Thanks for chiming in Terp. We learn best from our mistakes and I think the lessons stick better. You’ll probably get where I’m coming from more often than not.
Here’s my take…
Essentially the reverse parlay becomes a series of bets at normal vigorish. In most cases “If” bets are just consecutive bets with no extra odds, just normal vigorish. A reverse is just both ways of the “if” bet. I suppose over time the win percentage would dictate the amount of vig paid.
I see the protection offered in what appears to lessening the downside risk by making the extra bet which might be annoying the casino. Truth be told, if you are a winning bettor, you probably don’t need them.
One reason to use the reverse is if your bankroll is small. But it’s still not the best approach here.
Another reason, I think, could be psychological. Fear of losing too much on a bet. That may not be you but it's true for some. Remember the Tarkenton quote in the original post about winning being unafraid to lose.
Depending on your win percentage you will probably see more profit using the two pick or even the straight bet. Of course, this all then depends on how you reach your conclusions and how you handicap. And, again, it all depends on your win percentage.
