What Is a Same-Game Parlay (SGP)? Full Guide for NFL & NBA
- Greg Kajewski
- 4 days ago
- 19 min read
A Same-Game Parlay (SGP) is a single bet combining multiple wagers (or "legs") from the same game. To win, all legs must hit. Popular in NFL and NBA betting, SGPs let you bet on spreads, totals, player props, and more, all tied to one event. For example, in a Lakers vs. Warriors game, you could bet on the Lakers to win, LeBron James to score 25+ points, and the total score to exceed 220.5.
Why are SGPs popular? They offer higher potential payouts and let you build bets around a specific game narrative. However, payouts are adjusted to account for correlations between legs, often reducing the overall return compared to traditional parlays. SGPs are exciting but come with higher risk since one missed leg means the entire bet loses.
Key points:
NFL Example: Bet on Chiefs -3.5, Mahomes 300+ passing yards, and Over 49.5 points.
NBA Example: Bet on Celtics to win, Tatum 30+ points, and Over 220.5 points.
Risks: Lower win probability with more legs, reduced payouts due to correlation adjustments.
For smarter SGPs, stick to 2-4 legs, focus on logical game scripts, and use tools like parlay calculators to estimate payouts. Bet smaller amounts to manage risk. SGPs are all about balancing fun and strategy while enjoying a single game’s action.
Calculate Your Parlay Odds Instantly Before placing any bet, see the exact payout, probability, and profit using our Parlay Calculator.
How Same-Game Parlays Work
Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) let you combine multiple bets from a single game into one ticket. This means you’re not just picking a winner - you’re stacking markets to create a more dynamic wager.
In NFL SGPs, popular bet types include:
Moneyline: Betting on a team to win (e.g., Chiefs to beat the Bills).
Point spread: Betting on a team to cover the spread (e.g., Chiefs -3.5).
Game total: Over/Under on the total score (e.g., Over 49.5 points).
Player props: Examples include Patrick Mahomes Over 299.5 passing yards, running back rushing yards, wide receiver receptions, or anytime/first touchdown scorer.
Game props: Options like winning margin, alternate spreads/totals, first team to score, team total points, or specific quarter/half outcomes.
For NBA SGPs, the structure is similar but tailored to basketball:
Moneyline: Betting on a team to win (e.g., Celtics to beat the Lakers).
Point spread: Betting on a team to cover the spread (e.g., Celtics -6.5).
Game total: Over/Under on the total score (e.g., Over 220.5 points).
Player props: Examples include Jayson Tatum Over 30.5 points, rebounds, assists, three-pointers made, or points + rebounds + assists (PRA) combinations.
Game props: Options like team total points, winning margin, race to a specific point total, or quarter/half totals.
Here’s a quick comparison of common bet types across the two sports:
Bet Type | NFL Example | NBA Example |
Moneyline | Chiefs to win | Celtics to win |
Spread | Chiefs -3.5 | Celtics -6.5 |
Game Total | Over 49.5 points | Over 220.5 points |
Player Prop | Mahomes Over 299.5 passing yards | Tatum Over 30.5 points |
Game Prop | First team to score | Race to 20 points |
What makes SGPs so engaging is the ability to mix team outcomes (like spreads or totals) with individual player performances. You’re not just betting on who will win - you’re predicting how the game will unfold.
How to Build an SGP: Step-by-Step
Creating a Same-Game Parlay is straightforward, especially with the tools most sportsbooks provide. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Select a game Pick a specific matchup, such as "Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys" for the NFL or "Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers" for the NBA.
Step 2: Choose your bet types Select at least two markets from the game. For example:
NFL: Eagles moneyline, Over 48.5 points, and Jalen Hurts Over 250.5 passing yards.
NBA: Warriors -3.5, Over 229.5 points, and Stephen Curry 4+ made three-pointers.
Step 3: Add your selections to the bet slip Use the sportsbook app or website to add your chosen markets. Most platforms will automatically recognize these as part of the same game and group them into an SGP. Look for a "Same Game Parlay" toggle or tab to make the process even easier.
Step 4: Review the odds and potential payout The sportsbook will calculate the combined odds and display your potential payout based on your stake. For instance, a $10 SGP at +400 odds would pay $50 total ($40 profit plus your $10 stake). You can also use tools like the Parlay Calculator to estimate your returns.
