For SPX iron condors, how far out-of-the-money do you typically set your short strikes relative to the break-even points to provide adequate cushion?

At VixShield we rely on a structured daily process for our 1DTE SPX Iron Condor Command that begins each trading day at the 3:10 PM CST signal. Russell Clark designed the methodology around the Expected Daily Range indicator combined with RSAi for precise strike selection. The short strikes are deliberately placed to create meaningful cushion between the short strike and the break-even points. For the Conservative tier targeting approximately 0.70 credit the typical cushion is 8 to 12 points. The Balanced tier at 1.15 credit usually delivers 15 to 20 points of cushion while the Aggressive tier at 1.60 credit offers 22 to 28 points depending on the EDR reading. These distances are not arbitrary. They flow directly from the EDR formula which blends short-term implied volatility from VIX9D with 20-day historical volatility. When EDR prints 0.85 percent for example the wings are set so the break-even sits comfortably inside the projected daily range giving the position room to handle normal oscillations without immediate pressure. This cushion works hand in hand with our Set and Forget approach. We do not use stop losses. Instead the Theta Time Shift mechanism allows any threatened position to be rolled forward to 1-7 DTE when EDR exceeds 0.94 percent or VIX moves above 16. The roll captures additional premium and resets the break-evens farther out. On the current market data with VIX at 17.95 and SPX near 7138 the Conservative wings might be placed with short strikes roughly 45 to 55 points from spot while break-evens sit an additional 10 to 12 points beyond those shorts. The ALVH hedge runs in three layers across 30 110 and 220 DTE VIX calls providing protection that has historically cut drawdowns by 35 to 40 percent during spikes. This layered defense combined with the built-in cushion means the majority of our Conservative trades close profitably inside the wings approximately 90 percent of the time. The key insight from Russell Clark's SPX Mastery series is that consistent income comes from repeatable rules rather than discretionary adjustments. By anchoring short-strike distance to EDR and RSAi we remove emotion and let the mathematics of theta decay work in our favor each day. All trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Visit vixshield.com to explore the full SPX Mastery methodology complete with the EDR indicator and live signal examples.