SNOOKER BETTING

As with any other form of sports betting, finding value in snooker betting is critical. When a player is offered at a bigger price than his actual chance of winning, this constitutes value. Snooker betting offers one of the best opportunities to find value bets. In every type of betting, bookmakers incorporate a certain percentage profit margin (known as the "overround") into the prices offered. In snooker betting, the overround on a match is generally as little as 4%, comparing very favourably with other sports. By using an odds comparison site such as "searchum.bestbetting.com" to locate the best prices available, it is often possible to eliminate the overround entirely. Very occasionally, an "arbitrage" situation occurs, whereby it is possible to back both players in a match (obviously with different bookmakers) and make a profit regardless of the result. The value element of snooker betting makes it a great source of profit and snooker should be a leading consideration when considering betting on sports. A snooker player is essentially "playing the balls," not his opponent. Unlike other sports, like, say tennis, snooker is not a game of "action and reaction." While a player is at the table, his opponent has no input to the game and can only sit and watch. This is a crucial factor in making a profit at snooker betting, as a player's reaction to his opponent has no bearing on the result. Bookmakers' odds compilers tend to price up snooker matches based on the respective reputations of the players, which, to a large degree, are irrelevances. They also factor in the results of previous matches between the two players concerned. Some of these "head-to-head" encounters may date from some time ago and as such bear little relation to the current match. The major factor to consider when making selections for snooker betting is the current form of the players. Inspection of each player's last eight or ten matches is recommended, bearing in mind the quality and form of his opponent in each case. Full, up-to-date snooker statistics are available at www.racingpost.co.uk and www.worldsnooker.com. A player on a winning run will have had his confidence boosted, while a player on a losing run may lack the motivation to grind out a result. Quite often, bookmakers' odds compilers, basing their opinions on information, which, for the most part, is of little relevance, will price up the player who should be favourite as the second-best, often at a rewarding price. Excellent value can be obtained in snooker betting by shrewd punters who analysise the correct statistical information. By basing judgements solely on a player's most recent eight or ten matches, bookmakers pricing errors can be spotted and some great value bets obtained. In summary, the guidelines for profits from snooker betting are: 1. Discount the reputations of the players involved. 2. Do not be swayed by the flawed logic of considering outdated head-to-head form. 3. Consider current form, i.e. the last eight or ten matches for each player. 4. If the player with the best recent record is second favourite for the match, he represents a value bet.