Jan outside strangle = 12.15 mid (20.52) Jan inside strangle = 78.40 mid (wide, dubious) Jan box = 64.9 mid (64.50) Edge implied box = 57.88 = 7.02 edge Edge implied cover = 12.15 = 8.37 gained I'd not buy the box here due to carry. Terminal edge of 7.02. I think the inside could be worked for 78 = 7.42 terminal. A toss up. Is the deferral worth the edge loss (and loss to microstructure) from buying the inside combo or perhaps holding the outside a bit longer? I'd hold it here and revisit in another week. I am not a CPA or tax attorney. I am not recommending anything for your personal tax situation. This thread is purely for entertainment value.