DFS strategy varies significantly depending on whether you are playing a small slate or a large slate. Understanding these differences can help you maximize your edge and improve profitability. This article will break down the key differences in strategy between short slates and full slates, covering lineup construction, contest selection and risk/reward adjustments.
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Small Slate vs. Large Slate DFS Strategy: How to Play Slate Sizes
The size of the DFS slate impacts every element of lineup construction. On large slates, there are more options available, creating a more spread-out ownership landscape. On small slates, player pools are condensed, ownership gets concentrated and leverage opportunities become more defined. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when adapting your DFS approach.
Lineup Construction Differences
Small slates require a higher degree of correlation in lineups since there are fewer paths to upside. Stacking players from the same team or game environment increases the chances of capturing all available points from high-scoring matchups. With fewer players to choose from, embracing volatility is key. Taking contrarian shots on low-owned players can separate you from the field. Since ownership condenses, fading a popular play can be risky, so instead of outright fading, look for pivots with comparable upside. A “stars and scrubs” build — pairing top-tier stars with deep value plays — often works best.
On large slates, there are more opportunities for leverage. The wider player pool allows for finding lower-owned alternatives to popular picks. Balanced lineups can succeed since there are more paths to winning, and stacking becomes less of a priority because multiple game environments can produce winning scores. Managing ownership projections (like Stokastic’s) is key to identifying under-the-radar options that offer strong leverage.
Contest Selection Tips
On small slates, smaller-field GPPs are often the best targets, as the condensed player pool makes massive-field tournaments difficult. Single-entry and three-max contests allow you to focus on optimal construction without competing against mass multi-entry (MME) players. Cash games can be risky due to ownership concentration, where one or two players can make or break your lineup.
For large slates, large-field GPPs become more viable since the increased player pool allows for more unique lineups. Cash games are more predictable, making them a safer option. Multi-entry strategies thrive in large slates, as they provide flexibility to spread out exposure while still targeting upside.
Adjusting Risk and Reward Based on Slate Size
Small slates require more aggression, embracing variance, targeting high-upside stacks and taking shots on low-owned plays. Large slates allow for a more nuanced approach, balancing ownership, identifying leverage spots and using game theory to make sharp pivots.
Conclusion
Adjusting your DFS strategy based on slate size is crucial for long-term success. Small slates demand higher correlation, calculated risk-taking and contest selection adjustments to mitigate variance. Large slates offer more flexibility, leverage opportunities, and diversified lineup constructions. Utilizing Stokastic’s DFS tools, including ownership projections and Sims, can help refine your strategy and maximize your edge across all slates.
By mastering both small-slate DFS strategy and DFS large-slate tactics, you can improve your results regardless of slate size. The next time you’re wondering how to play short DFS slates, remember these key adjustments and tailor your approach accordingly.
