I like to win. Blame it on my competitive nature, the euphoria of winning, or the adrenalin of success. In any case, I like to win.

So when Bill Barker wrote "How to Win CNBC's Million-Dollar Portfolio Challenge", my ears perked like a cat hearing a can opener. (Meeeow!) Here's what Barker suggests:

  1. Use all five portfolios.
  2. Maintain a super-concentrated portfolio.
  3. Size matters, so go small.
  4. Focus on earnings announcements.
  5. Look at companies trading at or near 52-week lows.
  6. Celebrate low-priced stocks.
  7. Look for shorts; they are great candidates for quick upward moves.
  8. Invest in possible mergers, as they could offer a quick pop.
  9. Biotech stocks frequently populate the top performers of the day.
  10. Simply have fun.

Good advice there. I've already used some of it. He also suggests these stocks, which more or less fit the criteria he's outlined:

Let's see how on-the-money his advice will be. And good luck everyone!