Step 5: Confirm and place your bet Double-check your selections, enter your stake, and submit your wager. Once the game begins, every play affects multiple legs of your ticket, making the experience more exciting than spreading bets across different games.
Before placing your bet, take a moment to review the specific rules that apply to SGPs for your platform.
Rules and Limitations for SGPs
While SGPs offer plenty of flexibility, they also come with certain restrictions that vary by sportsbook. Knowing these rules can help you avoid issues when building your bets.
Minimum and maximum leg counts Most sportsbooks require at least 2 legs for an SGP, with maximums typically ranging from 10 to 20 legs. Some platforms cap SGPs at 12 or 15 legs. While adding more legs can lead to higher payouts, it also drastically lowers your chances of winning. Keep in mind that odds are adjusted for correlation, so the potential payout may not scale as expected.
Duplicate and conflicting legs are not allowed You can’t include duplicate or directly opposing bets (like "Over 49.5" and "Under 49.5") in the same SGP. These selections will be rejected by the bet slip.
Not all markets are eligible Certain props, such as alternate lines, futures, or niche bets (like "exact winning margin"), may not be available for SGPs. Always check the sportsbook’s interface to see which options can be combined.
Voided or pushed legs If one leg of your SGP is voided or results in a push (e.g., a total that lands exactly on the line or a player prop for an inactive player), that leg will typically be removed. The remaining bets will form a smaller parlay, and the payout will be recalculated. For example, a 4-leg SGP with one voided leg becomes a 3-leg parlay. This adjustment often reduces the potential payout, so it’s important to review the house rules before placing your bet.
Odds are adjusted for correlation Unlike traditional parlays, SGPs use custom pricing to account for correlated outcomes. This means the combined odds are almost always lower than they would be in a standard parlay. For instance, a two-leg traditional parlay with odds of -110 and -108 might pay around +267, but in an SGP, the payout could be closer to +232 - a difference of about 15% due to correlation adjustments.
Understanding these rules can help you craft SGPs that work within the platform’s constraints while giving you the best shot at success. At BettorEdge, we offer transparent odds and tools to help you navigate these limitations and find better value in your SGPs.
Odds, Correlations, and Pricing in Same-Game Parlays
How SGP Odds Are Calculated
In traditional parlays, sportsbooks calculate odds by converting each leg's American odds into implied probabilities, multiplying them (assuming the outcomes are independent), and then converting the result back into odds. For example, combining odds of -110 and -108 would give you a payout of roughly +267.
Same-Game Parlays (SGPs), however, operate differently. Since all legs come from the same game, they’re rarely independent. For instance, if a quarterback throws for 300+ yards, it increases the likelihood that their top receiver will also exceed their yardage total. Similarly, a team covering a -7.5 spread often means they’ve scored enough points to push the game total higher. These correlations significantly impact how SGP odds are calculated.
Sportsbooks use proprietary engines to estimate the joint probability of all selected legs. When legs are positively correlated - meaning they’re more likely to win together - the combined probability is higher than simple multiplication would suggest, leading to reduced payouts. On the other hand, negatively correlated legs - where one outcome makes another less likely - should theoretically increase payouts, though sportsbooks often limit this benefit.
On average, SGP payouts are about 15% lower than what independent multiplication would suggest. Tools like the Parlay Calculator can help you estimate what the payout would be without factoring in correlations, giving you a clearer picture of how much the sportsbook is adjusting for these relationships.
The adjustments all come down to the statistical correlations between the legs, which we’ll break down next.
Understanding Correlations Between SGP Legs
Correlation is a measure of how one outcome influences another, and it’s a key factor in determining SGP pricing. When two legs are positively correlated, they tend to win together more often than random chance would suggest. Conversely, negative correlations mean that one outcome makes the other less likely.
Positive Correlations
Positive correlations are the most common in SGPs and are a major reason payouts are reduced. Here are some examples:
NFL Scenarios:
Quarterback passing yards over + primary wide receiver receiving yards over: If a quarterback throws for a high yardage total, their primary receiver is more likely to exceed their yardage threshold. For instance, if Patrick Mahomes throws for 320 yards, Travis Kelce’s chances of hitting his receiving total increase.
