Curling is often described as “chess on ice”, with the winter sport demanding strategy, skill, and precision, whether with the rock or the broom. With roots dating back to 16th-century Scotland, curling has evolved from a pastime on frozen ponds to an Olympic sport with dozens of championships.

The sport’s growing popularity, from its heartlands of Canada, Sweden, its native Scotland, and Switzerland to new pastures like South Korea and Japan, has led to increased competition at the highest level. Ultimately, this has produced some of the most talented and decorated athletes in the sporting world.

But who is the best? Ranking the best curlers is a fun but challenging task. Different playing styles, eras, and formats, such as team curling and mixed doubles, make direct comparisons difficult.

However, some key factors that help determine the sport’s greats, like the ability to deliver under pressure and contribute to their team’s success, all define the legends of curling.

The following list highlights the top 10 curlers in the world today. These men’s and women’s curlers have dominated their respective nations, played a crucial role in key victories for their teams and nations, and innovated the game in style and athletic advancements. We hope you’ll agree, each is a legend of this wonderful sport.

Current Top 10 Curling Players

1. Bruce Mouat

Image Credit: BBC News

Bruce Mouat is one of the most accomplished curlers of his generation. Emerging as a dominant force in the game in the 2010s, Mouat is known as a versatile and strategic skip and was ranked the world’s best men’s curler in 2024.

Playing across team and mixed doubles disciplines, his career achievements include a World Men’s Curling Championship gold medal in 2023, European Championship titles in 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and nine Grand Slam titles.

He also claimed a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in the men’s team event and won a World Mixed Doubles championship in 2021, partnered with Carrington CC curler Jennifer Dodds.

Mouat is known for his precision, calm demeanor under pressure, and exceptional shot-making ability, including his tremendous two-in-one shot at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and his super-spinner at the Princess Auto Players’ Championship in 2024.

Mouat’s leadership and teamwork are also pivotal to his role as skip, and he has formed a great partnership with long-time teammates Grant Hardie, Bobby Lammie, and Hammy McMillan Jr.

As one of the youngest skips to win a Grand Slam and the first British curler to compete in both Olympics mixed and team doubles, his legacy in the sport is without doubt. An exceptional curler capable of shop-stopping shots, Mouat is a true legend of the game.

2. Rachel Homan

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Rachel Homan is one of the most accomplished Canadian curlers of her era, renowned for her precise shot-taking and competitive drive. An accomplished skip from the Ottawa Curling Club, one of the oldest curling clubs in the world, Homan has been relentless and dominating in her sport, winning four Scotties Tournaments of Hearts in 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2024, alongside two World Women’s Curling Championships in 2017 and 2024.

In 2016, Homan was invited to participate with her team in the Elite 10 Grand Slam Event, becoming the first women’s team to compete in a men’s Grand Slam event.

The 2024 title was particularly historic, as under her leadership, Canada ended Switzerland’s 42-match unbeaten run and secured Canada’s first women’s gold. Homan also represented Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Homan is known for an aggressive style and is famous for delivering clutch shots in critical moments, including her outstanding shot for three in the Co-op Canadian Open in 2024.

Her ability to execute precise draws and takeouts has defined her career, including her takeout in the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

3. Yannick Schwaller

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Yannick Schwaller is a Swiss curler known for his skill and leadership as a skip. He emerged in the 2010s, making a name for himself in the junior ranks before winning a World Junior Curling Championship title for Switzerland in 2014. This ultimately marked him as one of the sport’s rising talents.

Schwaller easily transitioned to the senior circuit and has consistently led his team to strong performances on the World Curling Tour, securing multiple victories such as the prestigious Baden Masters and Schweizer Cup. His crowning achievement came in 2020 when he won the Swiss Men’s Curling Championship title.

Schwaller is also known for his precise shot-making and calm demeanor under pressure. His multiple points score in the 2024 World Men’s Double Championship match against Norway cleared both the opponents’ scores from the button.

Schwaller remains one of the best in his sport, and with plenty of his career ahead of him, the Solothurn native is set to continue to improve and dominate.

4. Silvana Tirinzoni

Image Credit: Sportsnet

Another Swiss skip, Silvana Tirinzoni is, simply put, a legend of Curling. She is one of the most accomplished curlers of her generation and arguably in the history of the sport.

A dominant force in women’s curling during the 2010s, Tirinzoni reached her peak at the end of the 2010s and beginning of the 2020s, where she won her first Women’s Curling Championship in 2019, and followed it up by three successive titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Responsible for an astounding 42-game winning streak at the World Championships, Tirinzoni’s Switzerland team was one of the world sport’s most formidable opponents before Rachel Homan’s Canada ended the historic streak in 2024. 

The Zurich native also boasts four Grand Slam titles and a European Championship gold medal in 2023, further solidifying her status as a curling icon.

Her leadership as a skip, combined with her calm demeanor, has been vital in her team’s success. Tirinzoni’s style of play is both methodical and adaptable, allowing her to outmaneuver opponents in critical moments.

5. Matt Dunstone

Image Credit: Grand Slam of Curling

Matt “The Sheriff” Dunstone is a Canadian curler with the Fort Rouge Curling Club in Winnipeg, where he acts as skip. Emerging as a standout junior curler in the 2010s, Dunstone gained national attention in 2013 when he won the Canadian Junior Curling Championships.

The Sheriff followed this with an exceptional performance at the World Junior Curling Championship the same year, earning Canada a bronze medal. He repeated his junior success in 2016, earning a second Canadian title and another World Junior bronze medal, increasing his rapidly rising stock.

He transitioned to the men’s circuit in 2017, joining Team Laycock, and won a Manitoba provincial men’s title in 2018, a year into his senior career. He made the jump to skip in 2018, forming his own team and quickly winning the 2018-19 Curling World Cup leg against the legendary skip Niklas Edin.

He followed this up with his first Grand Slam title in 2019, winning the Masters title against Brad Gushue, an all-time great of the sport.

Dunstone has secured multiple provincial titles, a Grand Slam victory, and consecutive bronze medals at the Tim Hortons Brier in 2020 and 2021 in two of his seven appearances at the event. A dynamic and aggressive player with a cute shot and excellent skills on the ice, Dunstone will only get better in the future.

6. Anna Hasselborg

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Anna Hasselborg comes from a family of Swedish curlers, including her father Mikael, uncle Stefan, brother Marcus, and cousin Mio. This pressure hasn’t stopped her from dominating the sport domestically and internationally. Hasselborg rose to fame during the late 2000s in domestic competitions and the Junior circuit, winning the World Junior Championship in 2010.

She followed up her excellent junior career to win six Swedish Women’s Championships in fourteen years, in 2011, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024. She became the first curler in history to simultaneously hold the European Curling Championship, World Mixed Doubles Championship, and Olympic gold medals in November 2019.

