Although options are a zero-sum game, it is the counterparty exposures that nets to zero. For example, the put buyer’s maximum loss = put writer’s maximum gain = the premium. The other statements are true. Note that the reason why Grey’s loss is unlimited is that he does not currently own the stock. In other words, he has a naked position. If the stock were to rise, Grey would be forced to buy the stock in the open market to settle the exercise of the option. Because the potential for the stock to rise is unlimited, the potential loss for the naked call writer is also unlimited.
