Double Chance Sports Betting – 1X, X2 and 12 explained

With the Double Chance bet, you secure two out of three possible outcomes – win, draw or defeat – and therefore reduce your risk. Three outcomes → secure two. You bet on:

1X = Home or Draw
X2 = Draw or Away
12 = Home or Away

Remember: three paths, two chances, one tip.

Football is one of the top 5 most popular sports for betting – that’s why we explain Double Chance using football. Every match ends with three possibilities: home win, draw or away win. With the classic 1X2 bet, you choose one outcome. With Double Chance, you secure two – this increases your chances of success while lowering the odds slightly.

The three variants:

1X = Home or Draw

You win if the home team wins or if the match ends in a draw.
Example: Bayern plays at home against Freiburg – with 1X, you win with a 3:1 or a 1:1.

X2 = Draw or Away

Your bet wins if the away team avoids defeat.
Example: Schalke plays in Leipzig – with X2, you win with a 0:0 or even with a 1:2 away win.

12 = Home or Away

Everything except a draw.
Example: Dortmund vs Stuttgart – if it ends 2:1 or 0:1, your 12 bet wins. Only a draw loses your bet.

By the way: the principle works beyond football. Any sport where a draw is possible can use Double Chance.

Odds show your potential payout – and these are lower here than for regular win bets. The logical “price” for more safety.

Think of it like this:

The numbers show how much you get back per euro you stake.
Example: Odds of 1.60 → €10 stake → €16 return (including stake).

The safer your bet, the lower the odds – a classic example is 1X when a favourite plays at home.
More risk = higher odds, e.g., X2 on an underdog who might manage a draw or even an away win.

Important: Odds are dynamic – they react to everything around the match:

• injuries or suspensions
• unexpected line-ups
• form changes or news

That’s why regular odds comparison pays off: You’ll see how the market moves and find the most attractive odds for your bet.

Sometimes preparation is key, sometimes it’s the moment: Double Chance works both before the match and live during the action.

Pre-match – check before you click:

• Form & results: Many draws recently? Does a team rarely lose?
• Personnel & news: Missing key players? A top defender or striker out can shift the balance.
• Match objective: Is a point enough? Then 1X or X2 becomes likelier. Do both teams need a win? Then 12 gets interesting.

Live betting – reading the dynamics:

• Tempo & chances: Slow match → 1X/X2 becomes more attractive.
• Momentum shifts: If one team scores early, the other must open up – lowering draw probability → 12 becomes more appealing.
• Intensity: Many attacking moves and end-to-end play → 12 could be the better choice.

Not every betting type works the same – there are many different approaches. Always important: understand the rules, assess risk, balance chances.

Combination bet: Multiple selections on one slip → odds multiply → high potential but all must be correct.

System bet: A more flexible version of the combination bet. You can afford a few mistakes (e.g., 4 out of 5). Lower risk → still profitable when planned well.

Head-to-Head bet: Common in tennis, Formula 1 & more. You bet on who finishes ahead → usually no draws.

Over/Under bet: Instead of a winner, you guess whether more or fewer goals/points will be scored than a set line. Classic: Over/Under 2.5 goals in football.

Extra tip: Nervous about your bet slip? With the cash-out feature, you can sell your slip before the final whistle – securing profit or reducing losses.

At MERKUR BETS, everything revolves around your personal sports betting experience. Double Chance is just one of many options to make matches even more thrilling. Sometimes you back favourites, sometimes you secure your bet smartly, sometimes you go all-in – you decide how to shape your bet slip.

So: grab your Double Chance, click in, and feel how sports betting becomes real fun.

What is Double Chance?

Double Chance combines two of the three possible outcomes of a classic 1X2 bet. Instead of betting on home win, draw or away win, you cover two outcomes. This increases your chances of winning, although the odds are lower than with a standard win bet. Double Chance usually applies only to regular time (90 minutes plus stoppage time) – without extra time or penalty shootout.

How do I bet and what does 1X mean in DC betting?

By selecting one of the three options: 1X, X2 or 12. You automatically secure two outcomes.

Double Chance 1X meaning → You win if the home team wins or draws.
Double Chance X2 meaning → You win if the away team wins or draws.
Double Chance 12 meaning → Everything except a draw counts.

To place your bet: click the option, enter your stake – done.

Is a low Double Chance odd automatically value?

No. Value exists only when the odds are “too high” compared to the true probability. Compare your assessment with the implied probability and consider form, match objective and personnel.

Can I bet Double Chance live during the match?

Yes, Double Chance is available as a live bet with many providers. The advantage: you can wait to see how the match develops. Example: If the underdog leads early, X2 becomes more attractive. In a slow 0:0, 1X might gain relevance.

How to bet Double Chance successfully?

Success doesn’t mean hitting every bet – but making smarter decisions long-term. Consider:

• Analysis over gut feeling: Check form, match objective, personnel.
• Assess odds: Safety often means lower odds – value is what matters.
• Avoid mistakes: Don’t play 12 in typical draw matches; you lose your safeguard.

In short: successful Double Chance betting is about balancing safety and odds.

Bild: © iStock/Vorona