Double chance betting is a football market that lets you cover two of the three possible match outcomes in a single bet. Instead of picking one of home win, draw or away win, you combine two: home or draw (1X), home or away (12), or draw or away (X2). The tradeoff is straightforward: covering two outcomes means your odds are lower than a straight match result bet, but your probability of winning is roughly doubled.
The three double chance combinations
Home or draw (1X) covers the home win and the draw. It wins unless the away team wins outright. Away or draw (X2) covers the draw and the away win, losing only if the home team wins. These two are the most commonly used: they effectively remove one result from the equation while offering reasonable odds. The third combination — home or away (12) — covers both outright wins and loses only on a draw. This is sometimes called the double chance without the draw, and it typically offers the worst odds of the three because draws occur in roughly 25% of top-flight fixtures, so removing only the draw still leaves a meaningful risk.
Typical odds and implied probability
In a match between a strong home favourite and a weaker away side, the away or draw (X2) combination might be priced at 1.3–1.5. The home or draw (1X) might be priced at 1.15–1.30 for a clear home favourite. The home or away (12) combination in an evenly-matched fixture sits around 1.25–1.45. These odds are substantially shorter than the equivalent single-outcome result, reflecting the lower risk. Bookmakers still apply a margin across double chance markets, though the absolute overround is proportionally similar to 1X2.
When double chance makes strategic sense
Double chance is most defensible when you have a strong directional view on a match but are genuinely uncertain about the draw. For example, if you believe the away team will not lose (they are in strong form, the home side is injury-hit) but cannot decide between draw and away win, X2 is a rational choice. It is less useful as a systematic approach to low-margin betting, since the odds are always priced to reflect the combined probability. Using double chance in an accumulator, however, allows punters to include legs where they have moderate confidence rather than high conviction, which can be a legitimate portfolio approach. 18+ — Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753.
Frequently Asked Questions
1X means you are backing either a home win or a draw. The bet wins if the home team wins or the match ends level. It loses only if the away team wins outright. This is the most popular double chance combination for backers of home favourites who are uncertain about a draw.
No. Double chance odds are shorter (lower) than the equivalent single outcome because you are covering two results instead of one. The expected return is similar to betting 1X2, but with less risk per individual bet. The bookmaker margin applies in both markets.
Yes. Double chance legs can be combined in accumulators alongside other market types. This allows punters to include legs where their conviction is moderate rather than high, potentially making accumulators more achievable. The shorter odds per leg reduce the total accumulator return compared to straight result accumulators.
Not exactly. Double chance 1X covers home win and draw. Draw no bet (DNB) covers only the home win, with the stake returned on a draw. DNB effectively gives you the same win on a home result, but refunds rather than profits on the draw. DNB odds are higher than double chance 1X but slightly lower than a straight home win.
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