traders Jack D Schwager $42.90
The New Market Wizards: Conversations with America's Top Traders Jack D Schwager $36.95
Note: I haven't read any of the options books, so I can't vouch for'em.
Best,
Jimmy