Fade (the Public)

Fade (the Public)

Strategy

Definition

To “fade” means to go against. **Fading the public** is a strategy where one bets opposite to the majority of public bets, on the theory that the public (squares) is often wrong or that odds are skewed toward popular sides. It’s a contrarian approach to find value.

Formula

*N/A*

Example

If the public is heavily on Canelo, a contrarian might **fade the public** and bet Crawford, especially if they believe the odds have been inflated toward Canelo. This strategy assumes that sportsbooks shade lines knowing the public will take a popular favorite, so the value lies with the underdog.