My colleagues and I play fantasy football, baseball, hockey, and the English Premier League (EPL). We all have our own style of play, and throughout the past few years, I’ve picked up on owner’s tendencies. For, knowing an opponents playing style can help during the draf,t and while working a trade. Below are different playing styles I’ve, uh exploited. Wait… that’s not nice: styles that I’ve characterized. Maybe you’ll recognize yourself somewhere?
Calculator: I may as well start with myself. My decisions will be calculated. I will look at stats, evaluate what my intuition is saying, and then make my decision. During the draft, the foundation of my picks will be Best Player Available based on rankings from different sources injected with intuition picks or eliminations. If you want to trade with me, it’s best to present your trade with stats but I still may decline if my gut tells me so.
Method Maniac: The method man is very similar to the Calculator but less reliant on intuition with more discipline and a bit more pointed to the strategy side. In formats like baseball and hockey where the number of games is limited, the Method Maniac will rarely go over on games during the season. Our Method Maniac usually is under on games and lingers around 5th place. Then, towards the end of the season Mr. Method will begin streaming positions and gaining points. Since the Method Maniac is resistant to trades, it will help to show that the method isn’t going to work with the current roster.
Impulsinator: This is the guy that dropped Cody Bellinger last season. Even if the stats state otherwise, the Impulsinator is taking action and will most likely lead waiver wire moves. If the Impulsinator offers a trade, wait. It is very possible that the player being offered will be on the waiver wire. The Impulsinator is usually very knowledgeable – just can’t control the urge.
Casual: The Casual player is very nonchalant. He or she might:
- read highlights but has no time for full articles.
- glance at the roster, performing required maintenance such as setting the roster, but little more.
- might make waiver wire transactions which could occur once a week.
- will not stream positions as it is way too much work.
The Casual player is heavily reliant on draft picks’ success. Decisions may largely be based upon tools within the fantasy game’s site, such as ranks, % adds, or season points. Remember, the Casual player keeps it simple and using the same site is easy. Knowing what information will be used will help in proposing a trade. The Casual player with an underperforming team is a great target for a trade.
Home Teamer: Live or die by your home team. Obvious: He/She is the player stacking their roster with players from the HOME team. In one of my football leagues, we have a Cowboys fan who I went up against in the playoffs when they 
played the Giants. (I think he survived.) Home Teamers don’t often win but they are fun and they have fun. During the draft, Home Teamers are somewhat predictable. If you’re playing an Astro’s fan and want George Springer, you’ll probably have to draft the G-Spring early. Want to trade? Throw in an Astro. Want to have fun? Draft one of the Home Teamer’s studs a little early. I did this to our O’s player (took Chris Davis early two years ago) and completely threw him off his draft. Cried all season!
Which style is best? The style that fits you best and is the most fun. If you’re not having fun, why you even play, right? I’m a fitness dork. People will ask me what workout they should do. I always respond, “the one you like.” For example, I can’t stand group exercise, but if you do, and that gets to the gym, go for it!
And remember two more tidits.
- The Casual players will not play if it means performing research like a Calculator.
- We’ve all won a championship doing it our way, so be you!
Follow Elaine @ElaineC_speaks.
