Handicapper questions

[NDfootballfan]

I am new to this forum and new to betting. I do have a few a few questions.

1. When someones tells you to place 1 unit on the game, what is the unti representing.

2. Who are the best handicappers to follow on here.

3. Is there a good site to find information to do my own research and see how the teams stack up against each other.

I appreciate any advice that anyone can give me.

Thanks

 

[IrishTim]

1. 1 unit typically means risk 1.1 to win 1 on a spread. Faves it's same thing (i.e. for a -215 bet, risk 2.15 units to win 1 unit). For dogs, it's risk 1 unit to win 2.15 (for a +215 bet). People usually speak in units because talking about how much $ people actually bet is kind of taboo.

2. Look around at the records. If people aren't posting a record with their plays, don't follow. Personally, I don't believe in tailing a handicapper unless you are going to follow them from the first play to the last play. So many times I've seen a guy go up 20 units in the first 2 weeks, everyone start tailing, and he's only up 12 units by seasons end. He had a successful season, but everyone tailing lost 8 units.

3. Tons of them out there, depending on sport, what you're looking for. NFL, I like advancedNFLstats. MLB, I mainly just use stats from MLB.com and various databases. For college basketball, the pomeroy power ratings are a good starting point. You'll accumulate more sites and resources, the more serious you get.

Go Irish