Double Chance Betting Explained: What is 1X, 2X & 12?

Instead of choosing one of the three traditional football match-result outcomes — home win, draw or away win — a double chance bet covers two of those three outcomes.

The trade-off is straightforward: because you're covering two possible results instead of one, the odds are normally lower than backing a single match-result outcome. But why do bettors like double chance betting? When can it make sense? And how does it compare with other football betting markets?

This guide explains everything you need to know about double chance betting, including how it works, what 1X, X2 and 12 mean, worked examples, double chance betting strategy, bookmaker comparisons and the most common mistakes beginners make.

What Is Double Chance Betting?

Double chance betting is a football betting market that allows you to cover two of the three possible match results with a single selection.

In a standard 1X2 football market, there are three possible outcomes:

• 1 = Home win

• X = Draw

• 2 = Away win

A double chance bet combines two of these outcomes. There are therefore three possible double chance selections:

The basic idea is simple. Instead of having to correctly predict exactly what will happen, you only need to correctly identify two of the three possible outcomes.

For example, if you select 1X, your bet wins if the home team wins or the match finishes as a draw. Your bet only loses if the away team wins. This is why double chance is sometimes described as providing a degree of protection against one particular result.

How Does Double Chance Betting Work?

Double chance betting works by combining two possible match results into a single selection. For example:

Arsenal vs Chelsea

You believe Arsenal will avoid defeat, but you aren't confident enough to back Arsenal to win.

You could select:

1X — Arsenal or Draw

Your bet wins if:

• Arsenal win

• The match is drawn

Your bet loses if:

• Chelsea win

This is the fundamental principle behind double chance betting.

Why are double chance odds lower?

Because you are covering two possible outcomes.

A standard match-result bet might offer:

• Arsenal win — 2.00

• Draw — 3.50

• Chelsea win — 3.75

The 1X double chance market combines the first two outcomes. Because there are now two ways for your bet to win, the price is normally shorter than backing Arsenal to win alone.

This is the fundamental trade-off: More outcomes covered = lower odds

What Does 1X Mean in Betting?

1X means home win or draw.

When might bettors use 1X?

A bettor might use 1X when they expect the home team to avoid defeat but don't necessarily want to rely on a home win.

This can be particularly relevant when:

• The home team has a strong home record

• The two teams are closely matched

• The home team is difficult to beat

• The draw looks like a realistic outcome

• The home win price is considered too short or too risky

What Does X2 Mean in Betting?

X2 means draw or away win.

When might bettors use X2?

X2 can be useful when a bettor believes the away side is unlikely to lose but doesn't necessarily want to predict an away victory outright.

It can therefore be relevant when:

• The away team is stronger

• The teams are closely matched

• The away side has a good record on the road

• A draw looks plausible

• The away win odds are considered too short or risky

What Does 12 Mean in Betting?

12 means either team to win.

Why would someone use 12 betting?

The 12 market can be useful when you believe the match is likely to produce a winner but don't have a strong opinion about which team will win.

For example, you might think: "I don't know who will win, but I don't expect this game to finish level."

In that situation, 12 covers both teams winning.

1X vs X2 vs 12: What's the Difference?

The easiest way to understand the three double chance selections is to think about which result you're excluding.

Another way to remember them:

1X = Home team avoids defeat

X2 = Away team avoids defeat

12 = There will be a winner

This is one of the most important things to understand before placing a double chance bet.

Why Do Bettors Like Double Chance Betting?

There are several reasons why double chance is a popular football betting market.

You Don't Have to Predict the Exact Winner

One of the biggest attractions is that you don't always have to correctly predict which team will win. With 1X, for example, you only need the home team to avoid defeat. With X2, you only need the away team to avoid defeat. With 12, you only need the match to produce a winner.

It Covers the Draw

The draw is one of the three possible football match outcomes, and it can make straightforward match-result betting difficult. Double chance allows you to include the draw within certain selections.

This can be useful when you think a team will avoid defeat but aren't confident enough to back it to win.

It Can Be Simpler Than Other Markets

Double chance is a relatively straightforward market.

You're not predicting:

• The exact score

• Number of goals

• First goalscorer

• Corners

• Cards

You're simply predicting which two of the three match-result outcomes you're prepared to cover.

It Can Be Used When Teams Are Closely Matched

If two teams appear difficult to separate, a bettor may prefer to cover two results rather than select one outright winner.

It Can Be Used in Accumulators

Double chance selections can also be combined with other bets in accumulators, subject to bookmaker availability.

The lower odds associated with double chance can make it possible to include several selections without the overall price becoming as large as it would with multiple outright match winners. However, adding more selections also increases the chance of losing the accumulator.

Double Chance Betting vs Match Result Betting

Double chance is closely related to the standard 1X2 match-result market.

The key difference is the number of outcomes covered.

Suppose the home team is priced at 2/1 to win. You might decide that 2/1 represents an attractive price, but you are concerned about the possibility of a draw.

A 1X selection would cover both:

Home win + draw

The trade-off is that the 1X price will generally be shorter. This is the central consideration when comparing double chance with a straight match-result bet.

