What is DFS? (30 seconds)
DFS is a short-form version of Fantasy Sports. Instead of managing a team for an entire season, you enter single-day or single-slate contests (e.g., tonight’s NBA games). You pick a lineup, score points from real-game stats, and compete for prizes. Results settle the same day.
The DFS Basics in 7 Simple Steps
1) Choose a Contest
- Free or paid (entry fee = buy-in).
- Cash games (safer: 50/50s, head-to-heads) vs. Tournaments/GPPs (riskier, bigger top prizes).
- Slate = the set of games included (e.g., “Main Slate: 7:00–10:30 PM games”).
Tip: New players should start with 50/50 or small head-to-head contests to learn with lower variance.
2) Know the Roster Rules
Each sport has required positions and a roster size (e.g., NBA: PG, SG, SF, PF, C, plus flex spots depending on the site). Read the contest lobby’s lineup requirements before picking players.
3) Understand the Salary Cap
Most DFS uses a salary cap (e.g., $50,000).
Every player has a price. Build a lineup that fits under the cap. The key is finding value—players who can outperform their price.
4) Learn the Scoring
Points come from real stats. Example (NBA-style, varies by site):
- Points: 1
- Rebounds: 1.2
- Assists: 1.5
- Steals/Blocks: 3
- Turnovers: −1
Always check your site’s scoring page. Subtle differences (e.g., 3-point bonuses, double-double bonuses) change player value.
5) Build Your Lineup
- Start with value: Identify underpriced players (injury replacements, role changes, favorable matchups).
- Add studs: Spend on 1–3 elite players with high ceiling (massive upside).
- Balance floor & ceiling:
- Cash games → prioritize floor (consistency).
- Tournaments → prioritize ceiling (upside) and lower ownership (be a bit different).
6) Confirm News & Lock Time
Player status can change late. Recheck injuries, starting lineups, minutes before lock (the time entries close). After lock, most contests don’t allow changes.
7) Track Results & Learn
Follow live scoring. After the slate, review:
- Which picks exceeded value?
- Did late news change roles?
- How did winning lineups allocate salary (studs vs. value)?
A 3-Minute Walkthrough (NBA Example)
Contest: $2 50/50, Main Slate (5 games), $50,000 cap, roster: PG/SG/SF/PF/C/G/F/UTIL
Scoring: Standard (points/rebounds/assists/steals/blocks)
Step A: Identify value
- Starting PG at $4,200 because the usual starter is out → projects for 28 minutes.
- Defensive C at $4,800 facing a weak rebounding team.
Step B: Add studs
- Elite SF at $10,800 with 35% usage rate in a close, high-total game.
- High-assist PG at $9,600 vs. fast-paced opponent.
Step C: Fill with mid-range
- $6–7k wings who play 32–36 mins, steady peripherals (rebounds/assists).
Check: Total ≤ $50,000, all positions filled, correlation ok (pace, totals, starters confirmed).
Submit before lock.
Why this works for beginners: You anchored consistency (cash-game floor) with safe minutes and injury-driven value.
Contest Types (When to Use What)
- Head-to-Head (H2H): You vs. one opponent. Best for practicing.
- 50/50 / Double-Up: Top ~50% win. Use safe, consistent lineups.
- GPP/Tournaments: Smaller % win larger prizes. Use a ceiling-focused lineup and consider contrarian plays.
- Satellites/Qualifiers: Win tickets into bigger contests.
Beginner Strategy Checklist
- Bankroll rule: Risk only 5–10% of your bankroll per day.
- Contest selection > lineup sometimes: Play more cash while learning.
- Minutes = Money: Prioritize players with clear playing time.
- Target pace and totals: Higher-pace games and higher over/under totals usually mean more fantasy points.
- Exploit injuries: Late scratches create value—cheap starters with bigger roles.
- Avoid FOMO: Don’t chase yesterday’s outlier explosion without a reason (role, matchup, minutes).
- Diversify in tournaments: Enter 2–3 slightly different lineups rather than one all-in build.
Common Mistakes (and Fixes)
- Mistake: Picking only your favorite real-life players.
Fix: Let price, minutes, matchup, usage guide decisions. - Mistake: Ignoring late news.
Fix: Recheck status 15–30 minutes before lock; follow reliable news feeds. - Mistake: Spending evenly across all positions.
Fix: Pay up for true studs or scarce positions; find cheap value elsewhere. - Mistake: Playing only big GPPs at the start.
Fix: Learn in H2H / 50/50 first; then try small-field GPPs.
Mini-Glossary (DFS Essentials)
- Salary Cap: The budget limit for your lineup.
- Value: Output relative to salary (e.g., “5x value” = player scored 5× their $1k salary).
- Chalk: Popular, high-ownership player.
- Fade: Avoiding a chalk player.
- Stacking: Pairing teammates to benefit from correlated scoring.
- Ceiling/Floor: Upside vs. safety of a player’s expected range.
- Lock: Deadline when lineups close.
FAQs
Q: Do I need advanced stats to start?
A: No. Start with minutes, usage, matchup, pace, and injury news. Add advanced tools later.
Q: How many contests should I enter per day?
A: Keep it small (e.g., 3–5 entries) and track results. Quality over quantity.
Q: Is DFS all luck?
A: There’s variance day-to-day, but long-term results are driven by process and skill.
Conclusion
DFS is the fastest way to turn sports knowledge into fun, same-day competition.
Choose the right contest, learn scoring and salaries, build around minutes and value, and manage your bankroll. With a solid routine and attention to news, you’ll improve quickly—one slate at a time.
