There are three fundamental strategies that every options trader should know: the covered call, the protective put, and the straddle. Each of these strategies serves a distinct purpose and carries its own set of risks and rewards. Understanding these strategies will enhance your ability to navigate the options market with confidence. 

Covered Call 

This strategy involves owning the underlying stock and selling a call option against it. 

• Purpose: Generate income from the premium received. 
• Risk: Limited to the stock position minus the premium received. 

Protective Put 

This involves buying a put option while holding the underlying stock. 

• Purpose: Protect against downside risk. 
• Risk: Limited to the premium paid for the put option. 

Straddle 

A strategy involving buying both a call and put option at the same strike price and expiration date. 

• Purpose: Profit from significant stock price movement in either direction. 
• Risk: Loss is limited to the premiums paid. 

These strategies form the foundation of options trading basics.