Team spread favorite + game total over: A team covering a -7.5 spread often scores enough points to push the total game score higher.
Quarterback passing touchdowns over + team total points over: Multiple touchdown passes naturally increase the team’s total points.
Running back anytime touchdown + team moneyline: A running back scoring a touchdown can boost the team’s chances of winning, especially for teams that rely on the ground game.
NBA Scenarios:
Star player points over + team to cover the spread: A big scoring night from a star player, like Jayson Tatum scoring over 30.5 points, increases the likelihood of the Celtics covering a -6.5 spread.
Player made threes over + player points over: Three-pointers contribute directly to a player’s total points, so these props often rise together. For example, if Stephen Curry hits 5+ threes, he’s more likely to surpass his points total.
High game total over + multiple player points overs: In fast-paced, high-scoring games, several players are more likely to hit their individual scoring targets.
Home team spread favorite + opponent team total under: A dominant performance by the favorite often coincides with the opponent scoring fewer points than expected.
For example, if Mahomes over 2.5 passing touchdowns is priced at +200 and Kelce over 80.5 receiving yards is +150, multiplying them independently might suggest a +650 payout. However, the SGP price might be closer to +500 due to their strong positive correlation.
Negative Correlations
Negative correlations occur when one leg winning reduces the likelihood of another. Some examples include:
NFL Examples:
Opponent team total under 17.5 + star wide receiver over 110.5 receiving yards: If the receiver is racking up big yardage, the opposing team is likely scoring some points, making the under less likely to hit.
Team under rushing yards + quarterback over passing attempts: A pass-heavy game plan typically reduces rushing yardage totals.
NBA Examples:
Bench player points over + star teammate points under: If the star player struggles or sits during a blowout, the bench player might see more usage, but both outcomes rarely occur together.
Game total under + multiple players over on points: In a slow-paced, defensive game, it’s harder for several players to exceed their scoring thresholds.
While negative correlations should theoretically increase payouts, sportsbooks tend to limit this benefit.
Beyond obvious statistical relationships, subtler correlations arise from factors like game script, pace, and matchups. For example, in the NFL, a pass-heavy game script might increase passing-related props while reducing rushing totals. In the NBA, a fast-paced game boosts totals for points, assists, and rebounds, while a slower, defensive game dampens individual performances. Advanced SGP tools factor in these broader contexts rather than treating each prop as an isolated event.
How Sportsbooks Adjust SGP Odds
Building on joint probability and correlation, sportsbooks use proprietary models to fine-tune SGP payouts. Instead of simply multiplying independent probabilities, these models estimate the likelihood of all legs winning together using historical data and simulations. This combined probability is then converted into odds, with an added margin for the sportsbook.
This process creates what’s often called a correlation penalty. For example, an NFL SGP with highly correlated legs - such as quarterback passing yards, wide receiver receiving yards, and team total over - might produce odds of +600 when independent calculations suggest +800. The difference reflects both the correlation adjustment and the sportsbook’s built-in margin.
Sportsbooks may also block or restrict certain combinations that are too correlated to price fairly. Common restrictions include:
Same-team moneyline + same-team spread: These bets are nearly identical in risk, so they’re often not allowed together.
Same-player "ladder" props: For example, combining "Player X over 25.5 points" with "Player X over 30.5 points" is typically prohibited since one outcome is a subset of the other.
Mutually exclusive outcomes: Bets like "Player to score first touchdown" and "Player anytime touchdown" are often blocked, as are conflicting totals like "Over 49.5" and "Under 49.5."
Aggressive alternate lines: Some books restrict combinations like a team moneyline with an extremely high alternate team total to avoid exploitation by sharp bettors.
These restrictions vary by sportsbook, so it’s worth checking your betslip to see what’s allowed. If a selection grays out or becomes unavailable, it’s usually due to excessive correlation or house rules.
In addition to these adjustments, sportsbooks often impose lower maximum payouts or stake limits on SGPs compared to straight bets. For instance, a bookmaker might allow a higher maximum wager on a moneyline bet but cap SGPs at much lower amounts, especially for exotic combinations, to limit their financial exposure.
Ultimately, the combination of correlation adjustments, restricted combinations, and added margins means sportsbooks hold a higher edge on SGPs than on traditional parlays or straight bets.
