Boy oh boy!
Systems never work?
Systems can never have a long lifetime?
The problem is that most systems have too many rules, so you are relying on the results of exact filtered criteria to reproduce.
Added to this is that often the profit is gained from anomoly outsiders, so the chances of continued success are remote.
Systems do work, but they must be completely logical, there must be a specific reason for the parameters of the filter, not just "that's the band that's profitable".
Handicappers use systems, bookmakers use systems, they are ratings or market systems, they have to arrive at the ratings or prices via a set of rules.
The rules might be quite different to "forum rules", but they are a systematic approach.
Some of my systems have been going for twelve years and are still successful. Most of the systems I post on the forum are new ideas, or system tests, they are not the core systems I rely on day to day.
I'm always looking to value add to the systems in my toolbox.
I would say, I have developed the skill to be able to put most systems in the rubbish category just by looking at the rules and results.
Now and then I stumble onto a gem.
Possibly the most important skill is being able to identify the difference between a downward trend and a changing market.
But with each metamorphasis of the betting market comes new opportunities, that 5 years ago weren't there.
My advice is to find an approach that suits you, that's probably more important than the approach itself.
I've tried Mark's way and couldn't handle the sheer nature of it.
Tried The Ocho's trading and couldn't crack it.
That's not a criticism of them or their approaches, in fact I have great respect for anyone who can do it.
It just doesn't suit my style.
There are others who have one or two very large bets a week, again not me.
Find what you enjoy, what doesn't get you stressed, and do it as often as you can is my advice. These days with the odds advantages, unless you're undisciplined, you really can't do too much damage, unless you plough headlong into a losing system with staking plans
