What does the 1×2 mean in betting?

1×2 is the main market for betting on events that allow for a possible draw. In bookmakers’ lines, this market always comes first in the match list.
Understanding what 1×2 means in betting is very simple. This notation implies choosing between three outcomes:

• 1 or W1 – home team win;
• X – draw;
• 2 or W2 – away team win.

Among online bookmaker clients, this market is the most popular, as every fan primarily tries to predict the main result of a match. Let’s take a closer look at what 1×2 means in sports betting, how it’s calculated, possible strategies, and its advantages and disadvantages.

In which sports can you place a 1×2 bet?

If a bookmaker’s line includes a 1×2 bet, it refers to the basic match score. However, the same principle – W1–X–W2 – can also apply to other statistical aspects of sporting events. For example, many bookmakers offer a 1×2 market for corners in football.
When referring exclusively to match outcomes, this type of bet applies to sports where a draw is possible. If a draw leads to overtime, then W1–X–W2 applies only to regulation time. Having understood the basics of what the 1×2 outcome means in betting, let’s list the most common sports where it’s used:

• football;
• hockey (without overtime);
• basketball (in regulation time);
• futsal;
• handball, etc.

This outcome is used not only for betting on the full-time result but also for halves, periods, and quarters. The W1–X–W2 market is available both in pre-match and live mode.

What are the nuances of 1×2 bets?

There’s a stereotype that 1×2 betting is for beginners. This is far from true. Experienced handicappers who possess strong pre-match analysis skills also frequently use this basic market. It’s not as simple as it seems and has several important nuances. Let’s examine how this market differs from “Double Chance” bets and its calculation features.

Difference between 1×2 and Double Chance bets

The Double Chance market is also one of the fundamental betting options and usually follows W1–X–W2 in the line. It also involves choosing one of three outcomes, but with a different notation and meaning:

• 1X – home win or draw;
• 12 – either team wins, no draw;
• X2 – draw or away win.

It’s called Double Chance because the bet wins in two possible outcomes. In 1×2, however, you must predict the exact result – either a win or a draw. Clearly, predicting a specific outcome in W1–X–W2 is more difficult, but the odds are significantly higher.

Here’s a comparison table of odds for the UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt:

How is a 1×2 bet settled?

The calculation of this bet is straightforward. If the chosen result is correct, the payout is made. If either of the two other outcomes occurs, the bet loses. Refunds are not provided, except if the match is officially declared void. Bookmakers also reserve the right to void bets in cases of incorrectly displayed odds, technical errors, or fraudulent player actions.

Example of a 1×2 bet

Let’s take an example from the mentioned match. Suppose we bet on the UEFA Champions League 2021/2022 winner as the clear favorite with odds of 1.56. With a stake of 10 USD, the possible outcomes are:

1. Real Madrid wins in regular time. The bet wins and the payout is $10 × 1.56 = $15.60, meaning a net profit of $5.60.
2. If the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes or Eintracht wins, the bettor loses the stake.

To expand this example: in the same match, for the 1×2 first-half market, the odds are W1 – 2.05, X – 2.42, W2 – 5.75. If a player believes that Real Madrid will assert their class advantage in the first half, this presents a chance to catch higher odds.

When should you bet on 1×2 and when not to?

The first case is a “non-commercial” use of the bookmaker. The client bets on their favorite team to enhance emotional engagement. There’s no expectation of long-term profit, but watching the match becomes more exciting.
The second case is betting to make money. This requires serious pre-match analysis. Evaluate the chances of each team’s victory considering all possible factors:

• motivation – tournament, traditional, or personal;
• team quality and class;
• home or away field advantage;
• roster losses, etc.

It’s not enough to simply understand what the 1×2 outcome means in betting. It’s important to have expert knowledge of the sport, the league, the teams’ form, and many other details.

What are the 1×2 betting strategies?

Consistent profit from this type of betting is possible only through a strategic approach. Here are a few of many existing strategies:

1. Betting on the home favorite. Choose matches where a stronger team plays at home and is highly motivated to win. Pick W1 odds in the 1.60–1.90 range.
2. Betting on a draw. Various draw strategies exist. For instance, the “2 out of 5” system involves selecting five matches with a high likelihood of a draw. If even two succeed at odds around 2.70–3.20, the bet breaks even; three correct predictions yield solid profit.
3. Betting against a strong club using a Martingale approach. Even top teams in major European leagues lose occasionally due to fierce competition. Week after week, you bet on their opponents. This is a long-term strategy requiring significant bankroll.

Any betting system is only conditionally profitable. It must be backed by strong knowledge and analytical skills. Don’t rush to place large bets, even if you’re confident in a favorite’s win. Sports are unpredictable, and only thorough analysis minimizes surprises.

Pros and cons of 1×2 bets

The main feature of this market is its simplicity – and that’s its primary advantage. The second benefit is high odds. Even favorites rarely have odds below 1.50. The third positive aspect is quick settlement, since only the official regulation-time result is counted.

However, there are challenges. First, bookmakers carefully set odds and rarely make mistakes, while the margin eats into long-term profit. Second, the market becomes heavily loaded quickly, especially in major matches. Third, upsets and surprises often lead to frustrating losses.