The Greek That Breaks Traders | What Every Investor Needs to Know About Gamma

In this episode of Excess Returns, Matt Zeigler sits down with Kris Abdelmessih and Matt Cashman to break down one of the most important — and often misunderstood — concepts in options: gamma. They explore what gamma really is, how it interacts with delta and theta, why gamma scalping (a.k.a. delta hedging) matters, and what both individual traders and professionals need to know about it. If you’ve ever wondered how options traders actually make money from volatility, this is your guide.

Topics Covered

• Why understanding gamma is critical to options trading

• The relationship between gamma, delta, and theta

• Using physics and middle school math to explain gamma’s role

• How gamma P&L works and why it creates curvature in returns

• Where gamma “lives” (at-the-money vs. in/out of the money, short vs. long dated)

• The mechanics of gamma scalping and delta hedging

• Why option trading is really volatility trading

• The practical applications for retail traders and professionals

• Common misconceptions about “income from options”

Timestamps
00:00 – Why gamma matters in options trading
02:22 – Defining gamma and its sensitivity to price moves
05:04 – Practical explanation: delta vs. gamma
09:00 – Physics/acceleration analogy for gamma P&L
18:00 – Mapping acceleration math to options gamma
23:30 – Where gamma lives: at-the-money and near-expiry options
29:00 – Introduction to gamma scalping (delta hedging)
36:00 – When gamma trading works best (volatility path dependence)
41:00 – Real-world applications for individuals and professionals
47:14 – Why selling options isn’t “guaranteed income”