What is Double Chance Betting?
Double chance betting is like having two chances to win instead of one. It’s popular in football because there are three possible outcomes: a home win, an away win, or a draw. With double chance, you bet on two of those outcomes in one go. It’s safer—but, of course, the trade-off is lower odds.
How Double Chance Works
The three options in double chance betting are:
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1X – Home team wins or draws
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X2 – Away team wins or draws
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12 – Either team wins (no draw)
This gives bettors some breathing room, especially when the game feels tight.
The Different Double Chance Options (1X, X2, 12)
Let’s break them down:
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1X: You win if the home team wins or it’s a draw.
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X2: You win if the away team wins or it’s a draw.
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12: You win if either team wins—just not a draw.
Each has its time and place, but today, we’re zooming in on 1X.
What Does 1X Mean in Double Chance?
Breaking Down the 1 and the X
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1 stands for the home team winning.
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X stands for a draw.
So, 1X means: “I think the home team won’t lose.”
It’s a way of saying, “I believe in the home team, but just in case, I’ll protect myself if they only manage a draw.”
When is 1X a Smart Bet?
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When the home team is strong but not guaranteed to win.
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When the away team is inconsistent.
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In derbies or high-pressure games where a draw is very likely.
The Strategy Behind Betting on Double Chance 1X
Why Use Double Chance 1X?
It gives you extra safety. You don’t need your team to win—just not lose.
It’s perfect for cautious bettors or those building accumulators (combos) who want lower risk on tricky matches.
Ideal Scenarios to Use 1X
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Teams with strong home records
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Big games with pressure and low scoring
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Matches where a draw benefits the home team (think group stage games)
Risk vs. Reward: Is It Worth It?
Yes, if you’re aiming for consistent small wins rather than big jackpots. It won’t make you rich fast—but it can keep your bankroll alive.
Comparing Double Chance to Other Bet Types
Double Chance vs. Draw No Bet
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Draw No Bet: You only get your stake back if the game draws.
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Double Chance 1X: You win if it draws.
So, 1X is safer and more profitable in a game likely to end level.
Double Chance vs. 1X2 Full-Time Result
1X2 is the classic—just pick the winner. But it’s riskier. Double chance sacrifices odds for protection.
When to Avoid Double Chance
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When the odds are so low that it’s not worth the stake
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When you believe strongly in a win and want better returns
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When market conditions or injuries favor the underdog
How to Find Value in Double Chance 1X
Analyzing Home Team Performance
Look at their home form. Are they unbeaten at home? Do they rarely lose? That’s your green light.
Reading Team Form and Head-to-Head Stats
Has this team historically performed well against their opponents? Are they in form? Are the visitors struggling? Use the data.
Market Odds and Bookmaker Margins
Don’t just bet blindly—compare odds across sportsbooks. Use odds comparison sites to squeeze out every bit of value.
Common Mistakes Bettors Make with 1X Bets
Overusing on Strong Favorites
Just because a team is favored doesn’t mean 1X is the best play. Sometimes, straight wins offer more value.
Ignoring Key Matchday Factors
Team news, injuries, weather—all these affect outcomes. Don’t bet 1X just because the name looks big on paper.
Misjudging Underdog Potential
If the away team is hungry and in form, don’t assume they’ll roll over.
Advanced Tips for Profiting with Double Chance 1X
Use in Accumulators for Safety
Got a 5-leg parlay? Throw in a 1X to increase the chances without crashing your payout.
Combining with Over/Under Bets
Mix 1X with goals markets (like under 3.5 goals) for higher value.
In-Play Opportunities for Double Chance
Live betting can reveal a lot. If the away team starts slow, 1X can become a great pick after 10–15 minutes.
Real-Life Examples of 1X Betting
Sample Matches Where 1X Makes Sense
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Everton vs. Chelsea at Goodison Park: Everton are dogs, but they rarely lose at home.
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Roma vs. Napoli: Tight rivalry, lots of draws—perfect for 1X.
Situations Where 1X Was the Smarter Bet
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World Cup group stages, where teams play safe to avoid losing.
Losing Examples to Learn From
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Betting 1X on a tired team after Europa League travel—they got crushed.
Top Sportsbooks Offering Double Chance Markets
Recommended Bookies with Great Odds
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Bet365
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Betway
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1xBet
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Pinnacle
Bonuses and Promos to Watch Out For
Look out for boosted odds, risk-free bets, or cashback on accumulators that include double chance markets.
Tools and Resources for Smart 1X Betting
Apps and Software for Analysis
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Sofascore
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FlashScore
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BetAnalytix
Websites with Accurate Predictions
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Whoscored.com
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Forebet
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GGPrediction.com 😉
Social Media and Forums for Tips
Reddit’s r/soccerbetting or Twitter/X accounts dedicated to match previews can offer valuable insights.
Conclusion
Double Chance 1X betting is the quiet hero of smart betting. It doesn’t scream “big win,” but it helps you win often and lose less. If you’re looking for a safer path with more consistent returns, especially on tough matchdays, this is a weapon you want in your betting arsenal.
FAQs
What does double chance 1X mean in betting?
It means your bet wins if the home team either wins or draws the match.
Is 1X a good betting strategy?
Yes, especially in games where the home team is strong but not a clear favorite to win.
Can you use 1X in combination bets?
Absolutely. It’s often used in accumulators to reduce risk.
Do all sportsbooks offer double chance bets?
Most major ones do, but always check your bookie’s market offerings.
How do you calculate your payout on 1X?
Multiply your stake by the odds given for 1X. Since odds are lower, the profit margin is smaller but safer.