Her precision, ability to read the ice, and strong sense of the patterns of play have characterized her style over her career. She has an unbelievable clutch ability to win games, like her game-winning runback in the 2019 European Championship title. With multiple Grand Slam victories, Hasselborg also led the first women’s team to achieve a career Grand Slam.

7. Ross Whyte

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Ross Whyte is an emerging English-born Scottish curler who has made significant strides in the sport. Representing Stirling CC, Whyte established himself in the junior ranks, earning a silver in the 2018 World Junior Curling Championships and bronze at the 2019 Juniors and 2019 Winter Universiade.

Whyte’s senior career has seen a similar meteoric rise, with him winning European titles in 2018 and 2021 as an alternate for skip Bruce Mouat and a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in the men’s team event. His performances in 2024 earned him the rank of number four men’s player in the world.

Whyte has excelled as a skip and team member and has delivered a number of crucial shots to deliver titles for himself and his teams, including his calm and collected shot in the WFG Masters Men’s Final, which sealed his first-ever Grand Slam title.

8. Eunjung Kim

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Eunjung Kim, known by curling fans as “Annie,” is an icon of the sport whose career spurred curling in South Korea. From Uiseong, her efforts in the sport have led to her home city becoming known as the curling capital of Korea.

She rose to prominence as the skip of the South Korean national team, famously labeled the “Garlic Girls,” leading them to a historic silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. This achievement was a defining moment, not only for Kim but for curling in Korea, as it showcased the nation’s growing prowess on the international stage.

Kim’s style of play is marked by precise shot-making and her ability to adapt to opponents, making her one of the sport’s most respected skips.

Beyond her Olympic success, Kim has claimed multiple national titles and secured victories at prestigious World Curling Tour events. This includes the 2016 Pacific-Asia Curling Championship, where she defeated China’s Wang Bingyu to claim her first Asia-Pacific title.

9. Brad Jacobs

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Brad Jacobs is one of Canada’s most celebrated curlers, and he was known for his dominance in the sport in the 2010s. Jacobs is also an Olympic champion, having led Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

His crowning achievement came with a 9–3 victory over Great Britain in the final, cementing his status as one of the sport’s current best. He also achieved silver at the 2013 World Men’s Curling Championships.

Additionally, Jacobs led his team to a 2013 Tim Hortons Brier title, becoming the first Northern Ontario team to win a championship since 1985. He has dominated his provincial scene, winning 12 Northern Ontario provincial titles.

He was a key figure in curling’s evolution toward a more athletic and fitness-oriented approach. His team, often described as “fitness freaks,” set a new standard for physical conditioning in the sport.

10. Satsuki Fujisawa

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Satsuki Fujisawa is a Japanese curler who, like Eunjung Kim, has made great efforts to raise the popularity of the sport in her native country. A skip with exceptional leadership and ability with the rock or broom, she has dominated Japanese curling, claiming six national titles and leading her team to a groundbreaking 2023 Canadian Open Grand Slam victory – the first by an Asian team.

Known for clutch performances and technical precision, she guided Japan to its first World Championship podium (silver, 2016) and pioneered success in mixed doubles, winning national titles with Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi.

Fujisawa’s resilience, highlighted by Olympic comebacks and tactical brilliance, cemented her legacy as a pioneer who transformed Japan into a strong curling contender.

The Best Curling Players

The ten best curlers highlighted in this list have earned their legendary status through many personal and team accolades, often leading their teams as skip. Each has contributed greatly to the sport, dominated their respective nations, and more. Many have broken the sports norms and fitness regimes, alongside defining what is possible with the rock and broom.

Legends like Silvana Tirinzoni and Bruce Mouat have showcased mastery across disciplines. At the same time, Rachel Homan and Anna Hasselborg redefined excellence with clutch performances, multiple Grand Slams, and breaking gender barriers.

Brad Jacobs’ Olympic gold and fitness-driven approach revolutionized curling’s athletic standards, emphasizing physical conditioning as critical to success.

Pioneers like Satsuki Fujisawa and Eunjung Kim elevated their nations, with Fujisawa securing Japan’s first Slam and Olympic medals, while Kim’s “Garlic Girls” put South Korea on the map. Their success allowed curling to break out from its traditional strongholds and become a truly global sport.

These legends transformed curling into a faster, more strategic, and more inclusive sport. Their achievements, whether through Olympic glory or pionee

Baseball is often dubbed “America’s Pastime” and has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the United States since its origins in the 19th century. From sandlots to sold-out stadiums and huge TV audiences, the sport’s rich history has evolved through eras defined by power pitching and exploding hitting to today’s analytics-driven phenomenon.

While it began in the United States, its popularity today spans continents, with the game’s stars originating in Japan, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Europe. Today, the MLB is home to players from 25 countries from across the globe. 

In this guide, we’ll look at the best of the best in Baseball players. Ranking its legends is a thrilling yet contentious endeavor. In bars, clubs, and sports betting venues up and down the country, fans will disagree about the Top 10 players, but below, we’ve tried to balance styles, metrics, and fun to determine the game’s modern-day legends.

We’ve examined a range of factors, such as championships, longevity, record-shattering achievements, and cultural influence. From Shohei Ohtani’s mind-bending brilliance to Juan Soto’s swagger, these athletes embody baseball in 2025.

Current Top 10 Baseball Players

1. Shohei Ohtani

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Shohei Ohtani is a transcendent figure in baseball, redefining what it means to be a two-way player in the modern era. Born in 1994 in Japan, Ohtani has become the most famous Japanese player since Ichiro Suzuki, becoming a global sensation blending elite-level pitching with explosive hitting abilities.

Ohtani began his career, typically as a player in Japan, in the ruthless high-school baseball environment. Playing at Hanamaki Higashi High School, he hit a Japanese record 99 mph fastball at the Summer Koshien, the premier high school baseball championship in 2012.

He was picked up by the Japanese majors, competing in Nippon Professional Baseball for Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he won the 2016 Japan Series and earned the MVP award. He arrived stateside in 2018, signing with the Los Angeles Angels, and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the league, becoming the first player to record over 100 strikeouts and RBIs in the same season and winning his first unanimous AL MVP. A year later, he hit 44 home runs and maintained a 3.14 ERA as a pitcher.

In 2024, Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-home-run, 50-stolen-base season. He led the Dodgers to a World Series title and earned his third unanimous MVP. Ohtani’s unprecedented versatility, power, and speed have cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest, inspiring a new generation of players to dream beyond traditional roles.

2. Aaron Judge

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Aaron “All Rise” Judge is a baseball player for the New York Yankees known for his towering home runs and commanding presence. A 6’ 7”, 282 lb physical marvel, Judge combines size, power, and athleticism to dominate the American League since his arrival to the Yankees in 2013.

Judge’s college career could have seen him play football. The Sacramento native was recruited by Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA to play tight-end, but he chose baseball at Fresno State University. In his 2011 season, his Bulldogs team shared the Western Athletic Conference title and played in the College World Series before he was named a freshman All-American.

