Action Points: A way to hedge your bet before the game even starts

[crackerjack]

I recently discovered Action points. I'd heard of it and decided to try it. I think basically it's a way of hedging your bets before games even kickoff.

Case in point: I really liked Arizona in last night's MNF game. I figured they could win, or at least keep it close. I decided to risk $550 on the game. But instead of taking AZ at +3.5, I decided to take buy 10 action points at $55 each, thinking if they win by a TD, I make maximum value, but if they lose by a TD, I only lose $220 (thus, a hedge).

Instead, I won $55. (Last-minute TD cost me $350.).

I am interested in hearing anyone else's thoughts on Action Points...I enjoyed it.

[jjgold]

I think they are dangerous and if you do them taking the points is better. I would think you need to really think a team is strong before you play these.

[spliff]

not many places offer these, am I right? Can I ask where you played yours, crackerjack?

[crackerjack]

I played them at WSEX.

I think they probably are dangerous, but you limit what you can lose, so there really is little difference in playing a straight wager for $110 or buying 10 action points at $11 each. Your maximum loss is the same either way. Of course, your maximum profit may not always be reached either, even when picking winners.

Sunday, I bought 10 action points on Houston, Minnesota and Philadelphia. In this case, my winners were maximum winners and my loser was 60 percent (not including vig) of my stake (Philly was 3 point faves and lost by 3 points). My profit on straight bets would have been less.

I realize it won't always work out this way (lost potential profits on the SF/AZ game Mon night), but it seemed a little more enjoyable... Would like to hear more thoughts on this...