Double chance betting is a popular and straightforward way to increase your chances of winning when betting on football matches. Unlike the typical 1X2 market, where you have to predict one specific outcome (home win, draw, or away win), double chance bets allow you to cover two potential outcomes in a single bet. This reduces your risk, making it an appealing option for both beginner and seasoned bettors.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to correctly predict double chance bets, providing insights and strategies that can help improve your betting success.
What is Double Chance Betting?
A double chance bet gives you the opportunity to combine two possible outcomes from a football match, giving you more security. There are three types of double chance bets:
- 1X (Home Win or Draw): You win if the home team wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- X2 (Draw or Away Win): You win if the away team wins or if the match ends in a draw.
- 12 (Home Win or Away Win): You win if either team wins, meaning the only way to lose is if the match ends in a draw.
Because double chance covers two outcomes, the odds are typically lower than in the standard 1X2 market. However, the trade-off is that your chances of winning are significantly higher.
Key Factors to Consider for Predicting Double Chance Bets
While double chance bets are easier to win, it’s still important to make informed decisions. Here are some key factors to consider when predicting double chance bets:
1. Team Form
Before placing a double chance bet, it’s crucial to analyze the recent form of both teams. Look at the following:
- How many games has each team won, lost, or drawn in their last 5-10 matches?
- Are they performing better at home or away?
- Are they consistent, or do they struggle against specific types of teams?
Teams in strong form, especially when playing at home, are more likely to get a positive result, which makes 1X (Home Win or Draw) a safer option. If an away team is in good form and playing against a weaker side, X2 (Draw or Away Win) could be a better bet.
2. Head-to-Head Record
The history between the two teams can offer valuable insights. Some teams tend to perform well against specific opponents, even if they’re the underdogs. Reviewing the last few meetings between the two sides will help you understand the likelihood of a repeat result.
For example, if a team has not lost to a particular opponent in several years, betting on 1X (Home Win or Draw) or X2 (Draw or Away Win) might be a smart move. Conversely, if both teams tend to avoid draws when they face each other, then a 12 (Home or Away Win) bet could be safer.
3. Home and Away Form
Some teams excel at home but struggle on the road, while others may be strong away from home. Understanding how a team performs in different environments is essential:
- Home Advantage: Teams often perform better in front of their home fans, making a 1X (Home Win or Draw) bet a good choice for strong home teams.
- Away Form: Some teams are known for their defensive resilience or counter-attacking prowess when playing away. If an away team has a solid track record of avoiding losses, X2 (Draw or Away Win) might be the safer option.
4. Injuries and Suspensions
Missing key players can drastically affect a team’s performance. A team missing its top striker or key defender might struggle to score or defend properly, leading to a more conservative performance. Before placing a double chance bet, check team news to see if any major players are out. If a team is weakened due to injuries, they might struggle to win, making a draw more likely, or you could favor the stronger team in your double chance bet.
5. Motivation and Context
The context of the game is also important. Teams fighting to avoid relegation or chasing a title are likely to put in extra effort. Similarly, a team that has already secured their place in the standings may not be as motivated to win, potentially resulting in a less aggressive performance. For example:
- Relegation Battles: Teams fighting to avoid relegation often play more cautiously, so a draw becomes more likely, making 1X or X2 bets safer.
- Cup Matches vs League Games: In knockout stages or cup matches, teams are often more conservative, so the chance of a draw may increase.
6. Current Trends and Momentum
Look at the teams’ recent patterns:
- Have they been involved in a lot of draws lately?
- Do they struggle to score goals or close out games?
- Do they tend to start well but fade towards the end?
A team that’s been drawing frequently, for example, could make 1X (Home Win or Draw) or X2 (Draw or Away Win) a solid choice. Teams in poor form with no momentum are more likely to avoid losses, especially if they’re up against stronger opponents.
Strategies to Improve Your Double Chance Predictions
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, here are a few strategies that can help you successfully predict double chance bets.
1. Favor the Draw
One of the best ways to succeed in double chance betting is to favor outcomes that include the draw. In football, draws are common, especially in tightly contested matches or when lower-league teams face each other. Betting on 1X or X2 allows you to cover the possibility of a draw, increasing your chances of winning.
2. Use Double Chance in Accumulators
While the odds for double chance bets are lower than in standard 1X2 markets, you can still make a good profit by using them in accumulator bets. Combining multiple double chance bets into a single accumulator increases the total odds, offering you a bigger potential payout while still keeping your chances of winning high.
3. Consider Mid-Table Clashes
Games between mid-table teams are often more unpredictable. Neither team has much to lose or gain, so they may be content with a draw. In these situations, betting on 1X or X2 might be a safer option than picking an outright winner.
4. Check the Weather
Surprisingly, weather conditions can also affect the outcome of football matches. Heavy rain or strong winds can make it harder for teams to play their usual attacking style, which could lead to lower-scoring games or more draws. If bad weather is expected, it might be smart to bet on 1X or X2 to cover the possibility of a draw.
Final Thoughts
Double chance bets are an excellent way to reduce risk while still having a good shot at winning. By covering two outcomes, you give yourself more room for error, making it a popular choice for those who want to play it safe. However, no bet is guaranteed, so always remember to gamble responsibly and never bet more than you can afford to lose.