After initially being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st Round of the 2010 MLB Draft, he was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. He made his professional debut with the Charleston RiverDogs in 2014 in Class A, earning a .333 batting average, .428 OBP, .530 SLG, and nine home runs.

In 2017, his career trajectory changed as he burst onto the scene in 2017, winning AL Rookie of the Year unanimously after hitting 52 home runs, a rookie record. His 2022 season was historic, as he smashed 62 home runs, breaking Roger Maris’s 61-year-old AL single-season record and earning him his first AL MVP award.

Known for his clutch performances, Judge has delivered numerous walk-off hits and memorable postseason moments, including leading the Yankees to their first World Series appearance in 15 years in 2024.

3. Bobby Witt Jr.

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Bobby Witt Jr is a shortstop for the Kansas City Royals, who, despite being a relative newcomer, has established himself as one of the game’s most electrifying talents since his 2022 MLB debut. Witt was considered a prodigy in high-school baseball, winning the National Player of the Year in 2019 before being drafted second overall in the MLB Draft by the Royals.

Witt is characterized by a rare combination of power and speed, becoming only the second shortstop in MLB history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 2023 and 2024. Witt had an outstanding 2023, registering 30 home runs, 10 triples, and 45 stolen bases. The next year, he cemented his status with his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards and finished second in the AL MVP voting. Witt also led the Royals to its first postseason appearances in nearly a decade.

Known for his blazing speed, elite defense, and clutch hitting, Witt’s style of play has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. The Texan was rewarded for outstanding performances over the previous two years with an 11-year, $288.7 million contract extension. With the world at his feet, Witt seems set to continue securing his status over the next decade.

4. Juan Soto

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New York Mets Dominican outfielder Juan Soto is a four-time All-Star and five time Silver Slugger winner who remains one of the most exciting and dynamic players in all of professional baseball. Soto signed for the Washington Nationals in 2015, and played in the minor leagues until 2018 when he made his debut, becoming the youngest player in the league at just 19 years old.

Soto’s rookie season was historic, setting multiple teenage records, including 79 walks and a .406 OBP. His defining moment came as he led the Nationals to its first-ever World Series title, earning the Babe Ruth award for his postseason heroics. Soto moved from the Nationals to the San Diego Padres in 2022, facing the Nationals just ten days after being traded. He received a 45-second-long standing ovation from the crowd upon his return. Soto took his new team to the National League Championship Series in his first season.

Soto’s playing style is marked by his legendary “Soto Shuffle,” designed to intimidate pitchers, and his two-strike approach, which allows him to drive the ball deep into the outfield. Soto constantly ranks among the league leaders in OBP, walks, and home runs.

In 2024, Soto was traded to the New York Yankees on a one-year, $31 million contract, leading his team alongside fellow star Aaron Judge to the World Series, the Yankee’s first since 2009. Following the series, he became a free agent and signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with crosstown rivals New York Mets, the largest contract in professional sports history.

5. Mookie Betts

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Mookie Betts is one of his generation’s most dynamic and versatile players, becoming a Los Angeles Dodgers legend in the process. Known for his exceptional athleticism, Betts has excelled in various positions in his career, playing outfield, second baseman, and shortstop for the Dodgers following a stellar six-season tenure with the Boston Red Sox.

A three-time world champion, winning in 2018, 2020, and 2024, Betts is an eight-time All-Star and has won seven Silver Slugger Awards and six Gold Glove Awards. He showcases a rare combination of offensive prowess and defensive steel. His 2018 season, ending in a World Series triumph with the Red Sox, was historic, as Betts became the first player to win the MVP, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, battle title, and world championship in the same year.

Betts is known for his speed, power, and high baseball IQ. A leadoff hitter with an outstanding knack for getting on base, he constantly confounds statisticians and ranks among the league leaders in runs scored, home runs, and stolen bases. His clutch performances in postseason play have cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.

6. Francisco Lindor

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Affectionately known as Mr Smile for his infectious grin, Francisco Lindor is a shortstop for the New York Mets. Born in Puerto Rico, Lindor rose to prominence with the Cleveland Guardians before becoming a cornerstone for the Mets after joining the team in 2021. A switch-hitter with elite defensive skills, Lindor has consistently dazzled fans with his power, speed, and glove work.

Success has followed Lindor throughout his career, including in 2016 when he led the Guardians to the World Series with a string of clutch performances. In 2023, he joined the 30-30 club, collecting 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season.  His defensive prowess, marked by incredible range and a strong arm, has redefined the shortstop position. Offensively, Lindor’s ability to hit for average and power from both sides of the plate makes him a constant threat.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Lindor’s infectious personality and leadership have made him a fan favorite. He has become a legend in his home, Puerto Rico, and has represented his country in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic. For the 2023 season, he was named team captain after a vote from his fellow players. 

7. Yordan Alvarez

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Yordan Alvarez, known as Air Yordan, is a towering figure in baseball metaphorically and physically. He represents his native Cuba with honor and stands at an imposing 6’ 5”. Alvarez defected from Cuba in 2016 and joined the Houston Astros after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Known for his clutch hitting and thunderous power from home plate, Alvarez made an immediate impact upon joining the Astros in 2019, earning the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year with a .655 slugging percentage. He’s shown an ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, including his 2021 ALCS MVP performance and walk-off home run in the 2022 ALDS.

Alvarez’s style of play is marked by his left-handed power swing, which has produced multiple 30-home run seasons, and his ability to hit for average, making him one of the most feared hitters in the game. Alvarez secured his first World Series ring in 2022 and looks set to acquire more as his career develops.

8. Freddie Freeman

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Canadian-American first baseman Freddie Freeman has earned plaudits throughout his career with the Atlanta Braves and, since 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his powerful swing and unorthodox batting stance, Freeman has earned numerous accolades, including eight MLB All-Star selections, two World Series championships (2021, 2024), and the 2020 National League MVP award.

His defining moments include a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, setting a record for consecutive World Series games with a home run, and becoming the first player to homer in the first four games of a World Series. Freeman’s career highlights include three Silver Slugger Awards, a Gold Glove, and the 2024 World Series MVP.

Freeman’s style of play is marked by his exceptional hand-eye coordination, ability to adjust to pitchers, and consistent line-drive hitting. He is also known for his defensive prowess, leading the league in fielding percentage multiple times. Off the field, Freeman’s leadership and sportsmanship have earned him high praise from managers and teammates alike.

9. José Ramírez

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José Ramírez, known as “J-Ram,” is one of pro baseball’s most impressive and versatile players. Ramírez rose from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians. Since his MLB debut in 2013, he has established himself as a six-time All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and a three-time All-MLB Team selectee.

Ramírez led the Guardians to the 2016 World Series, hitting .310 to guide Cleveland to its sixth AL Pennant. Despite losing the World Series in 2016, he continued to improve, and in 2018, he joined the 30-30 club with 39 home runs and 34 stolen bases.

