Double Chance Betting Explained: What 1X, 12 and X2 Mean
Double chance betting is a football betting market that allows you to select two possible match outcomes instead of predicting just one. Rather than choosing a home win, a draw or an away win individually, you combine two of these results in a single selection.
For beginners learning how football betting markets work, understanding double chance is useful because it introduces another way to approach the traditional 1X2 market.
But what do 1X, 12 and X2 actually mean? How does double chance betting work, and when does a selection win or lose?
This guide explains the three double chance options, provides practical examples, shows how to calculate potential returns and highlights common mistakes to avoid.
What Is Double Chance Betting?
Double chance betting is a football market that covers two of the three possible outcomes in a match.
In a standard football match, the three full-time 1X2 outcomes are:
- 1: Home team wins.
- X: The match ends in a draw.
- 2: Away team wins.
Double chance allows you to combine two of these outcomes into one selection.
There are three available combinations:
- 1X: Home win or draw.
- 12: Home win or away win.
- X2: Draw or away win.
The selected bet wins when either of its two covered outcomes occurs. It loses only when the remaining outcome occurs.
For example, if you select 1X, you win when the home team wins or the match ends in a draw. You lose only if the away team wins.
This is why understanding the meaning of each selection is important before placing a bet.
Understanding the Three Double Chance Options
Although the three selections follow the same principle, each covers a different combination of match outcomes.
1. What Does 1X Mean in Football Betting?
The 1X selection covers a home win or a draw.
It means your prediction includes two possible outcomes:
- The home team wins the match.
- Both teams finish level.
You lose if the away team wins.
Example:
Imagine Arsenal are playing Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
You select 1X on the match.
| Final result | Your 1X selection |
|---|---|
| Arsenal 2–0 Chelsea | Wins |
| Arsenal 1–1 Chelsea | Wins |
| Arsenal 0–1 Chelsea | Loses |
The selection does not require Arsenal to win. A draw is also sufficient for the bet to be successful.
This market may attract attention when someone expects the home team to avoid defeat but is uncertain whether they can secure all three points.
2. What Does 12 Mean in Football Betting?
The 12 selection covers either a home win or an away win.
It excludes the draw.
Your selection wins if either team finishes the match with more goals than its opponent.
Example:
Imagine Liverpool are playing Manchester United.
You select 12.
| Final result | Your 12 selection |
|---|---|
| Liverpool 2–1 Manchester United | Wins |
| Liverpool 0–2 Manchester United | Wins |
| Liverpool 1–1 Manchester United | Loses |
The important thing to understand is that 12 does not mean both teams must score. It simply means the match must produce a winner.
A 1–0 result, a 3–2 result or even a 4–0 result can all satisfy the selection, provided the match does not end in a draw.
3. What Does X2 Mean in Football Betting?
The X2 selection covers a draw or an away win.
It means your prediction includes two possible outcomes:
- The match ends in a draw.
- The away team wins.
You lose if the home team wins.
Example:
Imagine Real Madrid are hosting Barcelona.
You select X2, covering the draw and an away win.
| Final result | Your X2 selection |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid 1–2 Barcelona | Wins |
| Real Madrid 2–2 Barcelona | Wins |
| Real Madrid 2–0 Barcelona | Loses |
This selection is sometimes considered when someone expects the visiting team to avoid defeat, but it is not a guarantee that the away side will get a positive result.
Double Chance Betting Explained in One Table
The following table summarises all three selections.
| Selection | Covered outcomes | Losing outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1X | Home win or draw | Away win |
| 12 | Home win or away win | Draw |
| X2 | Draw or away win | Home win |
Remember these simple definitions:
- 1X protects against a draw.
- 12 excludes a draw.
- X2 protects against a home win.
The word “protects” here refers only to the additional outcome covered by the selection. It does not eliminate the possibility of losing the bet.
How Double Chance Betting Odds Work
Double chance odds represent the price offered for a selection covering two possible match outcomes.
Because each selection covers two of the three standard results, its odds are generally lower than those of the individual outcomes it combines.
For example, consider these illustrative decimal odds:
| Market | Selection | Example odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1X2 | Home win | 2.10 |
| 1X2 | Draw | 3.30 |
| 1X2 | Away win | 3.60 |
| Double Chance | 1X | 1.30 |
| Double Chance | 12 | 1.32 |
| Double Chance | X2 | 1.65 |
These figures are examples for explaining how odds work. They are not live bookmaker prices or recommendations.
The odds offered by a bookmaker depend on its assessment of the match, market demand and the margin included in the prices.
A selection covering two possible outcomes will often have a shorter price because there are more ways for it to win.
However, lower odds do not mean that a selection is automatically safer.
How to Calculate Double Chance Betting Returns
Double chance betting uses the same basic decimal odds calculation as other football betting markets.
The formula is:
Potential total return = Stake × Decimal odds
Your potential profit is:
Potential profit = Total return − Stake
Let’s use a practical example.
Suppose you select 1X at decimal odds of 1.40 and place a ₦5,000 stake.
