1X2 betting explained: Mastering the classic three-way market

Who is this for?

This module is designed for crypto bettors exploring soccer markets who keep seeing “1 – X – 2” odds and want clarity. If you’ve ever lost a bet because a match finished level, or wondered why American-style moneylines don’t match up, this is for you. By the end, you’ll read the world’s most common soccer market like a trader, not a tourist.

What you’ll learn

• The exact definition and origins of 1X2 betting
• How odds translate into payouts with real-world examples
• When 1X2 outperforms safer alternatives like Double Chance or Draw No Bet
• Advanced selection strategies used by professional soccer bettors
• Full risk profile — including draw probability, settlement rules, and live betting dynamics
• How to integrate 1X2 into parlays and long-term bankroll systems on Cloudbet

Introduction: why 1X2 remains the cornerstone of soccer betting

Soccer, or football, always offers three outcomes: home win, draw, or away win. That’s what makes 1X2 the foundation of every global soccer market. It’s direct. It’s measurable. And it’s been the backbone of betting slips for almost a century.

Unlike handicaps that smooth the edge or totals that shift focus to goals, 1X2 asks one question: who’s ahead after 90 minutes?

Simple doesn’t mean easy. Around one in four top-flight matches finish level. Favorites don’t win as often as casual bettors assume. And odds reflect more than team strength — they price in sentiment, injuries, travel, and even weather. On Cloudbet, you’ll find 1X2 markets across 50+ leagues in both pre-match and live formats, all settled on the same core logic.

What is a 1X2 bet?

A 1X2 bet covers three full-time results:

• 1 — Home team wins
• X — Match ends in a draw
• 2 — Away team wins

Settlement occurs at the end of regular time: 90 minutes + stoppage time. Extra time, golden goals, and penalty shootouts do not count unless the market explicitly states “including extra time” (rare and labeled separately).

The format dominates European and global soccer but also appears in:

• Ice hockey (regulation time)
• Rugby union/league
• Handball
• Water polo
• Any timed sport allowing ties

Myth: “Extra time counts in 1X2”

False. Standard 1X2 = 90 minutes + stoppage. Only markets labeled “To Qualify” or “Including Extra Time” extend coverage. In knockout ties, bettors often layer:

• 1X2 (90 mins)
• Separate “To Advance” bet

Why is it called 1×2?

The format was born in the 1920s British football pools. Bettors filled paper coupons marking 1 for home, X for draw, and 2 for away. The notation stuck because it was fast to mark, easy to read in any language, and impossible to confuse. When online books arrived decades later, 1X2 stayed the global shorthand for a three-way market.

Myth: “1X2 is the same as moneyline”

False. Moneyline (common in US books) typically:

• Excludes draw (push or loss)
• Or offers only two-way lines (no X payout)

1X2 treats draw as a fully payable third outcome. On Cloudbet, always verify the market label — “1X2” means draw is in play.

How 1X2 odds work

Every decimal odd represents an implied probability — the bookmaker’s view of how likely each outcome is to happen.

To convert decimal odds to a percentage probability, use this simple formula:

Implied Probability (%) = (1 / Decimal Odds) × 100

This shows how much chance the market gives to each outcome based on the posted price.

Example: Manchester City (H) vs Arsenal (A)

Total implied probability = 103.81%

The overround (3.81%) is the bookmaker’s margin.

Did you know?

Around one in four matches across Europe’s top five leagues ends in a draw. The rate climbs higher in Serie A and Bundesliga, while the Premier League sees fewer.

Example: 1X2 vs alternative markets

Let’s compare a single $100 stake across four related markets in Bayern Munich vs Dortmund:

Key takeaway: 1X2 and Asian Handicap -0.5 are identical in outcome and payout. But 1X2 displays the draw explicitly — crucial for bettors targeting the X.

Use case: placing and managing 1X2 bets

Placing a 1X2 wager follows the same flow as any standard market on a sportsbook. The bettor chooses the match, selects an outcome, enters a stake, and confirms the bet. What matters is understanding what happens behind that process.

1. Choose the fixture — Navigate to the competition and select the match you want to bet on.
2. Find the 1X2 market — It will usually appear under “Main Markets” and display the three outcomes: 1 (home), X (draw), 2 (away).
3. Select your outcome — Once you click it, the selection appears in your bet slip.
4. Enter your stake — The potential return is calculated automatically based on the odds.
5. Confirm the bet — Once placed, it’s recorded and visible in your open bets section.
6. Follow the market — Live 1X2 prices change throughout the match as new information (goals, cards, momentum) shifts probability.

For bettors trading in-play, it’s important to understand that each price reflects the current estimated probability, not the original pre-match line.

When should you use a 1X2 bet?

1X2 remains one of the most popular markets in football because it’s simple, flexible, and fits many strategies. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. Here are the situations where it makes the most sense.

1. When you’re backing a clear winner
   If one team clearly holds the edge — maybe they’re in form, at home, or facing weaker opposition — the straight 1 or 2 line usually gives the best return compared to safer alternatives like Double Chance or Draw No Bet.
2. When a draw feels likely
   Draws are more common than most bettors expect, especially in low-scoring leagues or balanced fixtures. The “X” option can be valuable when odds are long and neither side looks dominant.
3. When you want to keep things simple
   For many bettors, 1X2 offers the cleanest way to bet a match outcome. No handicaps, no goal lines, no side markets — just pick the result you believe in after 90 minutes.
4. When you’re building a parlay
   1X2 legs are easy to combine. Stacking several match results can boost payout potential, but every added leg increases risk. Keep parlays selective and built on high-confidence picks.

Pros and cons of 1X2 betting

1X2 betting is worth it if you’re looking for higher-value odds and are confident in predicting the outcome of a match. It’s one of the most widely used bet types because  it offers better returns than safer bets like Double Chance or Draw No Bet, and it’s available on nearly every soccer match.

That said, it’s not ideal in every scenario. If you’re betting on a tightly matched game or a draw-prone team, the risk of the “X” ruining your bet (or being missed entirely) is real. In those cases, a safer market might be a smarter call.

So, is it worth it? Yes, when the value is there and you’ve done your homework. Like most bets, it rewards insight and timing. Used well, 1X2 can be one of the most efficient ways to profit from your match predictions.