When a line moves 0.5+ points at three or more major books within minutes, that's a steam move. Catching steam early (before the rest of the market catches up) is how syndicates make money. Retail bettors almost never beat steam.
Advanced concepts
Steam move
A rapid, coordinated line move across multiple books, usually driven by sharp action.
Example
Total 224.5 steams to 227 across DK, FD, and MGM within 10 minutes → sharp action on the over.
Related terms
Sharp money
Bets from professional or winning bettors. Moves lines quickly and reliably.
Closing line value (CLV)
The difference between the line you bet and the line at game time. The single best measure of long-term skill.
Bet limit
The maximum amount a book will accept on a given bet — can be reduced for winning bettors.