How to Build WINNING Same-Game Parlays
Benefits and Risks of Same-Game Parlays
Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) bring a thrilling twist to sports betting by combining high-reward potential with equally high risks. Understanding both the perks and pitfalls is key to making informed decisions about when and how much to bet.
Benefits of SGPs
SGPs come with several appealing features: the ability to create customized bets, the chance for big payouts from small wagers, and a more immersive game-watching experience.
Customizable bet options are a standout feature. SGPs let you combine various bet types - like spreads, totals, player props, and team props - all within a single game. For instance, you could bet on the Chiefs covering -7.5, Patrick Mahomes throwing for over 280.5 yards, and Travis Kelce scoring a touchdown. This setup allows you to craft bets that align with specific game scenarios, whether you're predicting a high-scoring shootout or a defensive battle.
High payout potential is another major draw. With SGPs, even a small bet can lead to substantial winnings if all your chosen outcomes align. This makes them attractive for bettors looking to maximize returns without placing large wagers.
Enhanced game engagement is where SGPs truly shine. By focusing all your bets on one game, every play becomes meaningful. Whether you're tracking a quarterback's passing yards, a running back’s touchdowns, or the final score, SGPs can make watching a single game more exciting and immersive - especially for marquee matchups in the NFL or NBA.
Additionally, SGPs allow for a deeper dive into a single game. Unlike traditional parlays, which spread bets across multiple games, SGPs let you channel your research into one matchup. This approach rewards knowledge of team strategies, player performances, and potential game scripts, creating a more focused betting experience.
Risks and Downsides of SGPs
While SGPs offer plenty of excitement, they come with significant risks that bettors should be aware of. These risks often stem from the odds adjustments and correlations discussed earlier.
Lower chances of winning are the most obvious downside. A single bet might have a 52–55% chance of success, but adding more legs to an SGP drastically reduces your odds. For example, if each leg has a 55% chance, a 2-leg SGP drops to about a 30% chance, a 3-leg SGP to 17%, and a 5-leg SGP to just 5%.
Reduced payouts due to correlation adjustments are another challenge. Sportsbooks factor in correlations between your chosen bets, often trimming payouts by around 15% compared to what you'd expect if the odds were calculated independently.
Higher house edge further impacts your returns. While single bets typically carry a house edge of 5–7%, SGPs often come with an edge of 8–12%. This increased margin can erode profitability over time, especially for frequent bettors.
The all-or-nothing nature of SGPs adds to their volatility. Even if you correctly predict nine out of ten legs, one wrong pick means you lose your entire wager. In contrast, individual bets allow you to profit on correct picks while minimizing losses from misses. This structure makes long losing streaks more likely, even for seasoned bettors.
Complexity in evaluating odds is another hurdle. Many bettors underestimate the compounded risk of linking multiple bets and overestimate the advantage of aligning them with a single game narrative. While it might feel like you're gaining an edge by betting on a cohesive storyline, sportsbooks use advanced models to account for correlations, often pricing them more accurately than casual bettors can.
Given these risks, it's crucial to have tools and strategies to make smarter SGP decisions.
How BettorEdge Reduces SGP Risks
BettorEdge provides features designed to address the challenges of SGPs, helping bettors make more informed and strategic wagers.
Community-driven pricing eliminates hidden correlation penalties. By allowing users to set their own odds or accept offers from other bettors, BettorEdge ensures fairer value based on real demand and supply.
Lower fees improve profitability over time. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, BettorEdge operates with smaller margins, which translates to better returns for bettors in the long run.
Shared insights and strategies through the platform’s social features empower users to make smarter bets. By engaging with the community, bettors can learn about player prop correlations and gain valuable advice from others’ experiences.
Bet tracking tools offer a way to analyze your SGP performance over time. This helps identify successful strategies and areas for improvement, enabling more calculated decisions in the future.
Flexibility to buy or sell bets adds another layer of control. If most legs of your SGP have hit but one remains uncertain, you can sell your position rather than risk losing it all.
Finally, BettorEdge’s social features encourage accountability. Sharing your bets with the community fosters thoughtful bet construction and discourages common mistakes like adding too many legs or ignoring negative correlations.
