Return to the Main FAQ's PageFAQ # 20
ALL-WaysTM Support
What is meant by mechanical play?
Why do you recommend against it?
First, let’s explore what we mean by "mechanical". "Mechanical" means little or no handicapping judgement is applied to the race. A ‘mechanical" player might say the following:
Notice the lack of handicapping in these statements. These are mechanical rules to be followed without regard to the complexities of a horse race. This is a "mechanical" player.
Now, let’s explore why "mechanical’ play is not, in our opinion, a good way to play.
A horse race has hundreds, perhaps thousands, of variables at work that will affect the outcome of the race. Profitable play requires that you do a better job of analyzing these variables than other players at the track. No doubt that a computer gives you a huge edge over other players that do not make use of this technology. But, you should never blindly accept the computers first pick. Ask yourself if there is a reason why the first pick might be vulnerable. Perhaps the horse is set to "bounce" off its last effort. Perhaps the pace of the race is setting up all wrong for the horse. Perhaps the horse looks too unsettled in the paddock. If the first pick isn’t going to win, which horse is the most likely one to beat it. Is it the 20 to 1 shot that has a fantastic Hall Final Fraction figure advantage. You get the idea.
Wagering decisions must take into account the probable payoffs in relation to the probability of the horse winning the race. To be profitable, you should wager on Overlays and you should not wager on Underlays (See the related FAQ below). So, why set some artificial payoff restriction that has no relation to the specific race. For example, an even money horse is still an Overlay if ALL-Ways says it is a 3 to 5 horse. A 3 to 1 horse is not an Overlay if ALL-Ways has the horse at 4 to 1.
"Mechanical" play typically leads to many plays on a race card. Some "mechanical" players even like to bet the computers first pick and to bet every race on a card. For sure, you will lose money if you try to play every race! Most successful (read that as profitable players) will average playing only 3 to 5 races on a ten race card. This is perhaps the single most important argument against "mechanical" play. "Mechanical" players do not apply the handicapping judgement necessary to determine which races to pass. And, if you do not pass races that should be passed, you will lose money!
So, let ALL-Ways select the contenders and point you towards the most likely winners. But, for sure apply some handicapping judgement and apply some sound wagering principles to your play. ALL-Ways gives you an incredible edge over any player that is not using ALL-Ways. Do not toss this edge away by trying to approach this wonderful game as a "mechanical player". And, be sure to read the ALL-Ways Newsletters. They will provide you with great tips for using all the information in ALL-Ways to take full advantage of the edge that ALL-Ways provides.
Related FAQ: What is an Overlay? What is an Underlay? (FAQ 22)
Related FAQ: Follow good wagering and money management practices. (FAQ 3)