Double chance explained

Double chance is a hedge against a draw or against a defeat. Instead of picking one outcome, you choose two. In return, the odds are considerably lower.

The three variants:

• 1X: The home team win or the match is drawn.
• X2: The away team win or the match is drawn.
• 12: Either team wins; only a draw loses.

As with 1X2, the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time counts, excluding extra time and penalties.

How the odds are formed

The probability of a double chance is the sum of the two outcomes covered. The fair odds are therefore 1 / (p1 + pX). Because the bookmaker takes a margin here too, the odds offered are slightly lower.

When it makes sense

Double chance fits when you rate a team more highly than the market does but do not want to rule out a draw – typically with underdogs that are strong at home, or in matches where a point helps both sides. X2 on a clear away favourite, on the other hand, often only yields odds of around 1.10 to 1.20. A single slip-up is then enough to wipe out the profit from many bets.

Double chance or draw no bet?

With draw no bet, a draw returns your stake instead of winning. The odds are higher in return. Double chance is the more cautious hedge, draw no bet the slightly more aggressive one. Which is better depends solely on how likely you think the draw is and what odds are on offer.