When should I hedge a bet?

The short answer is: usually never.

If you're placing positive EV bets, you will - in the long run - be more profitable if you don't hedge. This is because the hedge is usually a negative EV bet. You are sacrificing EV and in return getting lower variance.

That said, here are some examples where hedging your bet may make sense.

When it makes sense to hedge

• You're building a bankroll and don't have the liquidity to handle variance
• Lines have moved and your hedge bet is actually +EV now
• You're placing a zero hold bet to qualify for a bet-and-get promo
• A boost maximum is above your quarter Kelly, and you want to hedge out some of the risk while maxing the promo
• You accidentally bet too much and can't cash out at full value

If any of these apply, you can use the hedge calculator to figure out your hedge amount. Before you do, see why hedging lowers EV.