Fantasy football: how to play to win

Known in most parts of the world as fantasy football and by the North Americans as fantasy soccer, this game has spread across the globe like no other. You can create your very own fantasy team based on the performance of actual players and compete against other teams – it’s a game where skill and chance are equally important.
What’s amazing is that fantasy football was invented and developed back in 1971 – more than 46 years ago. But it’s the Internet that has made it incredibly popular worldwide, and it’s a growing industry.
For the fantasy football novice, it can be a little confusing and even a little intimidating trying to form your own winning team, a bit like learning how to play Blackjack for the first time; there’s a lot to learn in order to be successful.
So, here are the basics of fantasy football: how to play to win.
Understanding the game
It’s incredibly important that you know how the game works. It’s not real football; it’s fantasy football, a computer simulation, and the outcome is decided to a large extent by chance (i.e. a random number generator).
It’s important to understand that the computer follows its own algorithm and that the outcome of the game is decided in virtual reality. Study the simulations of other games to see how they can teach you how to create your own team.
Starter options
At the start of the season, the set-up can be done in two different ways:

• Auction
• Draft

This will influence the way you make decisions, so analyse both options, and decide which one you like best, before picking your team.
Study the statistics
You need to study the statistics, but in combination with players and teams. Be analytical in creating a system that works for you, based on hard data rather than gut instinct.
Compatibility matters
Obviously, you might choose all the best players in the world. But is that the best strategy if they can’t actually play well together? Make sure you consider player compatibility when picking your team.
The most popular players aren’t always the best pick
Think past the obvious. Picking younger players, who haven’t received a fat contract yet and are eager to prove themselves, to include in your team might be a better winning strategy than simply opting for all the popular players.
Now, there are more fantasy football variations available than ever, and more bookies are taking an interest; it’s a growing industry that attracts both gamers and online gaming website owners. It’s fun to play, and there is some good money to be made, too. If you want to be a fantasy football winner, however, you need to study it and build your own winning strategy.