Ramírez is known for his exceptional bat control, power-speed combination, and defensive versatility, having played multiple positions at an elite level. His 56 doubles in 2017 tied for the 19th-most in a single season in MLB history.

10. Gunnar Henderson

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Texan infielder Gunnar Henderson has quickly risen to prominence as one of Major League Baseball’s most exciting young talents. Henderson made his MLB debut in 2022 for the Baltimore Orioles and has become a cornerstone of the franchise. His breakout season in 2023 saw him earn a unanimous American League Rookie of the Year honor and a Silver Slugger Award.

Known for his explosive power, Henderson made history by hitting the longest home run onto Eutaw Street at Camden Yards, a 462-foot blast, and showcased his clutch hitting during the Orioles’ playoff run.

Henderson’s style of play is defined by his rare combination of power, speed, and defensive versatility. He excels at both shortstop and third base. His athleticism, honed through a standout high school career in baseball and basketball, translates seamlessly to the diamond.

By 2024, he was already an All-Star and a contender in the Home Run Derby, further cementing his status as a fan favorite and a rising star. Henderson’s impact on the Orioles and the sport has been huge for Baltimore. At just 23, his legacy is still being written, but his early achievements suggest a future Hall of Fame trajectory.

The Best in the Dugout

Each player listed above embodies the skill of America’s Pastime as it progresses into a new era of unprecedented versatility. From Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance to Gunnar Henderson’s unique blend of power, speed, and defensive acumen, with a helpful sprinkle of the Soto Shuffle, modern baseball players transcend the traditional roles expected of the sport.

Baseball in the 21st century prioritizes hybrid talents, like sluggers with speed, pitchers who can hit, and defenders with offensive firepower, and they hail from a growing number of countries around the world. Gone are the days of players from America’s heartland dominating the rosters. Today, players from Cuba, Dominica, and Japan show baseball’s global reach.

Record-breaking contracts, analytics-driven strategies, and a focus on clutch performance underscore a game that rewards innovation, diversity, and adaptability, cementing today’s stars as pioneers of a dynamic, boundary-pushing era.

Variance in Poker: What You’ll Learn

• Grasp Variance: Understand variance in poker, a statistical phenomenon causing fluctuating results, and why it’s a key aspect of the game.

• Variance in Poker Over Bad Play: Learn to distinguish normal variance from poor play, appreciating that even good players can hit losing streaks.

• Causes of Variance: Delve into the factors that increase variance such as aggressive play and game format, aiding you in anticipating and navigating high variance situations.

• Dealing with Variance: Discover emotional management strategies to cope with negative swings caused by variance, promoting resilience.

• Poker Skill over Luck: Despite the role variance plays, realize the importance of continuously improving your skills and decision-making in the long run.

Imagine this: you’ve studied hard, crafted a solid game plan, and felt confident sitting down at the poker table. But hand after hand, things just don’t go your way. Your big hands lose to unlikely draws, your bluffs get called, and by the end of the session, you’re left thinking:

Maybe I’m just not cut out for this.

Here’s the thing: losing sessions don’t necessarily mean you’re a bad poker player. They’re simply part of the game, thanks to a concept every player needs to understand—variance.

Variance is what makes a poker career unpredictable, exciting, and yes, sometimes frustrating. It’s also why even the best players experience losing streaks.

Understanding poker variance is critical to improving not just your results but your mindset. It’s what helps you separate what you can control—your decisions—from what you can’t—the cards. In this article,

I’ll explain what variance is, what it means to your improvement, and how you can handle its emotional rollercoaster without losing confidence. By the end, you’ll feel more equipped to manage the losing streaks that are a natural part of the game.

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What is Variance in Poker?

Variance is one of the most important and misunderstood concepts in poker. At its core, variance is just a fancy way of describing the natural ups and downs that happen because poker combines skill and chance. No matter how well you play, there will be times when the cards don’t go your way.

Think of it like flipping a coin. Over time, if you flip the coin enough times, you’d expect it to land on heads about 50% of the time.

But in the short term, you might flip heads five or six times in a row—or go on a streak where tails show up more often than they “should.” That’s variance in action: short-term fluctuations in results that even out over the long run.

In poker, variance happens because every hand has an element of luck. Even if you play a strong poker hand perfectly, there’s no guarantee you’ll win.

For example, you could get all your chips in with pocket aces against pocket kings—an ideal situation—but about 20% of the time, the kings will win. Does that mean you played the hand wrong? Absolutely not. It’s just variance doing its thing.

Understanding variance is crucial because it reminds us of two things:

• Short-term results are unpredictable: You can’t control the cards, but you can control your decisions.

• Skill matters most in the long run: Over time, the better player wins—assuming they play enough hands to let skill outweigh luck.

So, the next time you hit a rough patch, remind yourself that variance doesn’t mean you’ll be unlucky forever, and it definitely doesn’t mean you’re a bad player. It’s simply a natural part of poker, and learning to embrace it is a key step in mastering the game.

Common Misconceptions About Variance and Losing

When you’re stuck in a downswing, it’s easy to fall into thought patterns that make variance feel even worse than it is. Many players misunderstand what variance is and how it relates to their skill level. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions so you can approach the game with clarity and confidence.

Misconception #1: “I Must Be Playing Badly”

When you’re losing, it’s natural to start questioning your abilities. You might even assume you’re doing something wrong. While it’s always smart to review your play for potential leaks, losing doesn’t automatically mean you’re a bad player.

Variance guarantees that even the best decisions won’t always lead to wins in the short term.

For example, imagine you play a near-perfect session, only to have your opponents hit unlikely run-outs over and over.

Frustrating? Yes. A sign that you’re playing poorly? Not at all.

Instead of blaming yourself, focus on the quality of your decisions. If your process is solid, the results will eventually reflect your skill over the long run.

Misconception #2: “Good Players Always Win”

Even the world’s best players face losing sessions. No one, no matter how skilled, is immune to variance. The difference between great players and everyone is how they handle variance.

What makes professionals successful is their ability to stay focused, stick to their strategy, and trust their edge. Variance might knock them down for a while, but they know it won’t keep them there forever.

Misconception #3: “I’m Just Unlucky”

It’s tempting to blame every downswing on bad luck, but this mindset can hold you back. While variance is often the main culprit, it’s important to take an honest look at your game. Are you consistently making the best possible decisions? Are there areas where you could improve?

Instead of seeing yourself as “unlucky,” try to shift your perspective. A poker game isn’t about avoiding bad luck—it’s about minimizing its impact.

You do this by making smart, consistent choices that set you up for success over a period of time. Luck is temporary, but good decisions add up.

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Emotional Traps Linked to These Misconceptions

● Overconfidence During a Hot Streak: When the cards are running your way, it’s easy to feel like you’ve cracked the code. But hot streaks don’t last forever, and overconfidence can lead to risky decisions that hurt your bottom line.

● Despair During a Downswing: On the flip side, losing streaks can make you feel like you’ll never win again. This mindset can lead to tilt, frustration, and even burnout.

