---
id: staskh/trading_skills/ib-collar
version: "4b9f96e8"
license: MIT
install: manual
updated: 2026-07-20
---

# ib-collar — This skill builds collar strategy reports for PMCC traders facing earnings or volatility spikes. It connects to Interactive Brokers, analyzes your long LEAPS and short calls, models put protection scenarios across gap-up/flat/down outcomes, and recommends optimal strike and duration for tactical hedging.

Publisher: staskh · Stars: 299 · Updated: 2026-07-20

Install (manual): `git clone https://github.com/staskh/trading_skills`

## SKILL.md

# IB Tactical Collar

Generate a tactical collar strategy report for protecting PMCC positions through earnings or high-risk events.

## IB Connection

TWS or IB Gateway must be running locally with API enabled:
- **Paper trading** — port 7497
- **Live trading** — port 7496
- **`IB_PORT` env var** — default port when `--port` is omitted (e.g. `IB_PORT=4001` for a Gateway container). Precedence: `--port` flag > `IB_PORT` > built-in default. Set it in the shell or a `.env` file.

**Port fallback:** If the configured port fails, automatically retry on the other port.
If the retry succeeds, save to memory which account type worked (live/paper) and reuse it for all IB skill calls in this and future sessions — until the user explicitly asks for the other account.
If both ports fail, ask the user to verify that TWS or IB Gateway is running with API access enabled.

## Instructions

### Step 1: Gather Data

```bash
uv run python scripts/collar.py SYMBOL [--port PORT] [--account ACCOUNT]
```

The script returns JSON to stdout with all position and scenario data.

### Step 2: Format Report

Read `templates/markdown-template.md` for formatting instructions. Generate a markdown report from the JSON data and save to `sandbox/`.

### Step 3: Report Results

Present key findings to the user: recommended put protection, cost/benefit, and the saved report path.

## Arguments

- `SYMBOL` - Stock symbol to analyze (must be in portfolio)
- `--port` - IB port (default: 7497 for paper trading)
- `--account` - Specific account ID (optional, searches all accounts)

## JSON Output

The script returns JSON with these key fields:
- `symbol`, `current_price` - Basic info
- `long_strike`, `long_expiry`, `long_qty`, `long_cost` - LEAPS position
- `short_positions` - List of short calls
- `is_proper_pmcc`, `short_above_long` - PMCC health flags
- `earnings_date`, `days_to_earnings` - Earnings timing
- `put_analysis` - List of put scenarios with costs and P&L under gap up/flat/down
- `unprotected_loss_10`, `unprotected_loss_15`, `unprotected_gain_10` - LEAPS risk without collar
- `volatility` - Historical volatility data

### Report Sections

1. **Position Summary**: Current PMCC structure (long calls, short calls)
2. **PMCC Health Check**: Is structure proper (short > long strike) or broken?
3. **Earnings Risk**: Next earnings date and days until event
4. **Put Duration Analysis**: Comparison of short vs medium vs long-dated puts
5. **Collar Scenarios**: Gap up, flat, gap down outcomes with each put duration
6. **Cost/Benefit Analysis**: Insurance cost vs protection value
7. **Implementation Timeline**: Step-by-step checklist with dates
8. **Recommendation**: Optimal put strike and expiration

### Key Concepts

**Proper PMCC Structure**:
- Long deep ITM LEAPS call
- Short OTM calls ABOVE long strike
- No additional margin required for collar

**Broken PMCC Structure**:
- Long call is now OTM (after crash)
- Short calls BELOW long strike require margin
- Collar still works but margin implications exist

**Tactical Collar**:
- Buy protective puts ONLY before high-risk events (earnings)
- Sell puts after event passes
- Balances income generation with crash protection

**Put Duration Trade-offs**:
- Short-dated: Cheaper, more gamma, but zero salvage on gap up
- Medium-dated (2-4 weeks): Best balance of cost, gamma, and salvage
- Long-dated: Preserves value on gap up, but expensive and less gamma

## Example Usage

```bash
# Analyze NVDA position (defaults to paper port 7497)
uv run python scripts/collar.py NVDA

# Analyze specific account
uv run python scripts/collar.py AMZN --account U790497

# Use paper trading port instead
uv run python scripts/collar.py NVDA --port 7497
```


## Timezone

All timestamps and time-based calculations must use the `America/New_York` timezone. All JSON output must include `generated_at` (NY time string) and `data_delay` fields.

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/staskh/trading_skills/ib-collar) · [View on GitHub](https://github.com/staskh/trading_skills)