How Gamma, Options Flow, and Volatility Signals from SpotGamma Unlocked a High-Conviction Tesla Trade
On September 11, Tesla delivered a textbook options‑driven breakout — and SpotGamma traders were positioned for it before the move accelerated. What began as a high‑probability intraday setup quickly turned into a longer‑term opportunity, producing a 10:1 reward‑to‑risk intraday trade while holding underlying stock positioned for further upside.
In this case study, SpotGamma contributor Doug Pless walks through how key Gamma levels, live options activity, and real‑time dealer hedging flow combined to form a powerful inflection point in TSLA. By aligning thesis, confirmation, and execution across multiple tools, this trade demonstrates how to use SpotGamma analytics to form repeatable edge.
Author: Doug Pless
Professional Trader & SpotGamma Content Contributor
The Setup |
The Tools |
The Execution |
The Payoff |
|
• Stock: Tesla (TSLA) |
Equity Hub • Identified key gamma structure • Low‑volatility point: 345 • Key Gamma Strike: 350 • Call Wall: 360 • High‑Volatility Point: 390 Put & Call Impact Chart • Showed rising negative gamma above 350 • Flagged volatility expansion potential HIRO • Detected shift from negative → positive delta hedging • Confirmed aggressive call buying post‑breakout TAPE • Verified real‑time flow transition • Highlighted institutional call activity |
• Entry: $350.15 (break and hold above 350 key gamma strike) • Stop: $1 below 350 (expected gamma support) • Trigger: HIRO delta flip + TAPE flow confirmation • Profit Target: 360 call wall (intraday) • Management: Partial profits taken; remaining shares held for longer‑term upside |
• Reward/Risk: ~10:1 on intraday portion • Result: Clean breakout trade aligned with gamma and options flow • Extended Opportunity: Strength justified holding runners for higher‑volatility continuation • Edge: Positive dealer hedging created sustained upside pressure |
Post‑Trade Takeaways
- Gamma structure clearly defined where volatility was likely to expand
- HIRO captured the precise moment dealer hedging flipped bullish
- Tape validated flow strength before price acceleration
- Combining gamma structure + real-time options flow enabled both strong Risk/Reward intraday trade AND confident swing trade positioning
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