K League 1 – 1×2 Betting Guide

Explanation of 1×2 betting – Team A the jolly, vs Team B, the underdog

It is an extremely popular option for punters on football matches, newcomers or not. These are odds on the outcome of the game but also the odds shape most other betting markets such as Asian handicap, goal markets, correct score markets etc.

We will use an example of Team A in the Korean league 1  against team B, the former in the top two or three of the league and the latter sitting right at the bottom of the division

Please note, we’ll use the easiest betting odds system out there which is the decimal system.

Advantages of the home ‘1’ vs away ‘2’ side

The hosts (in this case ‘1’) are naturally starting games with an advantage due to all the benefits which come from playing in their own ground. Home support, familiarity with stadium and pitch, the opponent will have travelled further etc.

When two teams are quite well matched, the favouritism may go to the home side in football sports betting markets.

In the example used here, however, TEAM A would be considered favourites whether home or away, given the perceived difference in quality they have over the opponent.

Betting the ‘1’
In the 1×2 system, the odds for the event 1 represent the chances of the hosts winning the game.

Betting the ‘x’
If you believe the match will end in a draw, then X will show you’re the odds.

Betting the ‘2’

In the 1×2 system, the chances of the visitors winning are represented by the ‘2’ number.

Summary  

There are several other betting markets, but the main idea here is to understand the nature of the betting markets: the more likely an event is to happen (in the eyes of the markets) the smaller the betting odds.

What dictates the betting market?

There is a big misconception regarding betting odds. Many believe that the betting odds are fixed and determined by the bookies. Well, the initial numbers are exactly that, but odds are, by nature, fluctuating numbers.

If, for example, key players of any team pick up injuries after the initial odds are released, the prices of 1×2 explained above will change.

How dramatically they change will be in direct correlation to news since the initial opening of the betting market.

It is also important to know that the ‘opinion’ of the bettors counts too. The market is an expression that summarizes the influence of both the sportsbooks and the bettors.

If the bookie/house receives too many bets on one outcome, they need to drop the price to avoid damage they cannot cover. So for example, if there is a massive run to bet on the underdog, the bookies will reduce their price to balance their books. This may produce value on the other side of the market, but this is for another article to explore.