How to Shift Your Perspective

The best way to overcome these misconceptions is to focus on what you can control:

● Your Poker Strategy: Are you making good decisions and playing your hands in the most profitable way?

● Your Mindset: Are you staying patient and avoiding emotional reactions to short-term results?

● Your Bankroll Management: Are you protecting yourself from variance by playing within your limits?

Variance is part of the game but it’s not necessarily an accurate reflection of your skill or potential. By letting go of unhelpful beliefs, you’ll feel more confident, resilient, and prepared to handle the ups and downs of poker with a clear head.

The Emotional Toll of Variance

Variance also challenges your emotional resilience. When losses start piling up, even the calmest players can feel frustrated, defeated, or outright tilted. That’s because variance doesn’t just impact your bankroll—it can mess with your mindset. Recognizing this emotional toll is the first step to managing it effectively.

Why Losing Feels So Personal

Poker is unique because your results are tied directly to your decisions. This makes it easy to take losses personally, even when they’re out of your control. If you’re consistently making good plays but still losing, it’s natural to feel like you’re failing or making bad decisions. And this is what makes losing streaks feel so emotionally draining.

Here’s the thing: variance is neutral. It doesn’t care about your skill level, how much time you’ve spent studying, or how “deserving” you are of a win. The cards fall as they may, and your job is to make the best possible poker strategy decisions regardless of the outcome.

How to Manage the Emotional Toll of Variance

While you can’t avoid variance, you can take steps to protect your mindset:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel upset after a tough session. Recognizing your emotions can make them easier to process and manage.

• Focus on Process Over Results: Ask yourself, Am I making good decisions? If you’re consistently playing well, trust that the results will catch up in the long run.

• Take Breaks: If you’re feeling tilted or overwhelmed, especially after a bad beat, step away from the table. Even a short break can help you reset and return with a clearer mindset.

• Develop a Pre-Session Routine: Start each session with a calming practice, like deep breathing, visualization, or setting process-oriented goals. These small rituals can help you stay grounded and focused.

Variance in Poker: The Big Picture

Variance will always be part of poker, but it doesn’t have to control your experience. By understanding how it affects you emotionally and using strategies to manage it, you can stay in control—even during tough stretches. The more you work on handling variance, the more confident and resilient you’ll become.

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Tools to Handle Variance Like a Pro

Variance is part of the game, but how you respond to it makes all the difference. Skilled players don’t just accept negative variance—they prepare for it.

By using the right tools and strategies, you can stay confident and focused, even when the cards aren’t going your way. Let’s look at some practical ways to handle variance like a pro.

Cultivate the Right Mindset

Your poker mindset is your best defense against the emotional swings of variance. Instead of seeing variance as an enemy, try to view it as a natural part of the game.

● Acceptance: Remind yourself that even the best players experience losing streaks. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up—it means focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t.

● Mindfulness Practices: Use techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to stay grounded. When frustration hits, these tools can help you reset and refocus.

Prioritize Bankroll Management

Solid bankroll management is your safety net against variance. Without it, even a small downswing can feel overwhelming.

● Set Limits: Play at stakes where you can comfortably handle the swings. A good rule of thumb is 20–30 buy-ins for cash games and 50–100 buy-ins for tournaments.

● Avoid Chasing Losses: After a tough session, it’s tempting to play longer or move up in stakes to “win it back.” Stick to your plan and avoid emotional decisions.

Separate Variance From Leaks

Not every loss is due to bad luck—sometimes, it’s a signal that there’s room for improvement.

● Track Your Hands: Use poker tracking tools to analyze your results over time. Look for patterns—are you losing in certain spots repeatedly, or is it just variance?

● Study and Adjust: If you notice consistent mistakes, take time to address them. Whether it’s through hand reviews, coaching, or study sessions, each adjustment makes you stronger.

Build Pre- and Post-Session Routines

Having clear routines before and after your sessions can help you stay emotionally balanced and focused.

● Pre-Session: Start with activities that put you in the right mindset, like deep breathing, setting specific goals, or visualizing positive outcomes.

● Post-Session: Take time to review your play. Celebrate the good decisions, note areas for improvement, and avoid dwelling on things you couldn’t control.

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Lean on a Support Network

Poker can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Surround yourself with people who understand the game and its challenges.

● Join a Community: Study groups, forums, and online communities can provide support, perspective, and camaraderie.

● Work With a Coach: A good coach can help you identify leaks, refine your strategy, and keep your mindset strong during downswings.

Take Breaks When You Need Them

If variance starts to take a toll, it’s okay to step away for a bit.

● Recharge: Spend time on activities you enjoy outside of poker. Exercise, hobbies, or connecting with loved ones can help you reset.

● Return With Intention: When you’re ready to get back to the game, approach it with a clear plan and renewed focus.

The Long Game Perspective

Managing variance isn’t about avoiding frustration—it’s about learning how to handle it effectively. By equipping yourself with these tools, you’ll develop the mental and emotional resilience needed to thrive in the game.

The more prepared you are, the easier it becomes to focus on what truly matters: making smart decisions and playing your best game.

Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and luck, with variance weaving it all together. It’s not something to fear. You just have to understand and embrace it. When you embrace variance as a natural part of poker, you free yourself from emotional traps.

Losing doesn’t mean you’re a bad player, and winning doesn’t mean you’ve solved the game. What matters is the process: making smart decisions, refining your strategy, and building a strong mindset.

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Playing Liar’s Dice: What You Need to Know

• Liar’s Dice Rules: Get to know the basics and rules of the game, including how to play, the equipment needed, and scoring mechanisms.

• Bluffing and Deception: Learn about the integral role of bluffing in Liar’s Dice and various tactical approaches to effectively deceive opponents.

• Making and Challenging Bids: Understand the process of making bids in a game, how to challenge an opponent’s bid, and the repercussions of a wrongful challenge.

• Spotting Opponent’s ‘Tells’: Learn how to read your opponent’s nonverbal cues or ‘tells’, and how this can assist in challenging bids accurately.

Liar’s Dice is a fun dice game of deception, bluffing, and probability that has been around since the 15^th century.

While it’s not a casino game, it has gained significant popularity thanks to its appearance in “Pirates of the Caribbean,” where it was featured as Pirate Dice.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this exciting game – from basic rules to advanced strategies, and why it’s such an amazing game night choice for both casual and serious players.

What is Liar’s Dice?

Liar’s Dice – also known as Pirate Dice, Perudo, or Dudo – is a board game played with multiple dice where players make bids about the dice in play, while trying to catch others in a bluff.

It’s a simple game to learn but offers deep strategic gameplay that makes it both entertaining and challenging.

Why is it Called Liar’s Dice?

The name comes directly from the game’s main mechanic – players can and often must LIE about what dice they have under their cups.

Since bluffing is a key element of this game of deception, the name “Liar’s Dice” perfectly captures its essence. It’s similar to Poker in this respect, but instead of cards, you’re playing with dice.

