Double Chance is a pretty popular type of wager in South Africa, particularly for those who love betting on soccer matches. This unique form of wagering lets you cover two of the three possible outcomes of a game, effectively lowering the risk associated with your wager. This blog post provides a deep dive into Double Chance (or just DC further in the text) betting, explaining how it works, when it's best used, and its pros and cons.
The Basics of Double Chance Betting
Double chance betting is a safer way to wager on the outcome of a game. It reduces the risk by allowing you to cover two possible results, though it comes with lower odds. It's an ideal choice when you're uncertain about the outcome and want to increase your chances of winning.
You have three options:
| DC Option | Covers These Outcomes | Loses If | Common Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOME/DRAW | Home team wins or the game ends in a draw | Away team wins | 1X |
| AWAY/DRAW | Away team wins or the game ends in a draw | Home team wins | X2 |
| HOME/AWAY | Either team wins (no draw) | Game ends in a draw | 12 |
Depending on the bookmaker, you might see these wagers labelled differently, such as 1X for home or draw, X2 for away or draw, and 12 for either team winning.
Examples of Double Chance Betting
To better understand how Double Chance betting works, let's look at some examples from the English Premier League:
- HOME/DRAW (1X): You decide to stake on Manchester United either winning the match or the game ending in a draw. The only way you lose this wager is if Liverpool wins the match. This option might be appealing if Manchester United has a strong home record but you’re not entirely confident they’ll win outright.
- AWAY/DRAW (X2): Suppose you believe Arsenal has a good chance of avoiding defeat but aren’t sure they’ll win. You wager on Arsenal to either win or draw. The stake loses only if Chelsea wins the match. This can be a smart move if you think Arsenal can hold their own but don’t want to risk a single outcome wager.
- HOME/AWAY (12): If you’re confident that one team will win but unsure which, you might place a wager on either Tottenham or Manchester City to win, covering both teams. The only way this wager loses is if the match ends in a draw. This type of wager is useful in games where both teams are strong contenders, and a draw seems less likely.
These examples demonstrate how Double Chance betting can provide flexibility and reduce risk in various match scenarios, making it a useful strategy in uncertain situations.
The Pros and Cons
The primary advantage of Double Chance betting is the significantly reduced risk. By covering two outcomes, you have a higher probability of winning your wager. This makes this option an excellent choice for conservative punters and newcomers to sports betting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significantly reduced risk: Covers two outcomes, lowering the chance of losing. | Lower odds and potential winnings: Reduced risk means lower payouts. |
| Ideal for beginners: Simplifies betting strategy, making it easier for novices. | Less excitement: May not appeal to those who enjoy high-stakes betting. |
| Greater flexibility: Useful in uncertain matches, covering various scenarios. | Not suitable for all matches: In games with a clear favorite, the odds may be too low to be worthwhile. |
To sum it up, while placing stakes on DC can be an effective tool for reducing risk, it’s important for punters to understand that this comes at the cost of lower potential winnings. It's a form of betting best suited to those who prefer a safer approach, rather than those seeking large payouts from individual wagers.
When to Use Double Chance Betting?
Double Chance betting can be an effective strategy in specific scenarios. For instance, when two teams are closely matched, predicting a single outcome can be tricky. In such a situation, a Double Chance stake allows you to hedge your wagers.
Similarly, if you want to wager on an underdog, this betting market reduces the risk. Even if the underdog doesn't win, as long as they manage a draw, your wager still pays out.
Comparison with Other Betting Types
Double Chance betting provides a safety net compared to single wagers or accumulators. In single wagers, your entire stake rides on one outcome, which can be risky, particularly in unpredictable games. Accumulators offer higher potential payouts but require all your predictions to be correct, which can be challenging. Double Chance wagering, therefore, offers a balance of risk and potential return.
FAQs
Are the odds the same for all types of DC?
No, the odds vary depending on the teams playing and their perceived chances of winning or drawing.
Can I use DC with other wager types?
Yes, you can include this wager type in multiple bets or accumulators.
What's the main difference between DC and DNB (Draw No Bet)?
DNB allows you to wager on either Team 1 or Team 2 to win, and if the game ends in a draw, your stake is returned to you. This is different from Double Chance, where a draw can actually lead to a winning wagerif you chose that option.
Is Double Chance only applicable to football?
No, it can be applied to any sport where a draw is a possible outcome.
Can I place a live stake on Double Chance?
Yes, many bookmakers offer live stakes, where you can place a Double Chance stake after the match has started. However, keep in mind that the odds may fluctuate based on the progress of the match.
Now that you're familiar with “Double Chance” betting, why not broaden your understanding of other betting strategies? Our “Correct Score” betting guide can provide you with unique insights into predicting match outcomes. If you're interested in the total goals scored by both teams, our “Over/Under” betting guide is a great place to start. The “Goalscorer” betting page can help you place bets on individual players. And finally, if you'd like to delve into strategies for betting on half-time and full-time results, don't miss our “HT/FT” betting guide.
