DFS Contest Selection Calculator
Analyze contest types and find the best contests for your bankroll
Formula:
ITM Rate = Paid Positions / Field Size × 100Contest Details
Enter contest information
$
$
$
Contest Analysis
Contest breakdown and recommendation
Contest Type
GPP (Top Heavy)
15.0% ITM Rate
Bankroll Fit
Excellent
1.0% of bankroll
Prize Pool
$9,000
Avg Payout
$60
Top Payout
100x
Field
Medium
Payout Structure
Top Heavy
Need top finishes to profit
Field Assessment
Medium
Medium
Recommendation: Standard contest - base decision on your edge
Contest Types
Common contest formats
Quick Answer
TL;DR summary
Contest selection depends on your edge, bankroll, and risk tolerance. Cash games (50/50s, double-ups) offer higher ITM rates (~45-50%) with lower variance - good for grinding. GPPs offer huge upside but lower ITM (~15-20%). Select based on: entry fee vs bankroll (1-5%), field size (smaller = softer), and payout structure.
Key Facts About Contest Selection
Important things to know
- Cash games: ~45-50% ITM rate, 1.8-2x payouts, low variance
- GPPs: ~15-20% ITM rate, top-heavy payouts, high variance
- Smaller field sizes typically have softer competition
- Single-entry contests prevent multi-entry sharks
- Entry fee should be 1-5% of bankroll maximum
- Large-field GPPs require higher ceiling lineups
- Track results by contest type to find your edge
- Rake is typically 10-15% - factor into decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common contest selection questions
When should I play cash games vs GPPs?
Play cash games when you want steady, low-variance results and have a consistent edge in player selection. Play GPPs when you want to take shots at big payouts and can handle variance. Most profitable players mix both based on confidence and bankroll.
What field size should I target?
Smaller fields (under 1,000 entries) tend to be softer with fewer sharks. Large-field GPPs (100,000+) have more recreational players but require top-percentile finishes to profit. Start with smaller fields while learning.
What is a good ITM (In The Money) rate?
For cash games, 52%+ ITM is profitable after rake. For GPPs, ITM rate matters less than ROI - you can have 15% ITM but be very profitable if your wins are large. Track both ITM and overall ROI.
Should I play single-entry or max-entry GPPs?
Single-entry contests level the playing field against high-volume players. If you're confident in lineup construction, max-entry can maximize a strong slate. Beginners should start with single-entry.
How do I evaluate a contest's value?
Consider: rake percentage, payout structure flatness, field size and skill level, overlay (prize pool vs entries), and your edge in that format. Lower rake and flatter payouts favor consistent players.
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).