Originally Posted by
reno cool
Flat betting is an obvious method that has some merit. I do believe that a discussion of betting schemes is worthwhile. Depending on the bankroll you have, what your trying to accomplish, how long are you willing to stick with your methodology all play a part. Most good handicappers are always looking to improve. A long but typical losing streak using Kelly can decimate a large bankroll. In a case of a large bankroll that incorporates most of a persons money Kelly would suggest bets that are too high. Kelly could turn a modestly successful year flat betting into a loser.
In a case of someone taking a shot with a small bankroll, a more aggressive system than Kelly might be warranted.
Its good to come up with an ideal betting system for what your trying to do. This isn't easy and some discussion on various scenarios would be helpful. Assuming Kelly is always the way to go seems wrong.
As I said earlier, Handicapping is fluid, nobody has to stick with a certain system forever. If I go on a particularly bad streak I might be tempted to quit, reevaluate what I'm doing and so forth.
Lets say that going through half of a given bankroll using Kelly is enough to make me quit or take a break or whatever. In this case I can base my bets on twice my bankroll size to start. If things go bad I'll be ready to quit at the same time I go bust, and I'd be giving myself a chance for a bigger score.
In gambling these things matter. And of course your actual results matter which is your roi.