Customer Reviews

John Patrick's Sports Handicapping

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to admit that when I first got the book I was thinking to myself, what is it with Watt E. Cey and I. M. Smart, this is not what I expected. I put the book down and went searching for more "substantial" research

I ended up buying books which went into full blown statistical analysis, I recall saying to myself "Now I got it, the numbers don't lie and Power Ratings are the way to go", needless to say my bankroll was showing other wise. After some disappointment, I then turned back to Mr. Patrick's book, re-read the book and said to myself "The stuff makes sense, yet it is quite simple."

I ended up applying the "theories" written in the book and began to win! I have been using Mr. Patrick's theories for over 3 years now and have had winning seasons in NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL. (I stay away from the colleges, just to time consuming). I must confess that I do apply some other theories I learned from other books, but only to gain consensus and I believe this is what John Patrick tries to convey in his book, learn some theories (i.e. his) and tie them into your own.

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)is the way to go. It works in sports analysis and it works in trading the markets. You don't need to develop sophisticated programs to find winners.

I have to give the book 5 Stars for it simple theories that work year in and year out.

John Patrick points out the obvious as his strategy for betting on a game, several times. He then tells you his real stategy for making money, which is a simple but flawed money management system, over and over and over. He annoyed me with stories of his "friends" with corny names like I.M. Stupid,I.M. Broke, and Lotta Cash on every page, but I got used to it by the middle of the book. I finished the book liking him and his colorful writing style, having known a more than a few characters like him, growing up here in Las Vegas. Breaking down his book it looks like this: useful handicapping advice 10% B+, Questionable money handling practices 30% D, stressing discipline in money 35% A, sometimes irritating but colorful stories as examples 25% B-, experience 100% B+.

Books on gambling theory should help you make money. His theories will not do that, since they lack a solid mathematical basis. Take a look at his book on Craps, or "Beating Roulette!" (I mention this, as professional gamblers do not try to beat Roulette with any system you can find in a book).

Everything he puts out in any gambling topic is "fast food". His goal is to sell books, not to educate. If you are serious about studying sports investing, a good introductory text is "Sharp Sports Betting" by Stanford Wong (who is also a legitimate Blackjack author).

I love this guy's methods. The real key to turning a profit is money management. Money management theories and a few tips on how to pick a winner makes this book a must for any gambler.