How to Play
Master the art of fantasy sports with our comprehensive guide
Understanding Fantasy Sports
Learn the fundamentals that power the fantasy sports experience
1. Team Creation
Fantasy sports begin with drafting your team of real-world players. You'll operate under a budget or selection constraints, requiring strategic decisions about which players offer the most value. Choose wisely—your team's composition is the foundation of your success.
2. Scoring System
Your fantasy team earns points based on the real-world performance of your selected players. Each sport has its own scoring metrics—runs and wickets in cricket, goals and assists in football, points and rebounds in basketball, and so on. Understanding these point systems is crucial to making informed decisions.
3. Competitions & Leagues
Compete in various formats—from head-to-head matchups against a single opponent to tournament-style contests with multiple participants. Each format offers unique strategic considerations and ways to showcase your fantasy sports skills.
4. Team Management
Fantasy sports isn't just about your initial draft—ongoing management is essential. React to real-world developments like player injuries, form changes, or favorable matchups by making timely substitutions and transfers within the rules of your competition.
How Points Are Calculated
Understand the scoring metrics for each fantasy sport to optimize your strategy
Cricket Scoring System
Cricket fantasy points are awarded based on batting, bowling, and fielding contributions, with bonuses for exceptional performances.
Batting Points
- Run Scored +1 point
- Boundary Bonus +1 point
- Six Bonus +2 points
- 30-Run Milestone +4 points
- Half-Century Bonus +8 points
- Century Bonus +16 points
Bowling Points
- Wicket (excluding run-out) +25 points
- LBW/Bowled Bonus +8 points
- Maiden Over +12 points
- 3-Wicket Haul Bonus +16 points
- 5-Wicket Haul Bonus +32 points
Fielding Points
- Catch +8 points
- Stumping +12 points
- Run Out (Direct Hit) +12 points
- Run Out (Throw) +6 points
Football Scoring System
Football fantasy points are awarded for goals, assists, clean sheets, and other performance metrics, with deductions for penalties and cards.
Attacking Points
- Goal (Forward/Midfielder) +5 points
- Goal (Defender/Goalkeeper) +6 points
- Assist +3 points
- Shot on Target +1 point
Defensive Points
- Clean Sheet (Goalkeeper/Defender) +4 points
- Clean Sheet (Midfielder) +1 point
- Penalty Save +5 points
- Save (per 3 saves) +1 point
Deductions
- Yellow Card -1 point
- Red Card -3 points
- Own Goal -2 points
- Penalty Miss -2 points
Basketball Scoring System
Basketball fantasy points are awarded for various statistical categories including scoring, rebounds, assists, and defensive plays.
Offensive Stats
- Point Scored +1 point
- 3-Point Field Goal +1 point bonus
- Assist +1.5 points
- Offensive Rebound +1.25 points
- Double-Double +2 points
- Triple-Double +3 points
Defensive Stats
- Defensive Rebound +1 point
- Steal +2 points
- Block +2 points
Deductions
- Turnover -1 point
- Technical Foul -1 point
- Ejection -2 points
Laser247 Scoring System
Laser247 fantasy points are awarded based on handball metrics including goals, assists, saves, and defensive actions.
Offensive Points
- Goal Scored +4 points
- Assist +2 points
- Penalty Goal +3 points
- Fast Break Goal +5 points
Goalkeeper Points
- Save +2 points
- Penalty Save +5 points
- Save Percentage > 40% +3 points
Defensive Points
- Steal +2 points
- Defensive Block +3 points
- Defensive Rebound +1 point
Deductions
- Yellow Card -1 point
- 2-Minute Suspension -2 points
- Red Card -4 points
- Missed Penalty -2 points
101F Scoring System
101F fantasy points are awarded based on baseball statistics including hitting, pitching, and fielding performance.
