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Head-to-Head Bet Explained

James Leeland

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Publish Date: 16/03/2020

Fact checked by: Mike McKean

How does a Head-To-Head Bet Work?

Those who have experience when it comes to wagering on sports are likely to be familiar with head-to-head betting, which is effectively staking on the outcome of an event, whether it be win or lose, or in the case of some disciplines, a draw. With this still being the most popular form of betting available to punters, it is important to fully understand exactly how it works, with this guide delivering all of the relevant information. So, those looking to answer the question “how does a head-to-head bet work?” should look no further.

Table of Content

Key Takeaways
Head-to-Head Betting
Why is Head-to-Head Betting So Popular?
Popular Head-to-Head Bets
Low Odds, Less Risk
Can Punters Back Both Outcomes in a Head-to-Head Bet?
What Other Betting Guides & Strategies are Available?
Conclusion

Key Takeaways

When it comes to head-to-head betting, the following are some of the key takeaways in which punters must take on board:

H2H betting involves backing a particular team or player to win or lose.
Head-to-head betting markets are available on a host of sports, including football, tennis and golf.
The simplicity of head-to-head bets make them popular for both beginners and high rollers.
Head-to-head bets can be placed as a single bet or part of a combination bet.

Head-to-Head Betting

Head-to-head betting is available on a variety of sports, with this method of wagering also commonly being known as two-way betting. In simple terms, head-to-head betting refers to staking funds on one of two possible outcomes. Similarly to traditional 1x2 bets, head-to-head bets effectively means wagering on the possibility of a team or player winning or losing, attracting punters due to its simplicity. So, whether it be two Premier League football teams meeting on a Saturday or a tennis match from Wimbledon, all bookmakers offer this form of betting, attracting both beginners and experienced bettors. Our experts have put together the following headlines when it comes to head-to-head bet explained.

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Why is Head-to-Head Betting So Popular?

Head-to-head betting is popular for a number of reasons, firstly due to the 50% chance of your bet coming out on top. When it comes to sports including tennis, rugby, cricket and even football in some cases, head-to-head betting is also one of the simplest markets to come to terms with, with a great amount of knowledge not being required in some cases. Head-to-head betting can also be hugely profitable for those who pick and choose the right time to take advantage of this form of wagering on sporting events, while it also reduces the risk element involved elsewhere. However, it is worth keeping in mind that head-to-head markets can come with less appealing odds, with there usually being a clear favourite for an upcoming encounter. In terms of head-to-head bet explained and odds, potential returns can be calculated in the following way:

Odds x Stake = Returns

For example, betting £10 on Novak Djokovic to beat Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon at odds of 2.25 will produce a return of £22.50.

Popular Head-to-Head Bets

Head-to-head bets are available surrounding a range of sports today, however they are especially appealing when two evenly matched opponents are going up against each other. For example, in the event of two Formula 1 drivers going for the Drivers Championship with one race to go or the No.1 seed taking on the No.2 seed in the US Open final, meaning that there can only be one winner. Elsewhere, head-to-head bets are also very popular when it comes to golf, basketball and winter sports including skiing. Meanwhile, with football still being the most popular sports betting market in the UK, head-to-head markets are available here too, including which team will pick up the most number of yellow cards, score the most goals or collect the greatest number of points in a season. For those still unsure of the answer to the questions “how does a head-to-head bet work?”, the following examples should make things clearer and help you to feel more confident:

Football – Who will score the most goals throughout the season between Sergio Aguero and Jamie Vardy?

Tennis – Who will go the furthest at the French Open between Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber?

Golf – Will Rory McIlroy or Dustin Johnson make the greatest number of birdies in their final round at Augusta?

Cricket – Will India or Australia score the most amount of first inning runs in their upcoming Test match?

Formula 1 – Who will place the highest between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel at the season opening Australian Grand Prix?

These above head-to-head bet explained examples are just a small amount of the type of head-to-head bets available to punters today, with the specific markets varying from sport to sport. Head-to-head bets are still more common when it comes to individual sports, however the number of markets is growing elsewhere too.

Low Odds, Less Risk

As we have already alluded to, head-to-head bets will often not be the most appealing to punters when it comes to odds, however the fact that the risk involved is also less makes such markets hugely popular. For example, Manchester City may be available to back at odds of 1.80 to defeat Burnley in an upcoming Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, punters must take into account their chances of winning, which are high, against the likely low returns. Many punters are profitable thanks to regularly placing winning head-to-head bets.

Can Punters Back Both Outcomes in a Head-to-Head Bet?

The short answer to this question is yes! However, our head-to-head bets explained page demonstrates that in order to be in a position to back both potential outcomes, bets must be placed on different betting sites. As well as this, this strategy should only be adopted when the odds are especially generous with a particular bookmaker. This form of betting generally requires a significant amount of research and time, which will put off some, however the potential rewards are great in some cases. Head-to-head bets can also be added to combination or accumulator bets.

What Other Betting Guides & Strategies are Available?

For those who wish to expand beyond head-to-head bets explained and learn more, Betting.co.uk is the right place for you. We have ensured that we have provided a wide range of informative guides covering as many topics as possible relating to betting. For example, value betting is when the probability of a particular outcome is greater than the price offered by a bookie, perfect for those with expert knowledge in a particular area. Meanwhile, the introduction of live streaming on betting sites has provided the opportunity for punters to keep up to date with the action as it unfolds, as well as gaining a better understanding of who the eventual winner will be. We've also detailed what an oddsmaker is, so you can bolster your knowledge of how the betting industry functions, as well as explaining the likes of high roller betting and the rising method. so you can be as informed as possible.

Conclusion

Head-to-head betting has long been one of the most popular methods of wagering on sporting events, with the number of markets offered by bookmakers meaning that this is unlikely to change anytime soon. While not being the most lucrative bet type, those who consistently place winning head-to-head bets are likely to be in a good position to achieve their goals, whether you are a fan of football, tennis, golf, Formula 1 or horse racing, among other disciplines. Those looking for a page surrounding head-to-head bets explained should now have a much clearer understanding of how this type of wagering works, perfect for future stakes on sporting events.

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