One of the most popular types of sports betting is double chance betting. They are also often referred to as double bets. Below we’ll look at how Double Chance bets are calculated and what the difference is between them and Handicap (0) bets.
A bet on a double outcome (double chance) is a bet on 2 outcomes at once, in which you have more chances to win, but the odds become smaller.
How are bets on a double outcome indicated in bookmakers?
All basic outcomes for any event (with the exception of tennis and basketball) are indicated by only three options: 1, 2 and X. Here is what they mean:
1 – the first team wins. The hosts of the match are usually listed first.
2 – the second team wins. This is a team that stays with the hosts.
X is a draw.
For a double chance, the same symbols are used, slightly modifying them. Most often it looks like “1X”, “X2” or “12”. Let’s figure out what this all means.
Double Chance “1X”
The designation “1X” is used for betting on 2 options at once: either the first team will win, or there will be a draw. In both cases, you receive your winnings. Losing here is possible only if the second team wins. Still sometimes such an outcome is signed in the paintings “Team 1 will not lose.”
Double Chance “X2”
By analogy with the previous designation, “X2” means that the guests will win or there will be a draw. The bet will lose only if the hosts win. Also, sometimes such an outcome is listed in the mural called “Team 2 will not lose.”
Double Chance “12”
Such a bet will win in any of 2 outcomes: either the first team will win, or the second. A loss in such a bet will be a draw. Sometimes such a bet is also signed “Win by one of the teams”.
Example
Match “Zorya” – “Dynamo” (Kyiv).
Double bets will look like this:
1X (Zorya won’t lose) – 1.30.
X2 (Dynamo will not lose) – 1.83.
12 (either Zorya or Dynamo win) – 1.25.
What is the difference between a double bet and a handicap (0)?
Many beginners cannot understand what is the difference between betting on double chance and handicap (0). The simplest explanation is the following: when betting on a double chance, there can be no return in principle, and with a handicap (0), there will be a return if the teams play a draw. And the handicap odds (0) can be a bit more profitable.
Example
Match “Zorya” – “Dynamo” (Kyiv).
1X bet (“Zorya” will not lose) with a coefficient of 1.30.
A bet on the victory of Zorya with a handicap (0) with a coefficient of 1.45.
If there is a draw, the 1X bet will win, and if you bet on the handicap (0), the money will be returned.
Comparisons of bets on a double outcome and on a handicap (0) should always be considered separately. Often, not only the coefficient is important, but also the probable outcome. Sometimes it makes sense not to take risks once again and take a proven option, and sometimes the risk can be conscious. Betting on a double outcome is often useful if you are betting on an underdog (outsider), so there is a greater chance that you will remain a winner.
Double chance betting in hockey: what is the strategy?
For hockey, there is a whole betting strategy based on “double chance”. Its essence is to bet on the victory of one of the teams, that is, on “12”. Statistically, draws rarely happen in hockey.
For example, in the 2018/19 KHL season, only 20.5% of all games ended in draws.
The average coefficient at the rate of “12” is 1.20-1.25. If you do not bet on teams that often draw, then betting on the double outcome of “12” can be a very effective strategy.
But, of course, it also has its downsides. Firstly, due to low odds, the profit will not be very large. Secondly, getting into a series of several draws in a row, you can quickly lose your entire bank. Thirdly, in the NHL games often end in draws – 22-25% per season.