Hitting Points
- Single +3 points
- Double +5 points
- Triple +8 points
- Home Run +10 points
- Run Batted In (RBI) +2 points
- Run Scored +2 points
- Base on Balls (Walk) +2 points
- Stolen Base +5 points
Pitching Points
- Inning Pitched +3 points
- Strikeout +2 points
- Win +10 points
- Save +10 points
- Complete Game +10 points
- Shutout +15 points
Fielding Points
- Outfield Assist +2 points
- Double Play Turned +2 points
Deductions
- Earned Run Allowed -2 points
- Hit Allowed -1 point
- Loss -5 points
- Blown Save -5 points
- Error -2 points
Winning Strategies
Elevate your fantasy sports performance with these proven tips from top players
Research Is Your Foundation
Successful fantasy players dedicate time to research. Stay informed about player form, team news, injuries, and matchup histories. The more you know, the better your decisions will be. Follow sports news, analysis, and statistics regularly to gain insights that casual players might miss.
Value Over Reputation
Don't select players based solely on big names or past glory. Look for value—players who deliver maximum points relative to their selection cost. Often, an in-form mid-tier player offers better value than an expensive star who's off form or has tough upcoming fixtures.
Balance Risk and Reliability
Create a balanced portfolio by combining consistent performers with calculated risks. Anchor your team with reliable point-scorers who deliver week after week, then complement them with high-ceiling players who have the potential for exceptional performances when conditions are favorable.
Adapt to Changing Circumstances
Adaptability is crucial in fantasy sports. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on injuries, form changes, weather conditions, or fixture difficulty. The best fantasy managers stay fluid, making timely team adjustments rather than rigidly sticking to their original plan.
Analyze Matchups Carefully
Matchups significantly impact player performance. A strong player against weak opposition often outperforms an exceptional player facing elite competition. Consider both team and individual matchups—like batsmen against specific bowlers or forwards against particular defensive formations—when making selection decisions.
Develop Your Fantasy Sports Expertise
Cultivate these key skills to transform from beginner to expert
Statistical Analysis
Learn to interpret performance data meaningfully. Understand which statistics are predictive rather than descriptive, and recognize patterns that indicate emerging trends rather than random variance.
Strategic Planning
Develop the ability to plan multiple moves ahead, considering how your team will perform not just in the upcoming match but across several gameweeks, accounting for fixture difficulty and scheduling.
Emotional Discipline
Master the art of making rational decisions despite emotional attachments to players or teams. Learn to avoid impulsive changes after disappointments and resist chasing points from previous performances.
Resource Management
Perfect the skill of optimizing limited resources—whether it's a salary cap, transfer allowance, or selection constraints—to create the most effective team possible while maintaining flexibility for future adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about fantasy sports on FantasyHot
Getting started is simple! First, create an account on FantasyHot. Once registered, select the fantasy sport you wish to play from our available options. You'll then be guided through the team creation process, which involves selecting real-world players while staying within the designated constraints. After finalizing your team, you can join contests and start competing!
Not at all! While sports knowledge certainly helps, many successful fantasy players started as casual fans. FantasyHot provides extensive resources, statistics, and analysis tools to help newcomers make informed decisions. The learning curve is part of the fun, and you'll find your sports knowledge naturally growing as you engage with fantasy gaming.
Yes, most fantasy formats allow team modifications, though specific rules vary by sport and contest type. Season-long competitions typically permit a certain number of transfers or substitutions within defined periods. Daily and weekly contests may allow changes up until a specified deadline before matches begin. Check the specific rules of your chosen competition for details.
Points are awarded based on the real-world performance of your selected players according to the scoring system of the specific fantasy sport. For example, in cricket fantasy, players earn points for runs, wickets, catches, etc. Each sport has its own scoring metrics as detailed in our Scoring Systems section. Points are tallied automatically after real-world matches conclude.
Season-long contests run throughout an entire sports season, requiring long-term strategy and regular team management over months. Daily (or weekly) contests are shorter competitions based on a single day's or week's matches, resetting afterward. Daily contests offer quicker gratification and more frequent team creation opportunities, while season-long formats reward consistency and adaptability over time.
Ready to Test Your Fantasy Sports Skills?
Now that you understand the fundamentals, it's time to put your knowledge into practice. Create your first fantasy team today and experience the excitement of skill-based competition!