Building a 0DTE Routine: Pre-Market to Close
Consistent results come from consistent process. Here is a structured framework for approaching each 0DTE trading session.
The traders who sustain profitability in 0DTE options aren't necessarily smarter or luckier — they're more disciplined. They follow a routine that removes emotion and replaces it with structured evaluation.
Here's a framework that experienced 0DTE traders commonly follow:
Pre-Market (8:00–9:25 AM ET)
- Check overnight futures for directional bias
- Review economic calendar (FOMC, CPI, jobs data affect intraday volatility)
- Note SPY/QQQ key support and resistance levels
- Check VIX level for volatility context
- Review your account — know your risk budget for the day
Open Assessment (9:30–10:00 AM)
- Let the first 15–30 minutes develop direction
- Observe which contracts are building volume
- Check bid-ask spreads — they often widen at open and tighten by 10:00 AM
- Do NOT chase the opening move
Scan and Select (10:00–11:00 AM)
- Review ranked outputs from 0DTE.solutions
- Filter by your preferred underlying and risk level
- Evaluate top-ranked contracts against the morning's price action
- Confirm liquidity on your selected strike
Execution Window (10:00 AM–1:00 PM)
This is generally the best window for 0DTE entries.
- Theta hasn't yet reached terminal velocity
- There's still enough time for directional moves
- Set your exit criteria before entering: target price, stop loss, and time stop
Afternoon Management (1:00–3:00 PM)
- Active positions should be evaluated against theta curve
- If a position hasn't worked by 1:30 PM, the probability of recovery drops significantly
- Take partial profits if available
- Tighten stops as expiration approaches
Close (3:00–4:00 PM)
- Avoid initiating new positions in the last hour unless you have specific expertise
- Close remaining positions before 3:45 PM to avoid expiration risk
- Review the day's trades: what worked, what didn't, and why
Where 0DTE.solutions Fits
We replace the manual scanning portion of this routine. Instead of spending 30 minutes evaluating dozens of contracts, you review pre-ranked, pre-scored options in minutes. The time saved goes back into analysis and decision-making.
Risk Disclosure: No routine or system guarantees trading profits. This framework is educational and should be adapted to individual circumstances. Options trading involves risk of loss.