Zeev, the best trader I ever watched, also did not recommend playing with options, though Joe Stocks now has an option thread you might begin reading for more info on options (I believe Joe uses them just as Orvis outlines, BWDIK). Like you, I do not understand options and have never bought/sold any because they scare me! That said, both Orvis and Joe seem to use them in ways that minimize risk and maximize gains.