An options strategy in which a put option is purchased as a speculative play on a downturn in the price of the underlying equity or index. In a long put trade, a put option is purchased on the open exchange with the hope that the underling stock falls in price, thereby increasing the value of the options, which are "held long" in the portfolio. The options can either be sold prior to expiration (for a profit or loss) or held to expiration, at which time the investor must purchase the stock at market prices, then sell the stock at the stated exercise price. The long put strategy represents an alternative to an investor simply selling a stock short, then buying it back at a profit if the stock falls in price. Options can be favored over shorting due to increased liquidity (especially for stocks with smaller floats), increased leverage and a capped maximum loss (the investor cannot lose more than premiums paid).