What is a double chance bet?
A double chance bet covers two of the three possible results in a match with a single stake, such as home win or draw, so you lose only if the third result happens.
A football match can end three ways. Double chance lets you hold two of them at once. You give up a chunk of the odds, and in exchange only one result beats you.
| Option | You win if | You lose if |
|---|---|---|
| 1X | Home win or draw | Away win |
| X2 | Draw or away win | Home win |
| 12 | Home win or away win | Draw |
The codes come from the 1X2 market: 1 is the home team, X the draw, 2 the away team. The name and the codes are the same in the UK, Europe and the US, though US books show this market less often.
Example
An underdog is at home to a stronger side. The straight home win is 3.40, which feels like a stretch. You take 1X (home win or draw) at 1.65 with a $40 stake.
- Home win: $66 back, $26 profit.
- Draw: $66 back, $26 profit.
- Away win: you lose $40.
Watch out
Short prices hide the margin well. Double chance on a big favourite might pay 1.10 or less, which means risking $100 to win $10. One upset erases ten winners. I only look at this market when I’m siding with the underdog.
It’s also worth comparing two close relatives:
- Draw no bet refunds your stake on a draw instead of paying out. The odds are higher.
- An Asian handicap of +0.5 is the same bet as double chance on that team, and it’s sometimes priced a touch better. Check both before you click.
The “12” option is the odd one out. You’re betting against a draw, which is mostly useful in matches where both sides have to go for the win.