Not every player pans out. We all know that. But playing fantasy sports is only fun when you can demonstrate your superior knowledge of the game to your friends, and subsequently crush them. Bragging rights are important. At it’s heart, all fantasy EPL games are about proving that you have a better read on the game than those around you.

So it makes no sense for a draft-style game to not allow trades between managers and only have waiver wire claims for unowned players. This really hinders a player’s ability to use mini-league strategy. Here is why:

1. No Trades Between Managers: 

Blocking trades overemphasizes the importance of the draft and devalues in-season strategy. And with the season spread out over 38 gameweeks, it just isn’t as much fun when your league stops playing. Maybe your friend auto-drafted last year and never checked in again. You won’t be able to lure them back into activity if you can’t offer them a trade. And it would be important that you offer them something of value, or else your competitors (who are still actively playing) could be the ones to take advantage instead of you. This attention only remains if the game allows for trades and forces you to stay involved.

2. Trading favors the informed player.

Ideally, you’re playing in a league where everyone’s skill level is about equal, which makes for parity and an exciting fantasy season. But if you check the BBC Gossip column daily, scour Twitter for injury updates, and do extra research on upcoming fixtures, the game should be set up to reward you. Last season I flipped a red-hot Christian Benteke and César Azpilicueta for an injured Harry Kane and out-of-sorts Leighton Baines, but only because I had read that Kane’s injury wasn’t as bad as first feared, Benteke didn’t seem likely to continue his good form, and I knew David Luiz was available on waivers so I could still get coverage for Chelsea’s defense. FPL Draft leagues should reward proactivity instead of blocking it.

3. Trading players is an exciting gamble.

The trade above could have backfired, but taking the risk was exciting and made the game fun. Trades are an excellent measuring stick for showing which FPL draft manager has the best football nous, and you can track the results throughout the rest of the season. It doesn’t always work out, but trades are meant to give each manager new and different value, otherwise they don’t happen. You shouldn’t just stick pat – try to improve your team or else the concept becomes bland. Fortune favors the bold.

I’ll be playing Draft Fantasy Football this season. Draft Fantasy offers trading between managers, auction drafts, snake drafts, understandable scoring, custom teams, dynasty leagues, and many more unbeatable features. Sign up today, invite your mates, and become a Draft Champion!

@Cjacksondraft is an avid fantasy football fan who currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and loves his day job. Peaked during the 2003 Kentucky All “A” Regional tournament. I still like waking up early on Saturdays and Sundays to watch EPL live on the West Coast.