Gaming 101 - The F-T-S of Handicapping

By William Foote - Covers Experts

I speak often about fundamental handicapping, situational handicapping, and technical handicapping in my write ups. For those that happen to be new to sports betting, here is a brief explanation.

The fundamentals refer to how a team matches up against another team. For example, if Team A has a dominate running game in football and Team B has trouble stopping the run; Team A holds a fundamental advantage over Team B.

Situational handicapping is all about assessing motivation, let down factors, scheduling, etc. An example would be as follows; Team A is off an emotional OT win against a hated opponent. Team A must now travel across country to play an inferior opponent. Team A has another Big Rivalry Game on deck. Team A would be a great situational play against because of a potential let down, because of travel, and because of a possible look ahead.

Technical handicapping deals with trends. In other words, how Team A has faired against Team B in the past, or how Team A has faired ATS at home, or how Team A has faired ATS over their last 10 games, etc. For example; Team A is playing at home and is favored by 7 against Team B. Team A has won the past 10 meetings straight up and ATS vs. Team B. Team A also has won their last 7 ATS overall and 8 in a row ATS at home. Team B has dropped 6 in a row as an underdog and 3 in a row on the road. In this instance, Team A holds a significant technical edge.

In my opinion, it is always wise to consider all three aspects when breaking down a game. Sure there are those that fancy themself solely a technician or solely a fundamental handicapper, etc. I personally do not adhere to this single minded approach and believe firmly in factoring all three aspects.