Here's the various condors (all fungible) on AAPL Mar21 520/30/40/50. A fly has more permutations as you can use shares to create synthetics (condor using shares would net-out to zero spot position). Anyway, here it is: Natural via puts Natural via calls Iron via the combo Take special care when viewing the following graphic as your head may asplode:
What IB doesn't do well is dumb down the presentation, which is what most of the other platforms try to do. So a new user is shell shocked that they might actually have to think about the execution process. You need to spend quality time with the platform before crapping your pants about it. Watch the archived webinars in the IB site.
At some point Drownpruf will realize that he's describing the EXACT same process as what is required in TWS as everybody who uses it already knows. Screaming and flaming with head ready to explode over describing the EXACT same process as I already did in perfect simplicity. This clown thinks that if he throws in the word gamma a few times people won't realize how elementary his musings are. Just to repeat it for the reading impaired like our friend dp there, I know exactly how to trade with TWS. I simply find it funny how the computer system requires additional steps when none should be required. That's it, that's all. Just a random comment about a slight pain in the ass. The way TWS does it requires maybe, MAYBE an extra 10 seconds. I'm not saying it's going to ruin my life here. I also find the charting and analysis software, especially with regards to back testing clunky, but I do love the low trade fees so there's always a trade off. I don't mind using two or three platforms and executing everything with TWS, it's fine. Dp, calm the fuck down and get back to your newbie trading. Gamma gamma I'm a pro DVegaDtime look at me I'm awesome color charm Gamma Gamma.... Fucking poser.
Please explain how it takes an extra ten seconds to hit the bid to sell... and what second and third order greeks have to do with the fact that you don't know how to enter an order properly. Your "have to create the exact opposite trade" is laughable. If you can't hit the bid then there is no hope for your trading. Period.
Actually, if you put the Condor to the quote section of option trader in TWS, you can actually open and close the Condor from there with one click without having to create it again.
You can quote the condor on any TWS page. It's functionally no different that trading in shares, futures, what have you. There is a bid and an offer. The OP thinks you need to build the opposing trade (short wings) in IB and then click on the offer to close his IC? WTF does he think the bid is for? This is a cautionary tale. People getting into markets that they simply don't understand. It's a two-way market.
The best setup is to have both ToS and IB. IB for low commission and better execution - ToS for their superior charts and options analytics. I honestly would not have been able to trade without having both. And also IB's API. ToS's lack of accessible API is a MAJOR minus for that platform.