[Shawn01]

Aside from eliminating any possibility of a push, what point do 1/2 point lines serve?

[Razz]

The linesmakers are generally so accurate, they know what number will draw them equal action, and that is the difference in a line that is 3.5 or 4. Still, it is mostly the possibility of eliminating a push. Think about it. If people were betting $110,000 to win $100,000 on both sides of an event, wouldn't you want to ensure it didn't end in a tie?

[Shawn01]

The linesmakers are generally so accurate, they know what number will draw them equal action, and that is the difference in a line that is 3.5 or 4. Still, it is mostly the possibility of eliminating a push. Think about it. If people were betting $110,000 to win $100,000 on both sides of an event, wouldn't you want to ensure it didn't end in a tie?

Thanks Razz, and I would want to ensure such a bet didn't end in a tie....if it meant I won
The other kind of line that throws me is the very small one. For instance, Cleveland is +2 at Houston this week. Last week the Giants won by 1 point, but that's uncommon. Seems to me a +2/-2 line might as well be a pick-em line, since it's highly unlikely one team will win by 1 point. Of course, I'm new to all this and trying to learn as I go, hence my small wagers and small bankroll.

[spanky]

shawn, 1/2 pt lines are big in nfl now with 2pt conversions that some coaches always manage to screw up.

[rm18]

Sure it is rare to win a game by less than 3, when you have a 2 point line the underdog will win straight up over 45% of the time

[Shawn01]

If I understand the parlance correctly I actually won by "the hook". I bet the under on the Bears/Lions game. The line was 32.5 pts. and the final score was 19-13. Thank you, bookmaker, for putting that 1/2 point on the line!
:+textinbu