Money Management: Picking "your" spot I'm sure we've all talked about money management, but how many of us practice what we preach/are preached about it'? After a decade of betting, I never thought I'd be writing articles about restraint when it comes to Sports Betting. I guess it's easier for me, personally, now that I've become a better handicapper. Hitting at a higher percentage sometimes builds patience, but many times breeds "greed". I guess I am as guilty as anyone at "singing while I'm winning". When I'm in the middle of a "good run", I still tend to fire away at a game that I shouldn't. But, the "ultimate sin" is chasing your money in the midst iof a losing streak. Or even worse, laying half, or "the whole bankroll" on one game!!! A wise man once said to me, "They play everyday!!" I knew exactly what he meant, but it took me five more years to "understand" what he meant. The more games you play on a daily, or weekly basis, you lower your percentage of having "longterm" success. It is to the sportsbooks benefit to be an "Action Jackson", so to speak. Most of the successful gamblers I know are self-proclaimed "spot players". I also fit into this category (mostly). These type of players will wait for a game they REALLY LIKE, sometimes not betting for days, or even weeks, until "that game" comes along. On the other hand, I also know gamblers who have to have "action" on many games (especially TV Games). The key, in my humble opinion, is to be able to sit and watch a game because you like/follow the sport. If you "must" have action on a game to be able to watch it, chances are you aren't that big of a sports fan. I watch plenty of games that I don't have money riding on, because 1) I'm a sports junkie, and 2) it is good for scouting a future "spot" play. It bugs me to watch guys lose over and over because they have no concept of money management. It is always a good idea to write down, and keep track of your bets, review your bet history every so often, mark down the ones (in hindsight) that you felt "really good about". I can "bet" that you hit most of those. |
