ITM calls take two transactions and probably three if you get called out (1 option transaction, 1 stock purchase, 1 assignment). ITM puts are nice if stock rises above strike, you can earn the premium at expiration (its a hybrid of a stock and option as you get both intrinsic value and time value as the premium), however because it is a hybrid combo, its more likely to swing point for point if stock goes down (delta approaches 1). Short puts are a good way to enter a stock position as long as you don't go over your cash-secured position, which was my intention when ATVI was at $12.20 in case I thought I wouldn't mind owning it a breakeven of $11.85; if it rose higher than $12.50, it would have been better for me to own the stock if it rose higher than 12.85 at expiration.