The Cherry Picker Method
The cherry picker method, or "cherry picking" as most often used for slang, is an oft-mentioned topic in sports, rhetoric and sports wagering. Many people, especially novices, believe that this is a foolproof way to gain an edge in basketball or in picking stocks. As a thought experiment, this does seems like a way to quickly master a field, but actually may limit a person's potential.
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Origin
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The exact date for the origin of the slang "cherry picking" is unknown, but it likely refers to the often delicate and selective process involved in picking cherries. The idea that one should pick the easiest and best cherry is very mutable to several other areas, such as sports and anything with odds. Its use has been traced back as far as the 1940s.
Wagering
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Cherry picking is a method in wagering where one only bets on races or games where the person has an obvious advantage against the house. In horse racing the cherry picker method is sometimes used as a dutching system. A dutching system bets on two or more horses and adjusts the wager amount to equalize the expected value no matter which horse wins.
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Sports
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The cherry picking method is a common tactic in pick-up basketball, although generally frowned upon. The basic idea is to play lackadaisical defense in order to rush back down the court, or simply stay there for an easy layup. Cherry picking could also mean a person only shoots extremely high percentage shots in an effort to appear as a better player.
Benefits
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The benefits of the cherry picking method vary greatly depending on the area of intended use. The method is very sparsely used in sports and can thereby be used as a surprise tactic. Michael Bloom of BasketballBloom believes because the use of it is so infrequent it might actually work at a pro level once in a while. Cherry picking might be the least harmful strategy for beginners in a new field. Since the method relies on picking only surefire winners, it is likely better than guessing, or in the case of sports, attempting a skill one does not have.
Drawbacks
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The downside to cherry picking is the inherent bias associated with the method. An academic might not achieve respect if he cherry picks information that supports his argument. No professional basketball players make their living by standing at one end of the court, waiting for easy opportunities. Considering the low level of thinking needed to cherry pick, it could even prevent the advancement of real skill.
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