Over/Under Bets Guide
Definition, Explanation and Strategies
If you take a look into the options offered by any bookmaker, you will notice that among the most prominent ones is the Over/Under bets market. Many of you may have already used it plentily, or even incorporated it into your betting habits. Habits you use in the betting accounts you opened via the best agent for Asian bookmakers. However, do you really know how to use it and how you can make the most profits out of it? Let’s discuss on how you can do that.
Definition of the term
To put it in the simplest of terms, Over/Under bets denote a number that exceeds or is lower than a preset limit. Mathematically, this would be represented as Under < Limit < Over.
You may want to notice that the equation does not include the equal (=) sign, i.e. either the under or the over numbers must not be equal to the limit set. Only greater than or lower than. To put this in a few examples, over 2.5 goals means that in a match there will be at least 3 goals scored. Over 150 points in a basketball games, denotes that the total points scored must be 151 and above. Over 20 games in a tennis match, means that the total of the games played at the end must be 21 and above.
How is the limit set?
The premise on setting the limit by the bookmakers is rather simple. It almost solely depends on the statistics of the game in question. Here is the list of what numbers are considered:
The last 10 matches
Actually for some bookie it is the last 6 matches. However, the average number of goals scored on the last 10 matches played by both opponents involved, provides a more accurate representation of the offensive and defensive form of the teams or players.
The head-to-head comparison
In all leagues and competitions the history between two sides is always a factor to consider. There are plenty of examples of teams that may be in quite a bad shape, but play extremely well against a certain adversary.
Goals scored at home
A team may be quite adept in scoring at home, taking advantage of the power given by their fans or the design of the pitch.
Goals scored away
Actually this is a most usual case for defensive teams that look to take advantage of a quick counter to score a goal and then stay back and protect the achievement.
Condition of key players
The premise here is that if key offensive players are injurred or banned from a game, it is more probable that the result will be under. On the other hand if the primary goalkeepers or pivotal defenders are missing, it is more likely that more goals will be scored.
External conditions
A lot of variables can be taken into account here. The weather conditions, the status of the pitch, financial irregularities (players not paid their salaries), disciplinary investigations, etc.
This homework requires intimate knowledge of the statistics during a certain time constraint. Does a team score 70% of their goals after the 60th minute of the game? Does a team score more during the first and third quarters of a basketball game? Or does a player win more service games in tennis or does their service get broken a lot? The answers to those questions will then guide you to select one of the recognized effective following strategies:
- Over 0.5
The number here is indicative. You need to find the equivalent in sports other than football to use it. It is most effective for matches that you actually do not expect more than one goals to be scored. You begin by betting at odds around 1.20 and then at a certain point (which is determined by the answers to the aforementioned questions) you double the bet and withdraw the additional profits. - Over 1.5
This is more effective when the bets are placed line after a certain point in the game. The key aspects here is to pick two opponents known for their offensive capabilites and placed the bet around the 28th minute of the game when the score is still 0-0. It is most important here that you choose a bookmaker that offers a cash out option. The odds on this are that the longer you wait to use it, the greater the odds will be and therefore the greater your profit. - Over 2.5
Again, a strategy to be implemented after a certain time constrain and provided that you can find a game that provides good value. It is also a strategy that can allow you to trade your bets with other players. However, this step is rather complicated and will be explained in detail separately. - Under 2.5
Picking up 2 defensive teams is required here and placing an opposite bet at Over 0.5 to make a profit. - Under 3.5
This is actually the simplest strategy but the most long term one. Typically you need to wait until a goal is scored, place your bet, and cash out before a second goal is scored. Unfortunately, there is no safe exit option to save your original stake if the strategy fails.