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How Many Dice Are Used in Liar’s Dice?

In the standard version of Liar’s Dice, each player starts with FIVE dice. So in a game with four players, you would need TWENTY dice total. However, there are variants of the game that use either more or fewer dice. The commercial versions usually come with 30 dice (allowing for up to 6 players), plus dice cups for each player.

Game Setup and Equipment

Here’s what you need to play:

• Five six-sided dice PER PLAYER
• One dice cup PER PLAYER
• A flat playing surface
• At least TWO players (though 4-6 players is optimal)

Basic Rules of Liar’s Dice

The game starts with all players rolling their dice simultaneously, keeping them hidden under their cups. After looking at their own dice, players take turns making increasingly higher bids about the TOTAL number of dice showing a particular value among ALL dice in play.

For example:

• Player One might bid “Three 4’s”
• Player Two must then either make a HIGHER bid (like “Four 4’s” or “Three 5’s”), or CALL the previous player’s bluff

Important Note:

In most common bidding variants, the number “1” (also known as “Aces”) can be wild, meaning they count as ANY number. This adds an extra layer of probability calculation to the game.

How Bidding Works

Bids must always increase in one of two ways:

• Increase the QUANTITY of dice (Example: from “Three 4’s” to “Four 4’s”)

• Increase the VALUE of the dice (Example: from “Three 4’s” to “Three 5’s”)

What is the Key Rule?

The KEY RULE is that each new bid must be “higher” than the previous bid. This can be accomplished by either:

• Raising the quantity of dice being bid
• Keeping the same quantity but raising the value of the dice
• Both raising the quantity AND the value

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Calling a Bluff in Liar’s Dice

When a player believes that the current bid is FALSE – meaning they think there aren’t as many dice of that value as claimed – they can “Call” the bluff by saying “Liar!” When this happens, ALL players must lift their cups to reveal their dice.

If the total number of dice showing the bid value (remember that 1’s (Aces) are usually wild) equals or EXCEEDS the bid, then the CALLER LOSES. But if the actual count is LESS than what was bid, then the BIDDER LOSES.

The player who loses must remove one die from their set before the next round begins.

Example of Calling a Bluff

Let’s say Player Three has bid “Seven 5’s” in a four-player game.

Player Four doesn’t believe this is possible and calls “Liar!”

All players now reveal their dice. If there are seven or more 5’s showing (counting both 5’s and 1’s), then Player Four (the Caller) loses a die. But if there are six or fewer 5’s, then Player Three (the Bidder) loses a die.

Understanding the Math in Liar’s Dice

The probability calculations in Liar’s Dice can be complex, but here are some basic guidelines – In a FOUR-PLAYER game with FIVE dice each (20 dice total):

• The probability of rolling ANY specific number is 1/6
• With 1’s (Aces) being wild, the probability increases
• For a bid of “Four 3’s” the actual probability is:

1. Getting a 3:                       1/6 chance per die
2. Getting a 1 (wild):           1/6 chance per die
3. Combined probability: 2/6 (or 1/3) per die

This means that in 20 dice, you can expect around 6-7 dice to be either the number you want OR a wild 1. This is why experienced probability skills are crucial for success.

Strategy Tips for Winning at Liar’s Dice

To increase your chances of winning, consider these key strategies:

Start Conservative

• Make modest opening bids
• Base early bids on what you can actually see
• Allow room for others to overbid

Watch for Patterns

• Notice how other players bid
• Track who tends to bluff
• Remember previous player tendencies

Use Psychology

• Sometimes tell the truth when expected to lie
• Occasionally make bold bids to throw off opponents
• Maintain a consistent “poker face”

Calculate Probabilities

• Consider how many dice are still in play
• Factor in the wild 1’s
• Think about what others might have

Time Your Calls

• Don’t call too early unless obviously impossible
• Consider calling when probabilities are clearly against the bid
• Be more aggressive in calling when you have fewer dice

Common Variations of Liar’s Dice

There are several notable variant ways to play:

The “Common Hand” Version

• All players use the SAME set of dice
• Each player rolls their own set but all dice count together
• Makes probability calculations easier

The “No Wilds” Version

• 1’s are NOT wild
• Makes the game more straightforward
• Increases the importance of accurate probability assessment

The “Caribbean” Version

• As seen in Pirates of the Caribbean movie
• Uses specific betting rules
• Includes wagering actual items or money

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Is Liar’s Dice Played in Casinos?

Unlike Casino Craps or other dice games, Liar’s Dice is NOT a casino game. The main reason is that it’s a player-versus-player game, not a House-Banked Game like most casino offerings.

This means that casinos can’t make money from it directly. However, some casinos DO host Liar’s Dice tournaments, especially in areas where the game is particularly popular.

The Hardest Part of Liar’s Dice

The most challenging aspect of Liar’s Dice isn’t the dice rolling – it’s the bluffing and probability assessment. Making accurate calculations about combined dice rolls while also trying to read your opponents makes this a dangerous game for those who aren’t good at either math or bluffing!

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Liar’s Dice

Here are some mistakes that newer players often make:

Bidding Too Conservatively

• Being too cautious leads to easy reads
• Allows opponents to control the bidding
• Makes your actual good hands obvious

Calling Too Early

• Reduces your information gathering
• Makes you predictable
• Wastes opportunities to learn opponent patterns

Ignoring Player Counts

• Not adjusting for fewer dice as players lose them
• Failing to recalculate probabilities
• Missing opportunities based on changed odds

Poor Bluff Management

• Bluffing too often
• Bluffing at wrong times
• Making obvious tells when bluffing

Additional Liar’s Dice Rules and Considerations

Here are some important additional rules that vary by version:

Order of Play

• Usually clockwise
• Sometimes determined by initial high roll
• Can vary in tournament settings

Spot-On Calls

Some versions allow for “Spot-On” calls, where a player can claim the bid is EXACTLY correct. This is extremely risky but can be rewarding:

• If correct: Player GAINS a die (up to starting amount)
• If wrong: Player LOSES two dice

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Why Liar’s Dice is Great for Learning

Liar’s Dice offers several educational benefits:

Math Skills

• Probability calculations
• Quick mental math
• Statistical thinking

Social Skills

• Reading people
• Bluffing effectively
• Managing emotions

Strategic Thinking

• Long-term planning
• Risk assessment
• Decision making under pressure

Pirates of the Caribbean Connection

The game gained worldwide attention after being featured in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” where it was played between Will Turner and Davy Jones. In the movie version:

• The stakes were extremely high
• Special rules were employed
• The game determined character fates

This theatrical version, while dramatic, actually follows many of the basic rules of the traditional game, making it a good representation of how Liar’s Dice can be both fun and intense.

