Among both beginner and experienced bettors, simple football betting strategies are popular — the kind that don’t require complex pre-match mathematical calculations. One of the most common and effective of these is the “Both Teams to Score” (BTTS) bet.
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Definition of the bet
In bookmaker lines for football matches, the “Both Teams to Score” bet is denoted as “BTTS.” This type of wager is divided into two categories:
- “Both Teams to Score – Yes”;
- “Both Teams to Score – No.”
“Both Teams to Score – Yes” means that both opponents will find the net in the upcoming match. This bet wins if the match does not end in a goalless draw (0:0) and neither team keeps a clean sheet.
“Both Teams to Score – No” means that the match will end either in a 0:0 draw or one of the teams will win while keeping a clean sheet.
Combined bet types
In football match listings, combined bets that include “BTTS” alongside another market are frequently found. The most popular combinations among bettors include:
- BTTS and match result – means both teams will score, but either the first or second team will win;
- BTTS and total over – means both teams will score and the total number of goals will exceed the set total line;
- BTTS in a half – means both teams will score during a specific half (first or second).
Match selection tips
When choosing matches for the “Both Teams to Score” bet, bettors should follow several recommendations:
- ignore team performance and scoring dynamics from previous seasons;
- avoid betting on friendly matches and disregard their results during analysis;
- analyze team results within the same competition only;
- choose matches involving clubs that favor an attacking style of play;
- analyze the last 5–10 matches each team played against different opponents;
- analyze head-to-head results from their last 3–5 meetings;
- select matches where both teams have scored and conceded in at least 6 of their last 10 games.
Matches unsuitable for the “Both Teams to Score” bet
There are certain types of football matches where the “BTTS” bet is not recommended. These include games:
- between a clear favorite and an underdog – such matches often end with a dominant victory for the favorite;
- where both teams favor defensive football – such games frequently end 0:0 or 1:0/0:1;
- where key attacking players are injured or unavailable;
- played in adverse weather conditions (strong wind, rain, extreme heat);
- that are friendly or exhibition matches;
- featuring teams with no tournament motivation.
BTTS calculation formula
The profitability of the “Both Teams to Score” bet can be assessed using the BTTS (Both Teams To Score) calculation system. To apply this formula, a bettor selects teams that, in at least 6 out of their last 10 official matches, have met the conditions for a “BTTS – Yes” outcome. Next, calculate the percentage of such matches for each team (each corresponding match equals 10%).
The average expected probability of the BTTS bet is then calculated as follows:
%№1 – percentage for the home team;
%№2 – percentage for the away team.
Next, calculate the bookmaker’s BTTS implied probability using this formula:
K1 – bookmaker’s odds for the BTTS outcome.
If the first figure (expected probability) is higher – the bet is worth placing.
If the second (bookmaker’s probability) is higher – the bet is likely to lose.
Example of a successful “Both Teams to Score” calculation
For the “Both Teams to Score – Yes” bet, the bettor selected the match between “Alavés” and “Valencia” in the 2021/2022 Spanish league season. The capper calculated the average expected BTTS probability as shown below:
| “Alavés” | |||
| date | opponents | score | % |
| 27.11.2021 | “Alavés” – “Celta” | 1:2 | 10% |
| 03.12.2021 | “Granada” – “Alavés” | 2:1 | 10% |
| 11.12.2021 | “Alavés” – “Getafe” | 1:1 | 10% |
| 18.12.2021 | “Rayo Vallecano” – “Alavés” | 2:0 | 0% |
| 21.12.2021 | “Villarreal” – “Alavés” | 5:2 | 10% |
| 02.01.2022 | “Alavés” – “Real Sociedad” | 1:1 | 10% |
| 09.01.2022 | “Alavés” – “Athletic” | 0:0 | 0% |
| 18.01.2022 | “Betis” – “Alavés” | 4:0 | 0% |
| 23.01.2022 | “Alavés” – “Barcelona” | 0:1 | 0% |
| 05.02.2022 | “Elche” – “Alavés” | 3:1 | 10% |
| 60% | |||
and
| “Valencia” | |||
| date | opponents | score | % |
| 21.11.2021 | “Real Sociedad” – “Valencia” | 0:0 | 0% |
| 27.11.2021 | “Valencia” – “Rayo Vallecano” | 1:1 | 10% |
| 05.12.2021 | “Celta” – “Valencia” | 1:2 | 10% |
| 11.12.2021 | “Valencia” – “Elche” | 2:1 | 10% |
| 20.12.2021 | “Levante” – “Valencia” | 3:4 | 10% |
| 31.12.2021 | “Real” – “Valencia” | 1:2 | 10% |
| 08.01.2022 | “Valencia” – “Real Sociedad” | 4:1 | 10% |
| 19.01.2022 | “Valencia” – “Sevilla” | 1:1 | 10% |
| 22.01.2022 | “Atlético” – “Valencia” | 3:2 | 10% |
| 06.02.2022 | “Valencia” – “Real Sociedad” | 0:0 | 0% |
| 80% | |||
The bettor calculated the bookmaker’s implied probability: 100%/1.85=54.05% (1.85 – the odds for “BTTS – Yes”).
The average expected probability (70%) was higher than the bookmaker’s (54.05%), so the bettor placed a “Both Teams to Score – Yes” bet of 20 USD.
The Matchday 24 La Liga fixture “Alavés” vs “Valencia” ended 2:1.
The bet won, and the payout was 37 USD.
