When AAPL peaked Wednesday pennies above a 223.61 rally target I’d flagged two days earlier (see inset), the stock demonstrated how such targets can be used to make very precisely timed bets with puts and calls. In this case, one could have bought near-term put options at the 220 strike for as little as 0.50 when the stock was kissing the target. Just 90 minutes later, following a sharp drop in the stock, they traded for 1.55, more than tripling in price. I usually tell subscribers to buy puts and calls only if they are confident the position will become profitable within minutes. I do so because time decay works aggressively against option premium-holders, and we want to avoid the temptation of thinking that allowing a trade more time to work will somehow turn it into a better trade.  It takes every trick I’ve learned in 40 years of trading to gain even a slight edge on directional bets with options. Using Hidden Pivots to predict exact price-reversal points is the best way I’ve found to do this. The profit-taking stage of trades should never be hit-or-miss. Simply taking off half your position when its price has doubled will leave you with a risk-free trade. Following this simple rule can do wonders for your ability to exit what’s left with perfect timing. It will come easily when your mind is relaxed.  To learn more about the Hidden Pivot Method, and for an unbeatable deal, click here. _______ UPDATE (Sep 27, 11:06 p.m. EDT): AAPL gapped through a 223.22 midpoint resistance on the opening bar, opening an easy path to at least 231.13, the ‘D’ target of this pattern.