Tournament Play in Liar’s Dice

While not as common as poker tournaments, Liar’s Dice tournaments do exist and have their own special rules:

Time Limits

• Usually 2-3 minutes per player turn
• Set round durations
• Penalties for slow play

Scoring Systems

• Points for survived rounds
• Bonuses for correct calls
• Penalties for incorrect calls

Tournament Variations

• Single elimination
• Round-robin
• Points-based advancement

Tips for Tournament Success

Stay Focused

• Don’t get rattled by losses
• Maintain consistent play
• Keep track of time

Manage Your Energy

• Pace yourself
• Stay hydrated
• Take allowed breaks

Adjust Your Strategy

• Adapt to different players
• Vary your style
• Read tournament patterns

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The Future of Liar’s Dice

This simple game continues to evolve and grow in popularity, especially with:

• Online versions
• Mobile apps
• Virtual reality adaptations

But the core game remains unchanged because it works so well as a social game of strategy and deception.

Final Strategy Tips

Remember these key points for success:

Pay Attention

• Watch other players
• Listen to bid patterns
• Notice telling behaviors

Stay Unpredictable

• Mix up your bids
• Vary your timing
• Change your patterns

Use Math Wisely

• Calculate basic probabilities
• Factor in remaining dice
• Consider all possibilities

Manage Your Table Image

• Control your emotions
• Hide your tells
• Present confidence

Why Liar’s Dice Endures

This game has lasted for centuries because it combines:

• Simple rules
• Complex strategy
• Social interaction
• Mathematical thinking
• Psychological warfare

It’s a perfect blend of luck and skill, making it both accessible to beginners and challenging for experts. Whether played as a fun dice game at home or in competitive tournaments, Liar’s Dice remains one of the most engaging and entertaining games of its kind.

Remember: In Liar’s Dice, just like in life, sometimes the best strategy is telling the truth when everyone expects you to lie. And sometimes, the best lie is telling the truth! It’s this psychological complexity that makes Liar’s Dice such an amazing game night choice, and why it continues to captivate players around the world.

The world of Liar’s Dice is always open to new players, and with these guidelines, you’re now ready to join in. Just remember: practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to lose a few games while learning. Every great player started as a beginner, and every roll of the dice is a new opportunity to improve your game!

And now you know!

So until next time – Best of Luck to all!

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Sports Betting Odds: What You Need to Know

• Types of Betting Odds: Familiarize yourself with various types of odds in sports betting, like fractional, decimal, and American (moneyline) odds.

• Reading Odds: Learn how to read and interpret these different types of odds to understand the potential payout of a wager.

• Calculating Probabilities: Understand how odds represent implied probabilities of an event’s outcome and how to calculate these probabilities from given odds.

• Use of Odds in Bets: When placing bets, recognize how odds can determine whether a bet could be profitable, requiring a balance between perceived risk and potential reward.

• Advanced Odds Knowledge: Explore how sportsbooks set odds and how odds can shift based on betting patterns, which can be utilized for strategic betting.

Sports betting odds are the foundation of wagering. They can provide key insights into the likelihood of an outcome and, more importantly, allow you to calculate the money you’ll receive for a winning bet.

There are three main formats for displaying odds: American, decimal, and fractional. Each format conveys the same information but in different ways.

American odds show your profit in relation to $100 bets, decimal odds show a simple multiplier for your stake, and fractional odds present your potential winnings as a fraction.

This page focuses on American sports betting odds, breaking down how they work to help bettors understand and utilize them effectively.

We’ll cover the basics of the odds structure, explain the rest of the standard odds formats, show you how to distinguish between underdogs and favorites, and give you some tips for honing your betting strategy.

What do the + and – Signs Mean?

In American odds, one of the first things you’ll notice will be a plus or minus sign in front of a number. Positive odds indicate the amount you’ll win on a $100 bet, and negative odds indicate the amount you’ll need to wager to win $100 on a bet.

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Distinguishing Between Favorites and Underdogs

Favorites and underdogs are usually indicated by a plus or minus sign ahead in American odds, although this is not always true.

For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are listed at -150 to win a game on the money line, and the Arizona Cardinals are +175, then Dallas is considered the favorite.

Another example would be futures markets. If the Boston Bruins are priced at -110 to win the Stanley Cup, and the Vegas Golden Knights are priced at +300, the Bruins are the favorites.

Despite this, positive and negative odds do not always tell you who is favorite and underdog. Sometimes, several outcomes in a wager will have negative odds or positive odds.

In this case, the larger number is the favorite for negative odds, and for positive odds, the smaller number is the favorite.

How American Sports Betting Odds Work

American odds revolve around $100 wagers and positive or negative odds to indicate a potential profit or required stake, respectively.

For example, if you bet on the Los Angeles Lakers priced at +200 odds, a $100 bet would return $300: your $100 stake and $200 profit.

If you bet on the Philadelphia Flyers at -200 and staked $200, it would return $300: your $200 stake plus $100 profit. American odds emphasize probability and risk differently from other standard odds formats, like fractional or decimal odds.

Understanding Implied Probability

Implied probability is the percentage chance of an event as determined solely by the odds provided by your sportsbook or sports betting apps and change depending on the bets, such as moneyline odds.

Understanding this allows you to compare how likely the betting companies believe an outcome to be and compare this likelihood to your own analysis.

For American odds, use this formula to calculate the implied probability:

●        For negative odds: Odds / (Odds + 100) * 100

●        For positive odds: 100 / (Odds + 100) * 100

For example, if the Sacramento Kings are +300 to win the Pacific Division, you would calculate 100 / (300+100) * 100. This would mean your sportsbook considers the Kings to have a 25% chance of finishing first in the Pacific Division.

If the Los Angeles Clippers are -110, you would calculate 110 / (110+100) * 100, meaning they would have a 52% chance of winning the division.

Other odds formats have different formulas to discover implied probability. For example, you would calculate 100 / ((Numerator / Denominator) + 1) for fractional odds. For decimal odds, you divide 100 by your odds.

Calculating Potential Payouts

Calculating potential payouts from American odds depends on whether your odds are positive or negative.

For example, if you bet $50 on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the AFC West at -200, you could work out the decimal odds by dividing 100 by the odds and adding 1 to get 1.5.

Multiply this number by your stake of $50, and you will work out that you get a total payout of $75, $25 in profit, and your $50 stake.

For positive odds, simply divide the odds by 100 and add 1. For example, if you bet $100 on Detroit Tigers to win the World Series at +300, divide 300/100 to get 3, add 1 to get 4 and multiply by your stake to get your return, $400. Remember, that return includes your $100 bet, so your profit is $300.

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Types of Sports Betting Odds

Betting odds come in three main formats: American, decimal, and fractional. Each format shows the same odds, just with a different emphasis, and each expresses your potential return slightly differently.

No odds format is more profitable than the other. Each shows the same thing. Understanding the different types of odds format is crucial, so we’ve given an overview of the main formats below.

American Odds

American odds are usually the default odds format at US sportsbooks. These odds revolve around $100 bets, with favorites indicated by a minus sign and underdogs indicated by a plus sign.

