To the hubristic options trader, a 52 percent gain just doesn't stack up. Bear in mind that calls are not always simple bets that a stock will rise, nor do puts represent hope that a stock will crash. For example, Green fans may remember from last year's My War portfolio that I'm long XOM stock, and I believe it's headed higher. But a put is a way of hedging short-term dips. If XOM starts sinking, my put will grow in value without forcing me to sell shares and face capital-gains taxes.
Options trading is extremely tricky for newcomers.
Spend some time with the Chicago Board Options Exchange before you start. It's also important to note that these are all stocks that I've traded before. You want to know as much about the underlying stock and its trading patterns as possible. Proceed with caution in this particular drama.