Double Chance Betting vs Draw No Bet

Double chance is also worth comparing with Draw No Bet (DNB).

They are similar, but they work differently.

Double Chance

Suppose you back: Home team — 1X

If the home team wins: Bet wins

If the match is drawn: Bet wins

If the home team loses: Bet loses

Draw No Bet

Suppose you back: Home team — Draw No Bet

If the home team wins: Bet wins

If the match is drawn: Stake returned

If the home team loses: Bet loses

Things to Consider Before Betting on Double Chance

Double chance is simple to understand, but that doesn't mean every double chance bet is automatically a good bet. There are several factors to consider.

Check the Odds

Because two outcomes are covered, double chance odds are generally shorter than the corresponding single-result odds. Make sure the price still offers enough potential return for the risk you're taking.

Consider the Draw Probability

The draw is particularly important when comparing 1X and X2 with straightforward match-result bets. If you think the draw is highly plausible, including it within your selection may make sense from a risk-management perspective.

Look at Home and Away Form

When considering 1X, look at the home team's performances at home. For X2, look at the away team's performances away from home.

Don't simply rely on a team's overall league record.

Consider the Strength of the Opponents

A team's recent form can look impressive until you consider who those results came against. Look at the quality of the opposition as well as the result itself.

Check Team News

Injuries, suspensions and rotation can all affect the likelihood of a team winning or avoiding defeat. This can be particularly important when a key player is unavailable.

Check the Competition

Different competitions can have different characteristics. A Premier League match, Champions League fixture, FA Cup tie and international friendly may all require different considerations.

Understand the Settlement Rules

Most standard football double chance markets are based on the result after scheduled match time.

For example, bet365 states that its standard Double Chance market covers 1 or X, X or 2, and 1 or 2, while its football rules state that standard result markets are settled at the end of 90 minutes plus stoppage time unless otherwise specified.

Betfred likewise states that its Double Chance options are 1 or X, X or 2 and 1 or 2, with scheduled match time applying. Always check the specific bookmaker's rules, particularly for cup matches where extra time and penalties may be possible.

Double Chance Betting Strategy

There is no guaranteed double chance betting strategy. However, there are ways to approach the market systematically.

Look for Teams That Are Difficult to Beat

One potential approach is to look for teams that regularly avoid defeat.

For example, if a home team has consistently been difficult to beat at home, you might consider whether 1X provides a suitable way of expressing that view. The important point is to consider the price as well as the team's record.

Look at Draw Statistics

Draws are particularly important for 1X and X2. If two teams frequently draw, the double chance markets that include the draw may warrant closer consideration.

However, historical draw rates don't guarantee what will happen in the next match.

Compare Double Chance Odds With Match Result Odds

Don't assess a double chance price in isolation. Compare it with the prices available in the standard match-result market.

For example:

Home win: 2.00

Draw: 3.50

1X: 1.35

The question isn't simply whether 1.35 looks "safe". You need to consider whether the potential return is appropriate given the probability you assign to the outcome.

Consider 12 When a Draw Looks Unlikely

The 12 market is different from 1X and X2 because you're specifically betting against the draw.

It can potentially be relevant when:

• Both teams have attacking strengths

• The fixture tends to produce decisive results

• Both teams need a win

• The match circumstances make a draw less appealing to either side

But these factors don't guarantee a winner.

How to Place a Double Chance Bet

Placing a double chance bet is straightforward with the best betting sites. Here is a quick step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Choose Your Football Match

Select the fixture you want to bet on.

Step 2: Find the Double Chance Market

Look for the Double Chance section within the match markets.

Step 3: Choose 1X, X2 or 12

Decide which two outcomes you want to cover.

Remember:

1X = Home win or draw

X2 = Draw or away win

12 = Home win or away win

Step 4: Check the Odds

Compare the available odds, particularly if you have accounts with multiple bookmakers.

Step 5: Read the Terms

Check how the market is settled.

Pay particular attention to:

• 90-minute result

• Extra time

• Abandoned matches

• Postponements

• Any special market conditions

Step 6: Choose Your Stake

Enter the amount you want to bet.

Step 7: Check Your Bet Slip

Make sure you've selected the correct:

• Match

• Double chance option

• Odds

• Stake

Step 8: Place Your Bet

Confirm the wager once you're satisfied with the selection and terms.

Common Double Chance Betting Mistakes

Final Thoughts on Double Chance Betting

Double chance betting is one of the simplest ways to cover two possible outcomes in a football match. The three selections are the key to understanding the market:

1X = Home win or draw

X2 = Draw or away win

12 = Home win or away win

The main attraction is that you don't always need to correctly predict the exact match winner. However, that additional coverage comes with a trade-off: double chance odds are generally lower than standard match-result odds.

Before placing a double chance bet, consider the available odds, the likelihood of a draw, home and away form, strength of opposition, team news, and also bookmaker settlement rules.

When comparing bookmakers such as bet365, Betfred and Midnite, don't simply look at which site offers the market. Compare the actual odds and terms available for the match you're interested in. Their published rules confirm the standard 1X, X2 and 12 definitions, but prices and market availability can vary.

Ultimately, double chance betting is about finding the balance between coverage, odds and your assessment of the match.