Waivers is a system via which you are able to add a free agent to your team. Virtually every league in existence allows you to replace players at least once a week. That’s the game we all grew up playing as kids (at least those of us that were born when Led Zeppelin, Queen and Pink Floyd were at their chart topping peak). Once a week waivers run and you put in bids for the players. Then you are awarded players in one of two ways: (1) based on your team’s record which is traditionally from worst to first; or (2) waivers are assigned after the draft in reverse order where the team that had the first pick in the draft gets the last selection in waivers. Each week thereafter waivers run and each time you are awarded a player you drop down to the bottom of the list.

In this scenario a fantasy gamer often holds on to their “waiver priority” as they watch usable players go off the board each week while waiting to hit a home run (maybe for the next runner who is suddenly in line for 18 touches a week). This mode of player addition is outdated and should be replaced by something that is not only more equitable, but also adds another level of intrigue and strategy to the mix.

If you have resisted change then consider 2015 to be the tipping point. Everyone should move to the Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) setup. Instead of being assigned a random priority and having to decide each week if you should pass on a player who will help you because someone in the future might help you more, the FAAB setup allows you to bid on the players you want any time you want. This setup gives everyone a chance to bid on a player, not just the person with the top priority or the person who happens to run to the waiver-wire when a news story breaks.

Here’s how it works.

Each team gets a certain amount of money to spend (usually $100 or $1,000). As long as you have money left, you can bid on anyone. A cat and mouse game then ensues as people try to gauge how much money to spend on the free agents.

Here are some quick tips for a FAAB setup.

•Don’t be afraid to spend a lot early. Football is a dangerous game and players get hurt all the time. That might make it a bit scary to bid heavily and blow half your budget during the first two weeks of the season. However, in most cases having a good player for 13 weeks is better than having a great one for five. Remember, since most leagues play 13 weeks before the playoffs begin you have to win in Weeks 1-13 to qualify for the second season. You can worry about Weeks 14-16 after you qualify for the playoffs.

•The best type of player to bid all-in on is the backup running back that is named a starter. How many running backs touch the ball 15+ times a week? If you can get one of those guys, do it.

•Never bid a normal number. If you want to bid $5.00, go $6.00. If you want to bid $100.00, go $111.00. Always add a bit extra since most folks default to the obvious numbers.

•Pay close attention to bye weeks. Make sure you have all your positions covered every week and make sure not to double up on players with the same bye week.

•Don’t worry about spending on kickers or defenses. You can change up those two spots freely throughout the season based on matchups with minimal consequence. The difference between an average kicker or defense is generally pretty small.