Force Open
Opening the next expiry while the old one still runs: rolling without a gap.
Force open opens the next contract while the current one still runs. It rolls exposure forward deliberately instead of closing and chasing re-entry.
Force open is an order instruction, common on futures and options platforms, that opens a new position in the next contract even while the current one remains open. It lets traders roll exposure forward deliberately instead of closing first and re-entering at worse prices.
How It Works
- Opens new expiry alongside existing position
- Avoids gap risk between close and reopen
- Used around roll weeks and expiries
Trading Tips
Roll before liquidity migrates, not after
Compare calendar spread cost before forcing
Close both legs if the thesis dies mid-roll
Force Open Example
Say crude front-month volume migrates to next month Tuesday while your position expires Friday. A force-open order establishes next-month exposure at the calendar spread while the old ticket still runs, bridging the week seamlessly.
How Traders Use Force Open
Plan rolls on the calendar a week early and execute force-open tickets calmly. Rushed expiry-week rolls pay the widest spreads of the month.
Related Terms
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