If a call I owned on xyz was "in the money", (and the expiration date were in two days for example), if I didn't do anything would the call option automatically exercise and I receive the proceeds? I'm confused around the criteria for exercising, do I have to make a move or indication of my intent prior to expiration on ITM calls? I seem to understand that OTM calls/puts are more of a gamble so to speak but I can't seem to get a strategy to deal with ITM calls/puts. I also seem to have read that a .25 gain after premium, price, etc. on a contract is a good indicator that it may be time to act?