[swisher33]

On the Vikings-Saints game, buying the point would have saved you. When is buying a half a point smart?

[BigdaddyQH]

NEVER. If you buy the hook, you are giving away too much money in the long run. Sure it will save you occasionally, but you will lose that 10% alot more times than you will save yourself. Buying the half point does not hit anywheres near the 10% that you would need to save yourself. If it were not a profitable wager for the books, they would not offer it. It is that simple.

[GiveMeaBJ]

Only when I want to lose more then I am supposed to.

[LT Profits]

NEVER. If you buy the hook, you are giving away too much money in the long run. Sure it will save you occasionally, but you will lose that 10% alot more times than you will save yourself. Buying the half point does not hit anywheres near the 10% that you would need to save yourself. If it were not a profitable wager for the books, they would not offer it. It is that simple.

Never say Never.

ALWAYS buy off of 3 in foots if you can do it for 20 cents or less, always buy off of 7 for 10 cents.

Beyond that, almost never, but if you are tempted, let the half-point calculator be your friend.

http://www.sbrforum.com//Betting+Too...alculator.aspx

[LT Profits]

By the way, the calculator shows nice spots to SELL points on dead football numbers.

[20Four7]

On the Vikings-Saints game, buying the point would have saved you. When is buying a half a point smart?

When the book in question offers them for free. There are several books the will give you a free half point on certain days or certain times. I always try to take advantage of that. Some of the books have conditions when dealing with 3 and 7 for football.

[Snowball]

i buy hooks like this:

Basketball 2.5,4.5,6.5,8.5,10.5, etc especially 6.5 and up
Football 3.5/4 6.5/7.5 10.5/11 13.5 14.5

[blix177]

All the time on matchbook. Sometimes I see fair value odds on main line, but the hook is sold at only 3 cent difference. I take it period.

[Dr.Gonzo]

If the price of the 1/2 point is right you might as well buy through key numbers.

Buy off or through the 3 for 20c each 1/2 point.

Buy off or through the 7, 10, 14 for 10c each 1/2 point.

[Dr.Gonzo]

I have zero experience betting NBA. Is it ever +EV to buy points?

[LT Profits]

I have zero experience betting NBA. Is it ever +EV to buy points?

I don't think it is ever worth it to buy half a point in basketball, as the numbers are not nearly as key as football.

However, if you find a book that allows you to buy 3 points at -170, there are certain subsets that have been +EV historically.

[Peeig]

If the price of the 1/2 point is right you might as well buy through key numbers.

Buy off or through the 3 for 20c each 1/2 point.

Buy off or through the 7, 10, 14 for 10c each 1/2 point.

There are sites that let you buy off the 10 and 14 for 0c.......some places only allow it on one day of the week, others allow it all the time.

[PAULYPOKER]

NEVER. If you buy the hook, you are giving away too much money in the long run. Sure it will save you occasionally, but you will lose that 10% alot more times than you will save yourself. Buying the half point does not hit anywheres near the 10% that you would need to save yourself. If it were not a profitable wager for the books, they would not offer it. It is that simple.

You tell'em Bigdaddy after all you are the master at losing over 6 figures per week

[Thremp]

This thread is full of terrible (mis)information. Buying points is purely to improve EV/EG qualities. You can do it in any sport.

[NicksPicks]

Only buy them as insurance on strong bets in order to cross key numbers of 3 and 7. NEVER buy them for college football or basketball.

[bigbank]

the play dictates whether to buy the 1/2 pt. or not. Rarely in basketball, most often in football getting off key numbers.

[LT Profits]

Only buy them as insurance on strong bets in order to cross key numbers of 3 and 7. NEVER buy them for college football or basketball.

Nothing wrong with buying off 3 and 7 in college football games with lower totals.