What is your #1 Rule?

jtsneaks · 08-21-2006, 06:41 PM

I pout this in the baseball thread but it applies to all of the sports and I do think it is different for different sports.

What is your #1 Rule when it comes to successful sports wagering?

I like to learn from other handicappers and see what they think about this. Some cappers have different approaches and different angles that help others and some seem a bit far fetched.

My Rules are different for each sport but I will discuss my rule for baseball. I have plenty of rules like money management, game selection, etc but my #1 Rules for baseball is not leaving yourself vulnerable or damage control.

In baseball it is important to me to not leave yourself open to a big losing night by proper game selection and line watching.

What is your #1 rule in handicapping?

Thanks for the replies I look forward to reading them.

JT

Sneaks

gigem · 08-21-2006, 07:03 PM

my number one rule is not to have 1 pick u like the best in every parlay or if bet ect. that you do so if you lose it your screwed on everything else and i only parlay when there are bloated lines

premiumplaya · 08-21-2006, 07:36 PM

my number one rule is

Dont take a pick just because of the odds.
<--whether it be a favorite or an underdog.

BangTheBook · 08-21-2006, 08:16 PM

Money Management
DONT CHASE!!!!!

GPalmaT20 · 08-21-2006, 08:54 PM

I completely agree with ryan. Money management is key. even tho i know that, i still struggle with it sometimes. It can be tough especially when u start losing a few in a row.

jtsneaks · 08-21-2006, 09:46 PM

I understand money management but elaborate a bit (anyone) if you don't mind.

What type of money management are you talking about, because I have seen a few methods, for example do you set goals for long term, short term? Play the same amount for every game or do you nave different amounts, i.e units?

JT

Sneaks

DrPicker · 08-22-2006, 02:23 AM

my main rule is to pick teams that will win......haha easy enough right, but actually i like to look at how a pitcher is pitching and how a team is playing, i think alot of baseball is about mindset, and when a team thinks they are hot they will win even when they might not deserve to win....for example the royals have gone a few mini winning streaks such against boston, and vis versa boston seems to be the team lately on losing streaks....they were in those games against the yankees they just didnt come out on top. personally i think it isnt luck if a team wins 5 straight close games like that, they are either better or boston has a mental problem against the yankees

left68wing · 08-22-2006, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BangTheBook

Money Management
DONT CHASE!!!!!

What exactly does "DONT CHASE" mean? Don't go for big dogs? Don't try to overcompensate when you are on a losing streak?

eastcoastjohnny · 08-22-2006, 10:40 AM

My rule is money management; If your bankroll is $10,000 at the begining of the season, you should bet no more than 2.5% of your bankroll on each game played for the entire season, no exceptions; there will be those games that look like super locks, but my experience the past 15 years has shown me there is no such thing, also don't bet with emotion; become like a robot and bet 2.5% on every game you like or your system likes.

Good Luck!

BangTheBook · 08-22-2006, 11:17 AM

Dont Chase:

Ok say its Sunday and you jusy got smoked on the 1pm games. Most bettors will go bigger on the 4pm games to try and make up the lost money on the 1pm and come out a head on the 4pm. What usually happens is you go deeper into the hole because you forced bets to make $$ back.

Then most bettors will try and pound the 8pm game to make it back in one game betting each side with a parlay or reverse. Desperatley trying to get even on the day.

I have done it a bunch of times when I was younger, but then I started working for a local bookie and just watched these guys fire games in after they lost to try and win more money back. Its crazy. I also learned that public opinion is a great indicator on a game. So I would sit there and watch 100's of bets come in on 1 team, I would call my friend up and say hit the dog, 8 times out of 10 we would cash. I am getting off the topic sorry, I miss those days.

** The one good thing about online betting is that chasing is harder because you only have a limited amount in your account. They dont work on credit so it makes it alittle harder. But this doesnt stop people from hitting the Credit Card or Neteller to chase either.

This is where I circle around to money management. You never want to keep depositing to play. This means you are playing outside of your bankroll. If you deposit a 100, you shouldnt be betting more than $5-7 a game. I always go for the high end 5-7% for top games 1-2% for an action game (something I am going to watch) and 3-4% for an average game. The key to sports betting in my opinion is not to think you will get rich quick but more like cards you need to grind out a profit. If you average a $50 profit every week thats an extra $2500 a year. Which is some nice change, but as you grind out the profits your bankroll will grow which can also mean a higher end and if you are losing (cold streak everyone has them) less loses.

I think the only time I dont follow this is the superbowl, I go as big as I can without getting hurt if I lose.