What Does 1X2 Mean in Betting?
One of the most popular betting markets worldwide is the 1X2, also known as match result or full-time result betting. This is especially common in football (soccer in the United States and Canada).
1X2 betting is usually associated with the beautiful game, but it's also an option for other sports where a draw is possible.
How to Bet 1X2 on Football
The 1X2 bet is usually associated with football more than other sports, but this market is available on all sports where a draw is possible. Therefore, North American sports like hockey, basketball, American football, and baseball don't have 1X2 as a betting option, as games can't end in a draw.
The “1” in 1X2 odds refers to the home team, the “X” refers to the draw, and the “2” represents the away team.
Unlike point spread betting in American football, the oddsmaker does not attempt to even up the odds, so you will often find very short prices for the favorites in one-sided football matches.
1X2 Betting Odds Explained
Odds in 1X2 betting—also known as match result betting—are typically displayed in decimal format in most global markets (e.g., Europe, Australia, and Asia). Fractional odds are still widely used in the UK and Ireland, while American odds are standard in the United States.
No matter the format, a 1X2 bet means you’re picking one of three outcomes—home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2).
For example, odds of 2.50 (decimal) equal 6/4 (fractional) or +150 (American). The key is ensuring the price offers value based on how the teams match up.
If a team is even to win a particular match, you should feel they have a greater than 50% chance of winning, as that would make it a value bet.
1X2 in Cricket, Rugby, and Boxing
Aside from football, here are some other sports where you'll find 1X2 betting as an option:
- Cricket: The 1X2 market is a popular option at cricket betting sites for Test matches, although the likelihood of a draw has decreased in recent years as captains tend to be more determined to achieve a result.
- Rugby: 1X2 is an option in union and league versions of rugby, although a draw is far less likely than it is in football due to more variance in scorelines, so that the odds will reflect this.
- Boxing: In a close boxing match where the favourite is 4/5 and the underdog is evens, you might get odds of 14/1 for the draw. In more one-sided bouts, the draw odds will be higher
1X2 Betting Variants
The 1X2 betting market in football has several variations that cater to different betting preferences and strategies.
Here are some of the more notable ones:
- Double Chance: This variation reduces the risk by allowing you to bet on two of the three possible outcomes simultaneously. For example, you can bet on a team to win or draw (1X or X2), covering two outcomes in one bet.
- Draw No Bet (DNB): You bet on either team to win in this market. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded, but this depends on the betting site where you are making your wagers. It's a safer option but usually comes with lower odds.
- Half-Time Result: A variation of the traditional 1X2 market where the bet is placed on the outcome at half-time rather than the end of the match.
- Half-time/Full-time (HT/FT): In this market, you bet on the result at half-time and the match's end. This requires predicting the game's dynamics in both halves, offering higher odds due to its difficulty.
Why Is 1X2 Betting So Popular?
Most people like to take a view when it comes to a particular match. Will one team benefit from home-field advantage to land the three points? Will the away team prove too strong and claim the spoils? Or will it be a close encounter, meaning the draw offers the best possible value?
The beauty of the 1X2 betting market is its simplicity. Anyone can understand the principle of predicting the outcome of a match after ninety minutes and betting accordingly. However, it’s another matter of trying to make money in this market, and it’s essential to follow some golden rules to avoid placing too many bets.
1X2 Betting Strategy
Effective 1X2 betting involves more than just random selection. It requires analysis and strategic thinking. Key strategies include:
- Researching Stats: Research both teams. Look at recent form, head-to-head statistics, injuries, weather conditions, or player morale. Don't let bias get in the way of a smart bet - base your bets on analysis and data, not allegiance to a particular team.
- Check Team News: Team news is vital when it comes to betting on any football market, especially 1X2. If you’re betting on the outcome of a particular match, then it’s vital to know the predicted and confirmed line-ups, which are announced roughly an hour before the game kicks off.
- Considering the Draw: Too many beginner bettors ignore the draw when placing 1X2 bets. The odds for a draw often provide value, so consider a draw double or treble instead of always trying to predict winners.
- Using The Handicap: If you have a strong feeling about the result of a match but the 1X2 odds aren't appealing, consider the handicap football betting market. You might find better value by backing a team with a head-start or a deficit applied to the scoreline.
- In-Play or Live Betting: This is worth exploring in the 1X2 market. Odds fluctuate as the match progresses, providing opportunities for savvy bettors who can read a game well.
Accumulator & Parlay Strategies for 1X2 Bets
Due to its simplicity, the most popular football accumulator bets (parlays or multi-leg bets) involve the 1X2 betting market. Bettors love putting together multiples involving several teams and cheering on each side in the hope of landing a substantial return from a relatively small stake.
While accumulators are undoubtedly great fun, bettors' biggest mistake is picking too many teams. Sometimes, it might look foolproof to load up 10 favorites into an acca/parlay and wait for the money to roll in, although there’s often an inevitability that at least one team will slip up.
Less is often more. There’s nothing wrong with picking three or four teams if they are the only ones you strongly fancy winning for that particular round of matches. The key is to avoid increasing your odds just for a bigger payout—only include teams you genuinely expect to win.
You can often find a betting site with an accumulator bonus promotion, which means you can get a bonus on top of your winnings. While a bookie will offer a bigger bonus for accas with more selections, there’s a reason why they do this, and you should resist the temptation to load up on too many teams.
Some customers like to cash out (also called an early settlement) on their football accumulator if the first few legs win.
For example, if you pick eight teams in an accumulator and the first six win, the betting site might offer you a handsome cash-out value for your bet, and you can walk away with a profit without waiting for the final two matches to be played.
