The prices before the open give a pretty good indication of about at what price the stock is going to open and what strikes are in play. I generally like a dollar to 1.50 in the money on SPY and QQQ. The stocks are weeklies with some adjustments during the week so strikes on my watch list might get bought.

If you want to follow just one stock as I suggest in this story, like NVDA, then concentrate on the weekly every day.

If you click on the chart it should expand to give a clearer look at what this looks like.

You should read more entries here for more examples.

It appears your paper trade is doing just what it is supposed to according to the strategy.

Persistent, Experience and disciple going forward.