Double chance betting is a popular option in soccer because it gives you a better shot at winning by covering two possible outcomes in a match.
Unlike picking a single winner, you can bet on the home team to win or draw, the away team to win or draw, or either team to win (no draw). It’s a great choice if you want to play it safe, especially in tight games where anything could happen.
What is Double Chance Betting?
Double chance betting lets you wager on two of the three possible outcomes in a soccer match. The options are:
- 1X (Home Win or Draw): You win if the home team wins or the match ends in a draw.
- X2 (Away Win or Draw): You win if the away team wins or it’s a draw.
- 12 (Home Win or Away Win): You win if either team wins, but you lose if the match ends in a draw.
This market is a big deal in soccer because draws are pretty common. In major leagues like the Premier League, about 24% of matches end in a draw, based on recent seasons. That’s a decent chunk, so covering a draw alongside a win can save you from a bit of headache.
How Does It Work?
Let’s break it down with a made-up match between Team A (home) and Team B (away). Let’s say the regular odds look like this:
| Outcome | Odds |
|---|---|
| Team A Win | +150 |
| Draw | +250 |
| Team B Win | +200 |
For double chance bets, the odds adjust because you’re covering two outcomes, which makes winning more likely. They might look like:
| Double Chance Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1X (Team A or Draw) | -200 |
| X2 (Team B or Draw) | -150 |
| 12 (Team A or Team B) | -300 |
The odds are lower because your bet is safer. For example, if you bet $200 on 1X at -200, you’d win $100 if Team A wins or the game ends in a draw. If Team B wins, you lose. It’s a trade-off: less risk, but you need to bet more to make a decent profit.
Why Use Our Double Chance Predictions?
The biggest perk is that it lowers your risk. By covering two outcomes, you’re more likely to win, which is great if you’re nervous about a surprise result. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Safer for Close Games: When two teams are neck-and-neck, picking a winner is tough. Double chance lets you cover a draw, which happens often in balanced matches .
- Great for Underdogs: If you think a weaker team can avoid losing, betting on them to win or draw (X2 if they’re away) is less risky than betting on them to win outright.
- Hedging Option: It’s useful in parlays or accumulators to make sure one leg doesn’t tank your whole bet. For example, betting on a favorite to win or draw can secure your ticket.
The downside? Lower odds mean smaller payouts. If you’re betting on a favorite to win or draw, you might need to stake a lot to see a good return. But for many, the added security is worth it.
Tips and Strategies to Win with Double Chance
To get the most out of double chance betting, you’ve got to do a bit of homework. Here are some practical tips to boost your chances:
- Dig into Team Form: Check how teams have been playing lately. A team on a winning streak at home is a good bet for 1X. Look at sites like Footy Accumulators for match breakdowns.
- Study Head-to-Head Records: Some teams always seem to draw or lose against certain opponents. Past results can hint at what’s coming.
- Factor in Home/Away Stats: Teams often perform better at home. A decent home team might be a solid 1X bet, even against a strong opponent (Bleacher Nation).
- Check for Injuries: Missing key players can change a game. If a star striker is out, a draw might be more likely.
- Look for Value: Betting on an underdog to win or draw (like X2 for an away team) can offer better odds than backing a favorite. For example, in a Manchester United vs. Leeds match, a Leeds win or draw was +162, much better than United’s -900 for the win or draw (Betsperts).
- Use in Accumulators: Add double chance bets to your accumulators to make each pick safer. It’s a way to build up odds without gambling on single wins.
- Shop for Odds: Different bookmakers offer different odds. Compare them to maximize your payout.
- Bet Responsibly: Set a budget and stick to it. Double chance is safer, but no bet is a sure thing
Example Scenarios
Here’s a quick look at when double chance bets might make sense:
| Match | Double Chance Bet | Why It’s Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal vs. Tottenham | 1X (Arsenal or Draw) | Both teams are strong; a draw is possible. |
| Liverpool vs. Everton | X2 (Everton or Draw) | Derbies are tight; Everton might hold firm. |
| Man City vs. Newcastle | 12 (City or Newcastle) | Expect goals and a winner, not a draw. |
These are just examples—always check the latest stats and odds before betting.
Wrapping It Up
Double chance betting is like a safety net for soccer bettors. It’s perfect for when you want to back a team but aren’t 100% sure they’ll win or when you think a game could go either way. By covering two outcomes, you’re less likely to lose, though you’ll need to be okay with smaller payouts. With a bit of research—team form, league trends, and smart odds shopping—you can make double chance bets a solid part of your strategy. Just remember to keep it fun and bet within your means.