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The fever is at a high pitch. People who never bet, come out of the woodwork to wager on the March madness offerings, NIT and NCAA. Deep down inside, everyone is an action junkie to some extent. Whether it is playing blackjack, online poker, or whatever your flavor, March Madness is a unique high for many people. Guys take vacation days from work, some make the holy trip to Vegas to take it all in.
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That being said, in my 17 years of professionally capping games in this tourney, I can tell you less is more. Many of the brainless, less experienced sports bettors, will bet 8 to 10 games a day in the opening rounds and throw darts at a board, wild 5 to 7 team parleys, you name it, and offshore books and Vegas books love them for it.
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I suggest a more disciplined approach. While I will not get any award for being a hype artist, or a game of the year every week type capper, I have lived by the simple rule that less is more. I suggest a surgical strike on the books, no more than 3 games on the opening day rounds, NIT and NCAA Tourneys. Flat Bet those plays, equal amounts of money, with a managed bankroll and managed expectations.
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Three are going to be some upsets, surprising underdog covers and yes, a few blowouts. There also will be the yearly Cinderella team as well. I enjoy watching other games with no action on them in the hopes of learning something that will help me on the weekend with that team in another game. I approach this as a business deal and calculate my odds. While it may sound boring to the average guy, it is profitable and a far better approach than chasing my tail alreadty by the opening weekend. Do I win every game I put out? No, but I win far more than the average guy, 68% ATS last year to be exact, and I will take that anyday.
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The rule is simple. Manage your expectations, there are going to be some head scratchers. Manage your bankroll by flat betting, and really do your homework or seek a pro capper who knows through experience the best way to win in March Madness.