- Stake: ₦5,000
- Double chance odds: 1.40
- Potential total return: ₦7,000
- Potential profit: ₦2,000
If either the home team wins or the match ends in a draw, the selection wins and the potential total return is ₦7,000.
If the away team wins, the selection loses and the ₦5,000 stake is lost.
The total return includes your original stake. It should not be confused with profit.
Double Chance vs 1X2 Betting: What Is the Difference?
The major difference between double chance and 1X2 betting is the number of outcomes covered by a selection.
In a standard 1X2 market, you must select one specific result:
- Home win.
- Draw.
- Away win.
In double chance, you combine two possible outcomes.
For example, selecting a home win in a 1X2 market means the home team must win. If the match ends in a draw, the selection loses.
However, choosing 1X in double chance means the selection still wins if the match ends in a draw.
Here is a comparison:
| Feature | 1X2 betting | Double chance |
|---|---|---|
| Outcomes selected | One | Two |
| Possible selections | 1, X or 2 | 1X, 12 or X2 |
| Draw coverage | Only X | Included in 1X or X2 |
| Typical odds | Can be higher | Often lower |
| Main consideration | Predict one exact outcome | Cover two possible outcomes |
If you need a more detailed explanation of the individual match results, read our guide to 1X2 betting explained.
You can also explore our broader guide to football betting markets explained to understand how other popular markets work.
Is Double Chance Betting the Same as Draw No Bet?
No. Double chance and Draw No Bet are related football betting markets, but their settlement rules are different.
With double chance, you select two outcomes, and either one can result in a winning bet.
With Draw No Bet, you select one team to win. If the match ends in a draw, the stake is generally returned rather than lost.
Consider a selection on the home team:
| Match result | Home 1X | Home Draw No Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Home team wins | Wins | Wins |
| Draw | Wins | Stake returned |
| Away team wins | Loses | Loses |
The difference is particularly important when comparing the odds of the two markets.
Don’t assume that the same settlement rules apply to every football market. Always check the bookmaker’s rules before confirming a selection.
When Do Double Chance Bets Lose?
A double chance bet loses when the match ends in the only outcome that your selection does not cover.
For example:
- 1X loses when the away team wins.
- 12 loses when the match ends in a draw.
- X2 loses when the home team wins.
Understanding this is more useful than simply memorising the three abbreviations.
You should also check whether you are selecting the full-time, first-half or another time-specific double chance market. The settlement period matters.
Common Double Chance Betting Mistakes to Avoid
Even though double chance is relatively straightforward, beginners sometimes misunderstand how the market works.
Confusing 12 with Both Teams to Score
The 12 selection does not mean both teams must score.
It means either the home team or the away team must win.
For example, a 1–0 result satisfies 12 even though only one team scores.
Thinking 1X Guarantees a Home Win
A 1X selection can win when the match ends in a draw. It does not require the home team to secure victory.
Assuming X2 Means the Away Team Must Win
X2 includes a draw as well as an away win. A draw is sufficient for the selection to win.
Ignoring the Odds
Covering two outcomes does not automatically make a selection worthwhile.
Compare the offered odds with the match information, team form, injuries, home and away performances, and the possibility of unexpected results.
Forgetting to Check the Settlement Rules
Different betting markets can have different settlement conditions.
Check whether the selection applies to regulation time, extra time or another period. Standard full-time football 1X2 and double chance markets normally settle on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time, unless the market rules specify otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Chance Betting
What does 1X mean in betting?
1X means home win or draw. The selection wins if the home team wins or both teams finish level. It loses if the away team wins.
What does 12 mean in football betting?
12 covers a home win or an away win. The selection loses if the match ends in a draw.
What does X2 mean in betting?
X2 means draw or away win. The selection wins if the match finishes level or the away team wins.
Which double chance selection covers a draw?
Both 1X and X2 cover a draw. The 12 selection does not include a draw.
Are double chance odds lower than 1X2 odds?
Double chance odds are generally lower than the individual 1X2 prices because each selection covers two possible match outcomes. However, actual odds vary between matches and bookmakers.
Can double chance betting be used in accumulators?
Yes. Where the bookmaker offers the market, double chance selections can generally be included in accumulators. The combined odds depend on the prices of all selected events and the bookmaker’s rules.
However, including several selections does not remove the risk of losing an accumulator if one of its required selections fails.
Does double chance include extra time and penalties?
Standard full-time double chance markets normally use the result after regulation time, including stoppage time, but excluding extra time and penalty shootouts. Always check the specific market’s settlement rules.
Final Thoughts on Double Chance Betting
Double chance betting gives football bettors a way to cover two of the three possible match outcomes in a single selection.
Understanding the differences between 1X, 12 and X2 is essential:
- 1X covers a home win or draw.
- 12 covers a home win or away win.
- X2 covers a draw or away win.
Although double chance can offer more outcome coverage than a single 1X2 selection, it does not guarantee a winning result or make every selection good value.
The best starting point is to understand the market, compare the available odds and carefully consider the match before making a decision.
Continue exploring our football betting guides for more explanations of popular markets, odds and football betting terminology.
Bet responsibly. Football results are uncertain, and no betting selection guarantees a return. Only participate where legally permitted and never stake money you cannot afford to lose.
