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What is the Difference Between a System, Angle, and a Trend?

You will hear a lot of handicappers use these keywords very loosely, even interchangeably but they are wrong to do so. Each of these three terms have significantly different meanings and should not be confused with one another.

Here is a rundown of the meanings of these terms.

• System - A set or collection of angles and trends that when combined result in a very profitable betting proposition that predicts the winners of games. A system is usually the final output of a lot of analysis and can be used by itself to make a bet.
   
• Angle - A set or collection of criteria that when combined result in a betting proposition that is slightly more profitable. Not to be confused with systems, angles are meant to identify more favorable betting scenarios like "home underdogs in division rivalry games" but not specifics to make the bet pop.
   
• Trend - A set or collection of criteria that has been turning profits within a specific time period. A trend is not something that can be considered to be true over every baseball game but represents a scenario that is only really relevant to the current time period. For example, rules changes to any sport can cause a bunch of very profitable trends that are only really valid during the time period with which they are being evaluated. Or if a team is having a lot of success in a given scenario then it would be considered a trend. Like if the Rockies are on a roll at home or if the Indians are on a roll against Left handed pitching, this is a trend and will not necessarily last forever. See our 2005 betting trends.

Check out our betting systems, and articles on betting systems, angles, and trends.