Handicap

Handicap

A handicap gives one team a head start in goals, then settles the bet on the result after that start is applied. The line is part of the selection. Backing a host to win the match is not the same bet as backing that host on a minus-one line.

On a minus line, the team has to win by more than the start. A minus-one handicap needs a win by two goals for a full win. A one-goal win on a minus-one Asian line is typically a push, with the stake returned, where the bookmaker offers that line. A minus-1.5 line has no push: the team must win by two, and a one-goal win loses.

On a plus line, the team can lose by fewer goals than the start and the bet still wins. Plus-0.5 is won by a win or a draw, and lost only if the team loses the match. The numbers matter. Do not remember the word handicap and forget the figure printed with the tip.

A 2oddspredict handicap row is only useful if you can see the line that was stored. If the row does not show the line clearly, do not guess it from the match odds. Open the match, and if the line is still unclear, skip the bet.

Handicaps are used when a straight win price is very short, or when you want to give an underdog a start. They do not remove variance. A late goal changes a minus-1.5 bet just as it changes a match result.

Quarter lines and split lines, such as minus-0.75, are two bets in one at some bookmakers. Half the stake sits on one line and half on the next. Know whether your bookmaker does that before you copy a line from a list.

Write the line down next to the stake. Grade it from the full-time score with that line applied. Keep the stake fixed, and do not take a handicap you cannot settle by hand.

The day's list for this market is on the tips page.