Prices

[jayalexander]

I'd like to know what influences people to take a price or just go with the sp? I'm trying to maximise profit but find that sometimes when I take a price, it drifts further and the opposite happens when I take sp! I know it's all part and parcel of gambling but perhaps someone has a technique that seems to work. Also, now that many different online bookmakers offer BOG, there's every chance that they'll offer better value than the exchanges - I'd like to get forumite's views on this, too. Personally 9 times out of 10 I use exchanges, simply due to the ease of doing so. Thanks.

[Gingertipster]

Re: Prices Jay, Some members aren't going to like this post but..... I never take SP. If you don't know what price you are taking, it is impossible to know if it is value or not (a good bet or not). If the price taken is thought by enough punters (or punters with big money) to be value, it will contract. If they believe it not value, there won't be much money for it and it drifts. Though of course sometimes poor value horses can shorten and vice versa, depending on influences from, e.g. Racing Post and hype from other sources. Punters can also underestimate horses with unfashionable jockeys and trainers, and they tend to drift. But overall (as many will expect me to say) value is key. Though of course to be able to establish what is and is not value, a punter needs to be good at evaluating form. Do believe betfair's advantage is over-played. When commission is taken in to account, best Early Price from bookmakers is just as profitable (imo). More bookmakers accounts the better, to achieve best price in the village. Keeping an eye on Oddschecker is a great way of getting the best price. They show all bookmakers prices and betfair, so it is easy to find the best price. P.S. And yes, Knowing the table of odds and chances helps a lot. ;):lol Hope that helps Jay. :ok