Go to Amazon.com and under books punch in 'VIX TRADING". There are a bunch of books on the subject. Very deep subject really and most books will also get into option trading mostly which is even deeper as the VIX is based on put options. Best to find someone who is into these derivatives heavily and let them explain all the ins and outs of each VIX type trade that vary dramatically without having to become an expert in option trading. But the XIV would be an easy way to trade the VIX and still have a high beta trade relative to the SPX. Most software would allow you to overlay the SPX on top of XIV so you could see the typical relationship on rallies and selloffs which would give a good feel for what to expect.