For positive odds, the number represents the profit on a $100 bet. For negative odds, the number represents the amount you would have to wager to get a $100 profit.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are quite simple to understand – they represent the payout for every $1 wagered. For example, if you wager $100 on LAFC to win the MLS Cup at 16.00, simply multiply your stake by the decimal odds.

This means if your wager was successful, it’ll return $1,600, including your $100 stake. Decimal odds are more common at European sportsbooks but can be pretty valuable for three-way markets and are preferred by some bettors as they are simple to understand.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are another standard sports betting format at US sportsbooks that present odds as a fraction, such as 7/1 or 10/3. The numerator (first number) represents the potential profit, whereas the denominator (second number) represents the stake required to achieve that profit.

For instance, a $20 bet on the New York Jets to win the AFC East at 7/2 odds would return $90 in total – your $20 stake plus $70 profit. Similarly, a $15 wager on the Colorado Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup at 10/3 odds would return $65 – your $15 stake plus $50 profit.

To work out your profit, simply multiply your stake by the numerator and divide by the denominator.

Key Concepts in Sports Betting

Understanding key betting concepts is essential for sports bettors to hone their strategy effectively. From learning types of bets to understanding sportsbook commissions, getting to know these foundational aspects of sports betting is pivotal.

Below, we’ve explored a few key elements of using an online sportsbook.

Understanding Point Spreads

Points spreads are a market offered at several of the best US sportsbooks. A spread bet is a wager on the margin of victory rather than the outcome.

Usually provided for football and basketball markets, your sportsbook will designate a favorite and assign a betting line. This betting line is the required margin of victory for a wager on the favorite to pay out.

For example, for a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers, if your sportsbook has the Cowboys as the favorite with a betting line of 3.5, this will be displayed as Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) on your bet slip.

For your bet to payout, Dallas must win by more than a field goal. If San Francisco wins or Dallas wins by three points or under, your bet would settle for a loss.

Sportsbooks, like the FanDuel Sportsbooks, usually provide spreads in increments of 0.5, known as the hook, to prevent exact matches.

However, sometimes, retail sportsbook may offer a whole number spread. If you wager on this and the margin of victory is the same as the spread, the sportsbook will settle your bet as a push and return your stake.

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What Are Moneylines?

A moneyline bets is a simple type of wager compared to a point spread because it is a sports betting market depending solely on the outcome of an event. Bettors can win a moneyline bet just by picking the winner in a sporting event.

For example, a sports bettor would win a moneyline if they can successfully pick the winner of a soccer match between Minnesota United and Austin FC.

The Role of Vig or Juice in Betting

The vig, or vigorish, is a commission applied to odds to ensure that sportsbooks make a profit regardless of a sporting event’s outcome. The fee is embedded in the odds, meaning the favorite often has smaller odds than if a two-way market was mathematically split.

The best way to demonstrate this is with a hypothetical football game between Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders in the NHL, two evenly matched teams. Sportsbooks rated both teams as having an equal chance of victory. So, in theory, both teams’ odds would be +100.

However, sportsbooks will offer -110 for each team instead, meaning you’ll have to wager $110 to win $100. This $10 difference represents the vig and helps sportsbooks manage risk.

To reduce the impact of vig, sports bettors should compare odds across several online sportsbooks to see the best value in the market.

Strategies for Successful Betting

Building a successful betting strategy requires more than just luck. It demands effort, research, discipline, and the ability to determine value.

Below, we’ve explored some elements you can add to your wagering game to make informed decisions and improve your long-term betting fortunes.

Importance of Research and Analysis

While a significant amount of success in betting stems from luck, researching and analyzing patterns in sports can increase the chances of picking a successful wager.

In the modern era, plenty of sources offer statistics and data to give you an insight into sporting events and help you find value in the market. 

Check out trusted sources for sports data to analyze the market alongside the odds provided by your sportsbook. When you examine the player or team data, see whether sportsbooks or your fellow bettors might have missed any trends.

For example, if the fundamental statistics point to an NFL team underperforming despite winning, you could wager on the team to lose the next game. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify value in the market and potentially increase your returns.

Managing your Bankroll

Effective bankroll management is essential for executing a successful betting strategy. Start by determining your betting budget, and always ensure you don’t bet more than you can lose.

Decide on your wagers after researching and analyzing data, and depending on your confidence in each wager, decide on a stake for each. Doing this mathematically and analytically prevents you from placing emotional impulse bets.

Avoid chasing losses by increasing your stake irrationally, stick to consistency wagers, and maintain discipline – even during a losing streak. Take breaks and re-analyze the data if you feel your strategy isn’t working, and track your bets to give you insights into your performance over time.

Maintaining strict discipline over your bankroll can improve your chances of success, and learn from your mistakes over time.

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Recognizing Value Bets

One thing to know when starting in betting is that sportsbooks aren’t perfect, and odds aren’t a statistical guarantee of the likelihood of an outcome.

Sometimes, you can find value in the market that sportsbooks and your fellow bettors can’t see. To find value in the market, check out a range of data sources and look for patterns starting to emerge or related stats with hidden potential future outcomes.

For example, if you’re betting on soccer, a team that has a high number of yellow cards and fouls but not red cards might be undervalued for a red card in its next match, as it has not had many red cards but looks likely to receive one in the future. Insights like these can help you boost your profitability.

Common Misconceptions about Sports Betting Odds

Understanding betting odds and trends is crucial for making informed wagers. Many novice bettors misinterpret odds and use short-term trends and odds movement as signs of increasing likelihood in probabilities. Below, we’ve provided advice for new bettors to avoid common pitfalls.

Odds as a Guarantee of Winning

A common mistake made by novice bettors is believing that odds guarantee an outcome. Sportsbooks do not have a crystal ball and are playing a game alongside bettors. While sportsbooks have access to several insights, several factors, including betting volume, affect the price set.

Betting Trends Vs. Statistical Analysis

Many bettors mistake trends for reliable indicators of future performance. Past performances are not always a good indicator of future form. Similarly, a ‘hot hand’ from a player in basketball can see a flurry of wagers from bettors convinced that a player will continue to score at a high rate, even though streaks always end.

Sportsbooks know this and will shorten odds for players and teams in good form to attract bets, even though the form is about to end. Bettors with the best strategies focus on data rather than surface-level patterns and identify accurate probabilities through statistical analysis.

With a data-driven approach, you can improve your betting strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the + and – Mean in Sports Betting?

In American Odds, a + sign generally indicates an underdog in the betting. The plus sign shows the profit you’ll receive for a $100 wager on the outcome. A – sign generally indicates a favorite, and the negative figure indicates the amount you’ll need to wager to receive $100 in profit.

How do Sports Betting odds Change?

Odds change on various factors, including team form, weather, injuries, historical matchups, and player availability. You’ll notice that the odds will shorten and lengthen depending on new information and updates in the lead-up to an event. Odds will also change depending on betting volume.

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