The Rules
The Paper Punter runs on a few strict rules. They exist so that the ledger is honest, even when honesty is unflattering.
- No real money. Ever. Every stake is imaginary. Nothing is placed with any bookmaker or broker.
- Not advice. Nothing on this site is a tip, a recommendation or betting or financial advice. Please do not copy the Punter. The Punter would not copy the Punter.
- Selections before the off. Racing selections are published and time-stamped before the race starts. A selection made after the off does not count.
- Level stakes. Each racing selection is an imaginary £1 win stake, at the odds as published at the time of selection. The odds and the time are recorded.
- No editing after the fact. Once published, a selection is not changed. Corrections to typing errors are marked as corrections, with the date.
- Losers count too. Losing selections are shown just as clearly as winners. Usually more often.
- Voids. A non-runner or abandoned race is marked void, and the imaginary £1 goes back in the imaginary pocket.
- Fantasy football. Team picks, transfers and captain are recorded before the gameweek deadline. Points are entered after the gameweek.
- Paper portfolio. Holdings and imaginary trades are logged with the date. Values use the daily closing price.
- Missed days. If no update is made, the ledger says so ("The Punter is indisposed") rather than leaving a gap or back-filling.
- Everything is archived. Every day stays on the record.