Cancelled my software !

[teddy]

Not sure I have seen a difference, Hit 4 pick 4s and some pick 5 off the racing form. Bet one track now instead of 3. Do we really need all that stuff...

[PaceAdvantage]

Some find it useful. Others don't. Like every other tool in this game, whether it be on a computer or sitting on your desk in paper form.

I, for the life of me, can't figure out why those who don't use a computer (or have cancelled their software), often try and paint those that do as somehow inferior in some way.

I never read threads or posts on here from computer guys putting down those who don't use a computer, do you? I'm not saying you were putting those who use computers down, but I can see this thread will quickly head in that direction.

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

I never read threads or posts on here from computer guys putting down those who don't use a computer, do you? I'm not saying you were putting those who use computers down, but I can see this thread will quickly head in that direction.

I have seen several threads here where certain highly-regarded mathematical "geniuses" have proclaimed that the paper and pencil handicapper can no longer effectively compete against the computer-assisted player.

It has even been suggested on this board that the "paper and pencil" handicapper can no longer win...

I am surprised you've missed it...

[pktruckdriver]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

I have seen several threads here where certain highly-regarded mathematical "geniuses" have proclaimed that the paper and pencil handicapper can no longer effectively compete against the computer-assisted player.

It has even been suggested on this board that the "paper and pencil" handicapper can no longer win...

I am surprised you've missed it...

You gotta love this place ...


Patrick

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

I have seen several threads here where certain highly-regarded mathematical "geniuses" have proclaimed that the paper and pencil handicapper can no longer effectively compete against the computer-assisted player.

It has even been suggested on this board that the "paper and pencil" handicapper can no longer win...

I am surprised you've missed it...

I probably missed it because it's such a rarity. Would you not agree the ratio of "using computers makes you less of a handicapper" posts compared to "using pencil and paper makes you less of a handicapper" posts is skewed greatly towards the former?

Then again, I may be lumping in "speed and pace figures" along with computers...there may be even more anti-speed figure folks than anti-computer, but then again, sometimes they are one and the same thing (speed and pace figures generated via computer).

[thaskalos]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

I probably missed it because it's such a rarity. Would you not agree the ratio of "using computers makes you less of a handicapper" posts compared to "using pencil and paper makes you less of a handicapper" posts is skewed greatly towards the former?

Then again, I may be lumping in "speed and pace figures" along with computers...there may be even more anti-speed figure folks than anti-computer, but then again, sometimes they are one and the same thing (speed and pace figures generated via computer).

No...I think that the computer guys are a lot more critical of us pencil and paper guys than we are of them.

I agree that the computer, in the right hands, can be a very powerful ally...but it has to be in the right hands.

Computers don't beat this game...horseplayers do.

[raybo]

Actually, it may be that there are more "whatever works for you" responses than either of the other two.

[PaceAdvantage]

Originally Posted by thaskalos

No...I think that the computer guys are a lot more critical of us pencil and paper guys than we are of them.

It's rather odd that we see this from completely different perspectives.

I'd like you to point out one thread started by a computer guy that is critical of pencil and paper guys. Just one.

[cj]

Originally Posted by PaceAdvantage

It's rather odd that we see this from completely different perspectives.

I'd like you to point out one thread started by a computer guy that is critical of pencil and paper guys. Just one.

I don't recall any of those.

I will say that anyone can improve his game using a computer in some manner if they have an open mind and can learn to use one. Computers don't make decisions unless you want them to do so. They are great for doing calculations, organizing data, and formatting output.

[Maximillion]

Originally Posted by cj

I don't recall any of those.

I will say that anyone can improve his game using a computer in some manner if they have an open mind and can learn to use one. Computers don't make decisions unless you want them to do so. They are great for doing calculations, organizing data, and formatting output.

Im a pen and form player but not adverse to eventually using software.

Im just having a hard time trying to nail down exactly what I would want it to "do".
For me...looking at each horse "bottom to top" on the drf is a staple(Ive trained myself to do this quickly)

I would say the "race shape" of any given race(past or present) would be very useful to me if I didnt have that information.

For those not using software.....what info would be most useful for you?
(that software would provide at the touch of a button)

[teddy]

Without a computer we are left with a form, some of which is computed figures. I would say I look at figures, race shape and connections to come up with selections. Disqualify horses with good figs due to race shape and class. No computer just limits my number of races played. And nope, never said a thing about any computer guys being silly for spending $2000 a year on data. Really though the data is cheap if you are playing even 5 tracks a day.

[PhantomOnTour]

I think we need to make a distinction btw those who handicap via a program or other subscribed software (that analyzes and simulates a race with X amount of variables) and those that merely store data/records etc on a computer and use that in their handicapping.
Big difference

[bigmack]

I know most of the software offerings out there with the exception of Formulator. Doesn't Form'later display data exactly as it's found in LeForm on one of their screens making it ostensibly the same as capping by DRF?

[Maximillion]

Originally Posted by pktruckdriver

You gotta love this place ...


Patrick

I could be out of line by saying this(since I use no software) but...I would think that using "multiple" software in daily play could possibly be "information overload".

My guess would be it would be better to stick with one (any one) and learn to "own" it in regards to to your own play.....before moving on to another......just my opinion.

[JimG]

All that matters is winning, whether done by computer or just using the form is immaterial. Of course some play for recreation, not that there's anything wrong with that.