Roto, or rotisserie, scoring fits the name because it's all about "cooking from all sides" and being balanced in all categories. The general idea is: Owners accumulate statistics in any number
of categories, usually the standard eight, although many add turnovers, and the possibilities are endless (triple-doubles, assist-to-turnover ratio, etc.). In each category, the leader gets as many points as there are owners in the league, then points are assigned in descending order. For example, if you have the most steals in a 10-team league, you get 10 points in that category, and the owner with the fewest gets one. The points in all categories are combined for the total number, which determines the standings. The owner with the most total points at the end of the season is deemed the victor.
Roto scoring is perfect for analytical people who play fantasy sports to have fun, to watch more sports and to relish the mental challenge, because it's all about balance and big-picture strategy. And, well, more math. Balancing your roster through constant analysis and adjustments, identifying needs, performing strange calculations about the rate at which you've been climbing out of the cellar in free throws -- if this sounds fun, roto is for you. Instead of adding 15 guys per week to accumulate as many aggregate stats as possible and checking their teams every 20 minutes, roto owners text themselves notes during the day about player trends and analyze each roster move meticulously to ensure potential new players will complement those already on the roster.
This overall focus on balance, stats and needs applies to draft day, because roto drafts are all about constructing a balanced team, not ensuring you get your favorite player. Your overall draft strategy is shaped around your first few picks, then you make choices that fill statistical and roster needs. During the draft, identifying which players will likely be available for your next pick while making your current pick is key, and making notes about your specific team and picks during the draft will aid later picks. Even though you're focused on categories and your team needs, you shouldn't make poor decisions and not draft a player who has fallen drastically or doesn't fill your ideal need. Also, your late-round fliers are very important and specific in roto; they're often used to fill
gaps with specialists or add roster stability with "glue" players.
Roto is more of an apples-to-apples game. Each team has the same games-played limit and basic daily expectations, and it should be viewed as a marathon. Trades are much more about categories and filling needs than trading for players you really want or have a feeling about. Overall, roto is all about categories, needs and balance. Repeat these three words to yourself as a pre-draft mantra,
as well as every morning during the season, and good roto karma will come your way.