For those looking to incorporate SGPs into a broader betting strategy, BettorEdge provides the tools, transparency, and community support needed to make smarter, more profitable wagers.
Best Practices for Building Better Same-Game Parlays
Creating a successful Same-Game Parlay (SGP) requires a solid game plan and careful bankroll management. Building on earlier discussions about SGP construction and odds, here are some practical tips to sharpen your approach.
Tips for Building Better SGPs
The backbone of any well-crafted SGP is a clear game script - a detailed prediction of how you think the game will play out. For example, if you anticipate a high-scoring battle with the Chiefs pulling away late, your script might include a heavy passing game. From there, you’d add legs that align with this scenario, like Patrick Mahomes over 280.5 passing yards, Travis Kelce over 5.5 receptions, and the game total over.
Start by looking at the big picture before diving into specific props. For instance, in an NFL game with a 52.5-point total, you might predict a pass-heavy shootout. In basketball, if a Warriors vs. Kings game has a 235-point total, you could expect a fast-paced matchup. Based on this narrative, you might include legs like Stephen Curry over 4.5 three-pointers, De’Aaron Fox over 24.5 points, and the game total over.
Choose legs that complement each other. In football, pairing a quarterback’s passing yards over with a top receiver’s receiving yards over makes sense because their performances are linked. In basketball, a guard’s points over might pair well with their assists over in a high-possession game. On the flip side, avoid conflicting bets - like combining a game total under with multiple player scoring overs.
Keep your SGPs simple and focused, ideally sticking to two to four legs. Adding more legs might seem tempting, but each one significantly lowers your chances of winning, especially when sportsbooks adjust for correlations.
Bet smaller amounts on SGPs. Treat them as side bets, risking only 0.25 to 0.5 units of your usual wager. For example, if you typically bet $50, consider putting just $10 to $20 on an SGP. Before placing your bet, use tools like the Parlay Calculator to check your potential return and ensure the risk aligns with your overall betting strategy.
By following these tips, you’ll build smarter SGPs and steer clear of common traps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest pitfalls is adding too many legs in the hope of chasing a massive payout. As mentioned earlier, each additional leg drastically reduces your win probability, often more than the payout increase justifies.
Another mistake is ignoring correlations. For example, pairing a heavy underdog moneyline with a favorite’s star player over on points creates a scenario where one outcome undercuts the other. Similarly, combining a game total under with multiple player scoring overs contradicts the logic of your game script.
Don’t chase losses by increasing your stake or adding extra legs after a losing bet. This only magnifies the risk at the worst possible time, leading to bigger setbacks. Stick to consistent unit sizes, no matter how recent results have gone.
Lastly, support your game script with data. While having a narrative is crucial, make sure the probabilities align with the sportsbook's implied odds. Keep in mind that sportsbooks often reduce SGP payouts by about 15% compared to independently priced legs, which can eat into your potential profits.
Using Data and Tools for Better SGPs
Beyond strategy and discipline, using data and analytical tools can take your SGPs to the next level.
Understand the key factors behind each prop. In NFL games, this might mean analyzing pace of play, pass-to-run ratios, and target shares for similar game scenarios. For example, check the historical connection rates between a quarterback and their top receiver to confirm your assumptions about correlation.
In NBA games, look at pace, player usage rates, and rotation patterns. A points over bet becomes more appealing in a fast-paced game with lots of possessions, especially if starters are expected to play heavy minutes.
Pay attention to line movement to gauge market sentiment. If a game total increases alongside passing or scoring props, it supports a high-scoring or pass-heavy narrative. Just remember that sportsbooks often adjust odds to account for these correlations.
Finally, apply simple logic: ask yourself, “If one leg hits, does it make the other leg more likely?” For instance, if a running back surpasses their rushing yards line, it might indicate their team controlled the game, which could also align with related bets. Tools like BettorEdge’s insights and bet tracking features can help you see what’s working for others and refine your strategy based on your own performance.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Same-Game Parlays
Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) have become a staple in NFL and NBA betting because they allow you to craft a detailed narrative around one game. Instead of spreading your focus across multiple matchups, SGPs let you zero in on a single contest. Picture a game where the Chiefs dominate, with Mahomes throwing three touchdowns and the total hitting the over, or a defensive battle where the under cashes alongside low-scoring props. These bets give you the chance to tell that story.
