Just as with any other type of sports betting, the devil is in the details. Just reading the name of a given sport’s betting chart can be enough to make you decide to avoid that game or those odds altogether.
The key is to familiarize yourself with as many different betting charts as possible. The different colors, styles, and layouts will help you find the one that suits your needs best. There are dozens of different sports betting charts out there, all catering to the needs of various sports fans. Finding the right one can be a daunting task, especially if you’re just getting started. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your sports betting needs, this article is for you.
What Is A Spread Chart?
If you’re unfamiliar, a spread chart is a graph that displays the projected winning and losing spreads for a given matchup. The y-axis represents the amount of points by which a team will either win or lose the game. The x-axis represents the amount of points that the opposing team will receive. As you can see in the example below, the x-axis is on the right side of the chart while the y-axis is on the left side:
- NFC (National Football Conference) – The Cowboys are 1.5 point favorites over the Redskins. The total is set at 3.5 points.
- AFC (American Football Conference) – The Los Angeles Chargers are 1 point underdogs against the Kansas City Chiefs. The total is set at 3.5 points.
- SRS (Special Running Score) – The New York Jets are 6 points underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams. The total is set at 7 points.
As an inexperienced sports bettor, you might not know that these kinds of charts are a dime a dozen and that there isn’t a whole lot of difference between them all. One of the nice things about the spread chart is that it’s relatively simple. The majority of bettors love simplicity when it comes to sports betting. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool that can help you make the right choice, the spread chart is a perfect fit. Just make sure that you’re using a reputable source for these kinds of odds.
Why Should You Bother With Spread Charts?
Here’s a short list of why you should bother with spread charts:
- Variety. There are several variations of spread charts, so you’re bound to discover a version that suits your tastes. This is important because different people have different tastes when it comes to sports. Some like their games to be more action-packed and others prefer them to be more low-scoring. By having the ability to choose a chart that suits your needs best, you’re guaranteed to have fun no matter what.
- Laypeople. If you’re new to betting or if you just want to have some fun, the simplicity of the spread chart will appeal to you. Charts like this one are ideal for those who don’t want to bog down in lots of stats and odds. While the odds may not be the easiest part of sports betting to understand, they can at least be relied upon. Spread charts are often used by people who are new to betting or by people who just want to have some fun.
- Expert Analysis. If you’re a bit of an analytical type and enjoy digging into numbers and stats, spread charts are a great place to start. Just remember that these kinds of charts are only as good as the information that’s put into them, so make sure that you’re using reliable sources which provide consistent data.
- Scalpers. If you’re a scarp, the spread chart is a great place to get your fix. You’ll typically find these kinds of charts near the top of page three in your local newspaper’s sports section. However, you have to be careful since a lot of times, the information put out by the bookmakers is deliberately false. Make sure that you’re understanding these odds correctly before placing a bet.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Of Spread Charts
There are three things that you need to be aware of when using spread charts:
- The Good. This one might seem obvious, but it’s important to point out again. The spread chart is a very convenient tool because it allows you to quickly and easily compare several different teams’ matchups. The fact that it’s widely used among bettors makes it a good choice since it means that there’s a lot of reliable data out there. Knowing that, it’s not difficult to find information about almost any team or matchup.
- The Bad. Just like with any other tool, there are various ways that this one can be used improperly. For example, if you’re not careful, you could end up with lots of erroneous data since lots of people will be trying to use this tool at once. Even then, there are ways that this can be worked around if you know where to look. However, all things considered, the spread chart is a very helpful and reliable tool at the best of times and it’s widely available for anyone who needs it. It’s also very easy to use.
- The Ugly. Just like any other tool, there are various ways in which this one can be misused as well. For example, if you look at the percentages closely, you’ll see that they’re not always accurate. Inaccurate percentages can lead to incomplete data and erroneous conclusions about a given team or match-up. Ultimately, sloppy work can lead to you losing money instead of winning it.
How Do I Calculate The Spread For A Given Matchup?
You’ll need to do a bit of research in order to be able to calculate the spread for a given matchup. First, you’ll need to find the total amount of points that will be awarded to each team:
- Home Spread: Calculate the points that will be awarded to the home team
- Away Spread: Calculate the points that will be awarded to the away team
- Over/Under (O/U): Calculate the total amount of points that will be awarded in the match, including any postseason games
With those numbers in mind, you can now calculate the spread for the given game. Simply take the total amount of points scored by both teams and subtract the points that will be awarded to the away team:
- Home Spread: Calculate the points that will be awarded to the home team
- Away Spread: Calculate the points that will be awarded to the away team
- O/U (Over/Under): Calculate the total amount of points that will be awarded in the match, including any postseason games
The above steps are the general guidelines for calculating the spread for any given game. However, as a new user, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with as many variations of this chart as possible. There are several different ways in which this can be done, so you’re sure to find a version that suits your personal preferences. Once you find the one that suits you best, you’re sure to have fun no matter what!