One of the main types of sports betting is double chance or, as they are often called, double outcome. In this article, we analyze the calculation of double chance bets, and also tell you how they differ from the odds (0) bets.
What do double outcome bets look like in the list of bookmakers?
The main outcomes of a sporting event, with the exception of some sports (tennis, basketball), are displayed in the bookmaker’s lines in three options: these are the numbers 1, 2, as well as the English letter X or just a cross. Here’s what each of these metrics mean:
- 1 – the first team wins. Usually the first team is the host of the match;
- 2 – victory of the second team. This is a guest team;
- X is a draw in the match.
Bookmaker’s listings for “double chance” or “double outcome” bets use combinations of classic bets on the outcome: 1-X-2. Most often in the design of the line it looks like the symbols “1X”, “X2” or “12”. Let’s figure out what is hidden under these designations.
Double chance “1X”
A bet on a double outcome “1X” means a bet on two possible options at once: either the team with number one wins, or a draw is fixed in the match. The player wins for both outcomes. A loss with such a bet will happen only if the team number two wins. Sometimes bookmakers in their lists call this bet option “Team 1 will not lose”.
Double chance “X2”
A bet on a double outcome “X2” means a bet on two possible options: either the team number two wins, or a draw is fixed in the match. The player wins for both outcomes. A loss at such a rate will be only if the team with number one wins. Sometimes in the bookmaker’s list we see the name of the bet “Team 2 will not lose”.
Double chance “12”
A bet on a double outcome “12” wins in any of two outcomes: when the team at number one wins, or when the team at number two wins. A loss with such a bet will happen only if the match ends in a draw. Sometimes in the bookmaker’s list we see the name of such a bet “Victory of one of the teams”.
Example
Match “Dynamo” (Moscow) – “Rubin”.
Double outcome bets look like this:
1X (Dynamo will not lose) – 1.20.
X2 (Rubin will not lose) – 1.93.
12 (victory of one of the teams) – 1.35.
How is handicap (0) different from a double chance bet?
Newcomers to sports betting often cannot understand what is the difference between a handicap (0) bet and a double chance bet. The easiest way is to explain it as follows: with a bet with a double outcome, there can be no return, and with a bet with a handicap (0), there will be a return in case of a draw. In terms of the size of the odds, it is more profitable to bet with a handicap (0).
Example
Match “Dynamo” (Moscow) – “Rubin”.
The 1X bet (Dynamo will not lose) has the odds of 1.20.
A bet on Dynamo to win with a handicap (0) has a coefficient of 1.35.
In case of a tie, the bet on the double outcome (1X) will win. In case of a bet with a handicap (0), a refund will be made.
Each case of comparing the bet “double outcome” and the bet with a handicap (0) is individual. The player should look not only at the size of the odds, but also at the expected outcome. Sometimes it’s better to play it safe and take a less risky option, sometimes it’s worth taking a conscious risk. It is better to use the option with a bet on a double outcome if the underdog, the outsider, is playing – this way there is a little more chance of winning.