Dastardly clever traders plot for flash crash or rip

Most traders I spoke to are taking a wait-and-see approach to the re-opening of the NASDAQ.

But a couple have decided that a "messy open" could present some opportunities.

"I'm putting in bids for stocks I like at $1, just in case there is a flash crash," one said.

He doesn't want to be named, of course.

Another trader told me he was doing the opposite: preparing for a flash rip by putting in offers far above the prevailing market prices.

"If the 'bots go crazy, I want to sell them shares of Apple at $1000 a piece," he said.

I have no idea if this sort of thing is even legal. My advice: don't try this at home.

—By CNBC's John Carney. Follow me on Twitter @carney.