Episode 176

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Published on:

17th Feb 2026

176: Fine-Tuning Your Credit Spread Entries

👉 Read the Trend Spread Engine article here:

https://www.alphacrunching.com/blog/spx-0dte-options-trading-using-the-trend-spread-engine-to-find-high-probability-intraday-windows

In this episode, I expand on a concept Brian Terry shared in Episode 174 about entering iron condors one side at a time — waiting for rallies to sell calls and pullbacks to sell puts.

That idea of patience and better positioning really resonated with me… and I’ve started applying it directly to my SPX 0DTE trading.

After launching the Trend Spread Engine in Episodes 172 and 173, we’ve been tracking every 0DTE credit spread posted throughout the day and compiling weekly performance reports. We’re seeing certain morning time blocks show 90%+ expiration win rates.

But here’s the key:

High probability doesn’t mean you need to enter immediately.

Instead of chasing the alert the moment it posts, I’m marking those statistically backed strike levels on my chart and waiting for volatility to give me a better entry — either higher strikes or better credit.

In today’s volatile market, patience can mean:

  1. Better distance from price
  2. Higher probability positioning
  3. Improved risk/reward structure
  4. Less emotional trading

This applies whether you’re trading 0DTE, 7DTE, or 30+ days to expiration.

If you trade credit spreads, this episode will help you think differently about execution and timing — especially in fast-moving markets.

Referenced Episodes:

  1. Episode 174 – Brian Terry’s Breakeven Iron Condor Strategy
  2. Episodes 172 & 173 – Introduction to the Trend Spread Engine

As always, trade smart and manage risk.

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Stock Market Options Trading
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Eric O'Rourke