if you were just starting out

**ljump12** · 03-23-10, 09:52 PM

I'm not sure your question came out clear.. But if your asking for the best thing to learn, it would be simple programing in a language like python or perl, excel, and basic probabilities and stats. With these 3 skills you can go very, very far.

**Justin7** · 03-23-10, 09:54 PM

Read a lot of books. There are not a lot of good ones on handicapping, but there are a few:
Larry Seidel's two books on NCAA baskets
Fixed odds Sports Betting by Joseph Buchdahl
Without a tout (I don't remember the name)

There are some other obscure titles at the Gambler's bookstore in Las Vegas that are good... but you really have to pour over them.

**Dark Horse** · 03-23-10, 10:31 PM

Originally posted by vd1000

if you were just starting out in handicapping what would be the best thing to use sportinsights covers forums have your own stats and look at them what is the one thing that would help most if you were just starting out

the one thing being precise and paying attention to detail but this not something you seem overly interested in so best thing to flip coin.

**vd1000** · 03-23-10, 10:36 PM

if you dont have these skills any other suggestions

**LT Profits** · 03-23-10, 10:43 PM

Originally posted by Justin7

Without a tout (I don't remember the name)

Tom Miller. Thankfully no relation to JR and RJ.

**vd1000** · 03-23-10, 10:58 PM

how do you do it do you use sysstems or gut feeling or spreadsheets sportsinsights covers what do you use in order to do this

**Peep** · 03-23-10, 11:15 PM

Break ur bankroll up into six "banks".

Deposit at the six playable (SBR C or higher in most cases) books that offer you the highest bonuses.

When you decide to make a bet, look through all six for the best number on your selection. a half a point or a -120 as opposed to a -135 makes a HUGH difference long term.

**MrX** · 03-24-10, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by vd1000

what is the one thing that would help most if you were just starting out

Punctuation.

**icecapper** · 03-24-10, 12:36 AM

Money management

**Jive** · 03-24-10, 01:07 AM

Originally posted by MrX

Punctuation.

You beat me to my reply, bastard!

I honestly think reading books on philosophies and percentages and perceived value should come later down the line.

Here is how I would suggest tackling things:

1. Devise a money management plan (some web and forum searches will help a great deal). Put a lot of thought into it, run some mock numbers to see what would happen if you have 10, 15, or 20 game losing streaks (which WILL happen if you bet long enough), and bounce your thoughts off of forum guys.

2. Pick a solid sportsbook (rated A preferably) that has a minimum bet of $1 per game. Make the smallest deposit they allow.

3. Read forums and discuss games with people to see WHY people pick the sides they do, and not just what sides they are on. You will learn what makes sense and almost immediately be able to tell who is full of it. If someone just post picks without any explanation, they are useless to you, even if they hit at a very high %.

4. Have a "preseason" where you bet $1 a game, and no more than $2 if you use a money management system that allows for varied wagers. Take notes and track everything on a spreadsheet so you know what is working, what isn't working, who is giving you sound advice, etc. Do this for at least a month, preferably longer if you are just starting out.

5. Read all the great sports investing books you can get your hands on.

**sycoogtit** · 03-24-10, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by MrX

Punctuation.

Other books are:
Weighing the Odds in Sports Betting (King Yao)
Sharp Sports Betting (Stanford Wong)

Read through the forum -- lots of good insights.
And seriously, the punctuation. If you want people to read your post then you should probably make it readable. I still have no idea what you're asking about covers.