What Does 1X2 Mean in Betting?

One of the most popular sports betting markets is 1X2, often labelled 'match result' or 'full-time result' when you're betting on football.

1X2 betting is usually associated with the beautiful game, but it's also an option for other sports where the draw is a possibility.

What is 1X2 Betting?

1X2 betting involves placing a stake on one of three possible outcomes in a match: 1 (home team win), X (draw) or 2 (away team win).

The beauty of 1X2 betting lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal starting point for beginners, while still popular with experienced punters.

When betting on football, bettors often combine a number of selections from the 1X2 market into an accumulator to increase potential returns.

1x2 Betting Odds

Odds in 1X2 betting are typically presented in fractional form. Whichever of the three options you select, you are betting against the other two, so you have to feel confident that the price you have taken represents decent value.

If a team is evens to win a particular match, for example, you should really feel as though they have a greater than 50% chance of winning, as that would make it a value bet.

Consider a Premier League match between Liverpool (home) and Manchester City (away). 

The 1X2 market at your favourite football betting site might look something like this:

• Liverpool to win (1): 6/4
• Draw (X): 16/5
• Manchester City to win (2): 9/5

If you bet £100 on Liverpool and they win, your total return would be £250 (£150 profit + your stake).

1X2 Betting Strategy

Effective 1X2 betting involves more than just random selection. It requires analysis and strategic thinking. Key strategies include:

1. Researching Stats: Research both teams. Look at recent form, head-to-head statistics, injuries and even factors like 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.
2. Considering The Draw: Too many beginner punters 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.
3. 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.
4. Betting In-Play: Live betting options are worth exploring and the 1X2 market is available as an option in-play. Odds will fluctuate as the match progresses, providing opportunities for savvy punters who can read a game well.
5. Exchange Betting: Betting exchanges can offer better odds compared to traditional bookmakers and also provide opportunities to lay bets (betting against a certain outcome), adding another dimension to your betting strategy.

1X2 Betting in Other Sports

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 gung-ho in search of 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 the odds will reflect this.
• Boxing: In a close boxing match where the favourite is 4/5 and the underdog is evens, for example, 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): In this market, you bet on either team to win, but if the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded. 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 both half-time and the end of the match. This requires predicting the dynamics of the game in both halves, offering higher odds due to its difficulty.