Good morning, traders…

Ben here.

You might know me as a trader, but I’m also a former Division I basketball player…

If you’ve ever played sports, you know the value of having a few star players who can make game-changing plays. 

And the same goes for trading…

Whether you’re just managing a small account or trading with big money, the key to consistent profitability lies in identifying setups, patterns, and tickers that can perform under pressure. 

For example, during earnings season, I know my Operation: Master Calendar system has a high probability of delivering fantastic results. 

But with hundreds of thousands of options contracts to choose from every single day, how do you spot those true MVPs in the market? 

Today, we’ll break down some simple yet powerful methods to help you zero in on the best trades, time your entries perfectly, and spot the patterns that lead to slam-dunk opportunities for profit…

Tip #1: Only Trade the Best

As you’re trading, I want you to think like a basketball coach scouting for the best players. 

In the options market, this means zeroing in on contracts that show bets from the ‘smart money.’  These are your MVPs…

Just like a “triple threat” basketball player who can shoot, defend, and play under pressure — a volatile stock with ‘smart money’ action has the potential to make significant moves (and give you slam-dunk opportunities for profit). 

However, be cautious: if you try to trade a stock that doesn’t post big moves, it’s like drafting a player who doesn’t deliver in crucial moments. 

This is why I focus on ‘smart money’ trading. If I see insiders betting millions of dollars on a particular contract, that gives me the confidence I need to pull the trigger.

Which brings me to my next point…

Tip #2: Pick the Perfect Moment to Score

In basketball, recognizing that ideal, split-second moment to shoot can mean the difference between draining a three-pointer for the championship and getting your shot blocked immediately. 

Similarly, in trading, spotting the perfect chart pattern at the right moment is key. Remember one of “The 3 T’s of Options Trading” — time. 

Hesitation or self-doubt can mean missing out on big profits. Particularly for those trading with smaller accounts, capitalizing on these moments is vital. 

Yet, it’s important to balance confidence with caution. Conduct thorough due diligence, stick to your rules, and understand your risk before entering. 

As your confidence in your trading strategy grows, you’ll be better positioned to act decisively when you spot a perfect setup — like Michael Jordan getting in the ideal spot to shoot the winning basket.

Again, this is where ‘smart money’ trading helps me tremendously. I see where the major players are entering and exiting, build a game plan, and then send a trade alert to you.

No guessing games.

Tip #3: The Power of Round Numbers

Certain numbers hold psychological significance in basketball — like reaching a 100-point game or a 20-point lead. 

Similarly, in trading, round numbers like $50, $100, or $500 on a share price are psychologically important. 

Traders often place limit orders on these numbers, making them crucial levels where the stock might find resistance (difficulty moving higher) or support (difficulty falling lower). 

These round numbers act as goalposts, affecting the stock’s movement above or below them. 

Observing how a stock behaves as it nears these round numbers — and adjusting your trading accordingly — can potentially improve your performance.

This is a huge part of my strategy. I give myself the best possible entry by identifying whether a chart is breaking out above a key level (or pulling back to it). 

Tip #4: Know Your History

On top of being a basketball player, I’m a history major with a teaching degree.

And knowing your history is crucial to trading and sports.

You see, when playing sports, understanding your opposing team’s past performance is critical for building a strategy to beat them. 

Again, the same applies to trading…

Knowing a stock’s history — its previous price movements, earnings reports, and responses to market events — is like a superpower. 

Getting that historical perspective helps you form theories about how the stock might behave in the future. 

Better yet, this approach isn’t limited to individual stocks. Studying historical patterns in the major indexes — like the SPY and QQQ — can provide insights into how the market might react under different conditions. 

Just as a successful basketball coach needs a deep understanding of their players’ strengths, weaknesses, and past performances — a skilled trader must have a comprehensive knowledge of market dynamics and the history of their chosen stocks. 

By focusing on the best stocks only, paying attention to key price levels, capitalizing on perfect patterns, and learning from history … you’ll be well on your way to winning consistently.

Now, before we go, let’s look at:

💰The Biggest Smart-Money Bets of the Day💰

• $10.5 million bullish bet on TSLA 08/28/2024 $180 calls @ $3.25 avg. (seen on 8/20)

• $4.3 million bullish bet on AMD 08/23/2024 $157.50 calls @ $3.60 avg. (seen on 8/20)

• $2.5 million bullish bet on PFE 03/21/2025 $25 calls @ $4.90 avg. (seen on 8/20)

Happy trading,

Ben Sturgill

P.S. Take a look at the first 4 trade results from my brand-new specialized system for trading earnings season — Operation: Master Calendar:

EQR 8/16/24 $70 calls @ ~ 2.30

20% move from ~$2.30 to $2.75*

FFIV 8/16/24 $185 calls @ ~3.60

456% move from ~$3.60 to $20*

HOLX 8/16/24 $85 calls @ ~0.75

69% move from ~$0.75 to $1.27*

WELL 8/16/24 $115 calls @ ~1.00

116% move from ~$1.00 to $2.16*

If you want access to this system — which can predict moves like these before they happen — Click here now to join Operation: Master Calendar!

*Past performance does not indicate future results