Days to Expiration (DTE)

DTE is the number of calendar days remaining until an option contract expires. A 30 DTE option expires in 30 calendar days. Options lose time value (theta) as DTE decreases, accelerating in the final 21 days. ACondor's mechanical engine targets 30-65 DTE at entry, long enough that theta is meaningful but short enough that the position resolves in roughly one to nine weeks. The bot's management rules are also DTE-anchored: the mechanical engine closes at 21 DTE regardless of profit, because the theta-to-gamma tradeoff degrades past that point.