when to bet a favorite?

[hhsilver]

If one likes a favorite , say in the -120 to -160 range, and it is 3 hours (or some other time if you think it is pertinent) before game time , without considering any other factors....

In general, is it better to :

a - bet now

b - wait until close to game time

c - no conclusion - (in the long run, lines change both ways about equally)

Also, same as above - is there a difference if the favorite is home or away?

Also, same as above - is there a difference based on direction of previous line moves?

Thanks for any info based on past data.

[fifawcs]

If you are talking about when to get the best line, the circumstances should effect your mindset. If you the favorite is getting a lot of chalk because the team has been on a roll lately, the line will most likely get worse the longer you wait.

[xstac2169]

I personally like to bet early as I think most home favs move against your favor as the public bets mostly home favorites. I like to get em out early as possible and for most underdog plays I get half out early and wait to see how the line moves to place the second half of my bet.

[BuddyBear]

There is no right answer to this. The only advice I can give is that if you bet long enough you'll be able to have a pretty good idea about which way the line is going to move. You won't always be right (obviously), but if you can be right about 58% of the time, you'll be in very good shape.