Double Chance Bets in Football Betting
The appeal of a bet is often determined by its potential for profitability—the higher the probability, the more enticing the bet becomes. In football betting, the double chance is a wager on two outcomes simultaneously. While they are among the main types of bets, double chance bets offer a higher likelihood of winning compared to simple win, lose, or draw bets.
Types of Double Chance Bets
The betting market offers various options for double chance bets, and it’s essential for bettors to understand their characteristics. In all double chance bets, the player must accurately predict two out of the three possible outcomes. Although the bettor enjoys some level of insurance, the trade-off is lower odds. The primary types of double chance football bets are:
- 1X: This bet encompasses the victory of the first team (either the home team or the team listed first) or a draw. If the first team loses, the player loses the wagered amount.
- 2X: This bet covers the victory of the second team (either the away team or the team listed second) or a draw. The bet will not be successful if the second team loses to the first team.
- 12: This bet is placed on the victory of either team in the football match. If the match ends in a draw, the bettor loses the wagered amount.
These forecasts can be made for the entire match or specific halves. Beginners often confuse 1X and 2X bets with a zero handicap—F1 (0) and F2 (0), respectively. The difference lies in the event of a draw, as a recalculation is made with a coefficient of “1” in zero handicaps, resulting in a refund rather than a profit.
While basic double chance bets focus on the final score of the match or half, bookmakers with a wide range of football bets combine double chance bets with other markets. These markets consider the number of goals scored, determining whether the bettor will profit from the bet. For instance, in bets combining “double chance + total over/under,” the correct prediction of two outcomes is not enough; the bettor must also determine whether the total number of goals scored will exceed or fall below the specified value in the bet.
In “Double Chance + Both Teams To Score” bets, the task is to predict two outcomes correctly while also determining whether each team will score at least one goal. These outcomes are more challenging to predict, hence they come with higher odds.
Double Chance Strategies
Experienced bettors employ various strategies to profit from double chance football betting, tailoring their approach based on the type of bet.
Characteristics of 1X Bets
In 1X bets, the player predicts that the home team will not lose. It is advisable to select matches where the home team is strong. Playing at home provides an advantage, even if the home team is slightly less professional than the opponents, as they benefit from strong support from their fans. However, higher odds for 1X bets are not always guaranteed, even with relatively equal strengths between the teams.
For example, in the match between “Watford” and “Liverpool,” many favored “Liverpool” to win. While “Liverpool” is a strong club and a 19-time champion of England, “Watford” played at home and secured a clean 3-0 victory. Players who placed 1X bets obtained a good profit with insurance.
When making forecasts, it is crucial for the player to analyze past head-to-head meetings, the form of the home team, and recent game statistics.
With proper analysis, it is possible to identify matchups where the favorite team cannot defeat the underdog on their home ground.
Strategy for 2X Bets
In order to win, the second team must avoid losing. The probability of a successful 2X bet increases when the second team is a favorite or a motivated underdog playing at home. The bettor selects several games featuring a favorite and an underdog and places 2X bets on the underdog.
The odds for the underdog should fall within the range of 3.5-4.0. The bettor places three bets with equal stakes, and on the fourth bet, increases the wager size. This approach helps cover costs and generate a profit.
This strategy only yields profit if the player accurately assesses the chances of the second team winning or drawing and effectively manages their bankroll.
Characteristics of 12 Bets
Betting against a draw is appropriate when both teams are unlikely to settle for an equal score by the end of the match. The player should consider matches between a favorite team and a mid-table team with a small difference in the standings. The underdog team will make every effort to secure a victory.
Some bettors opt to bet against a draw in the second half to reduce risk. By this point, the strength of the teams and their tactical approach to the game can be assessed.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are no perfect bets, and double chance betting in football has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include:
- Higher probability of winning: Predicting 2 out of 3 outcomes is easier than predicting just one.
- Low risk of loss: This allows for inclusion of double chance bets in accumulator bets, increasing overall odds and potential profits.
- Easy to understand: Even novice bettors can grasp the concept.
The main drawback of double chance betting is the lower odds. Additionally, betting still requires analysis, and the potential reward for the time spent on analysis may be relatively small.