SGPs bring a mix of flexibility and potential for big payouts, but they come with tradeoffs. As covered in this guide, the built-in correlation among outcomes reduces payouts by about 15% compared to independent-leg parlays, and the house edge is higher than with straight bets. That correlation penalty is baked into the pricing.
For the best experience, treat SGPs as low-stakes, entertainment-focused wagers. Stick to two to four legs that align with a single game script, avoid contradictory picks, and keep your bets conservative - around 0.25 to 0.5 units (e.g., $10 to $20 if your usual bet is $50).
Before placing your bet, test it with the Parlay Calculator. This tool shows how adding or removing a leg changes your potential return. Compare the implied payout from multiplying the odds to what the sportsbook offers to see how correlation penalties impact your value.
If you're looking to expand your knowledge, start with a basic parlay overview to understand multi-game parlays. Then, check out a parlay payout explanation to grasp how odds multiply and how adding legs affects implied probability. Finally, dive into our smart parlay strategy guide to figure out when parlays, including SGPs, are worth it and when straight bets might be the better option.
BettorEdge’s peer-to-peer platform makes it easier to place informed wagers. With transparent pricing and tools like bet tracking and performance analytics, you get a clearer picture of value. Instead of hidden correlation penalties, you see market-driven pricing from fellow users, often leading to better odds and lower fees. For serious NFL and NBA fans, this setup provides a smarter way to approach SGPs.
To wrap things up, here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind for your next Same-Game Parlay:
Start with a clear game script.
Limit yourself to two to four well-thought-out legs.
Ensure your picks are logically correlated.
Keep your bet sizes conservative.
Use tools and data to confirm your strategy.
When you’re ready, head to the Parlay Calculator to check your potential payouts and make sure your bet fits your overall plan. SGPs are here to stay, so approach them wisely and make the most of the opportunity.
FAQs
How are Same-Game Parlay odds calculated, and why are the payouts often smaller than regular parlays?
Sportsbooks determine Same-Game Parlay (SGP) odds by combining the individual odds of each leg while also accounting for event correlations. Take this example: if a quarterback is predicted to throw for over 300 yards and their team is expected to win, these outcomes are closely tied. Because of this connection, the odds are adjusted downward to reflect the increased chance of both events occurring together.
This adjustment is called a correlation penalty. When you pair it with the higher hold that sportsbooks apply, SGP payouts often end up being less favorable than those of traditional multi-game parlays. While SGPs can still offer thrilling returns, knowing how these odds are calculated can help you make more informed betting choices.
How can I reduce risk when creating Same-Game Parlays for NFL and NBA games?
When building Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) for NFL and NBA games, the key to managing risk lies in keeping things straightforward and calculated. Stick to 2-3 legs in your parlay. The more legs you add, the slimmer your chances of winning - so simplicity is your friend here.
Focus on selecting legs that naturally connect. For example, pairing player props with game outcomes can boost your odds since these elements often influence each other. It’s all about finding logical combinations that make sense within the context of the game.
Before placing your bet, use a parlay calculator to figure out the combined odds and potential payouts. This tool helps you weigh the risk against the reward, making sure you’re betting with a clear picture of what’s at stake. Resist the urge to pile on extra legs - it might look tempting, but it tilts the advantage heavily in favor of the sportsbook.
By keeping your SGPs simple and thoughtfully constructed, you can enjoy the thrill of these bets while steering clear of unnecessary risks.
What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when creating a Same-Game Parlay, and how can I make smarter, more connected picks?
When putting together a Same-Game Parlay (SGP), one of the biggest pitfalls is adding too many legs. While it might be tempting to chase a massive payout, more legs mean a higher hold for the sportsbook and a smaller chance of actually cashing in. Another misstep? Overlooking how your bets interact. If your selections aren’t logically connected, you could be setting yourself up for conflicting outcomes that hurt your odds.
The key to building a smarter SGP is focusing on logically correlated bets. For instance, pairing a team’s spread with the game total can work if you believe the game will play out in a specific way. Similarly, when adding player props or team props, consider how they align. A mismatch in these selections can derail your parlay. By keeping your picks focused and strategically aligned, you can boost your chances of success while cutting down on unnecessary risks.
