What Is 1X2 in Betting?
1X2 is a bet on the result of a match after normal time. 1 means the home team (the team listed first) wins, X means a draw, and 2 means the away team wins. You pick one of the three results.
1X2 example: Asante Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak
Asante Kotoko are listed first, so they are "1". Hearts of Oak are listed second, so they are "2".
Say you stake (the money you bet) GH₵10 on one result. Here are the prices (example odds):
| Pick | Meaning | Odds | Return on GH₵10 | Wins if the match ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asante Kotoko win | 2.10 | GH₵21.00 | 2–1, 1–0, 3–0 |
| X | Draw | 3.20 | GH₵32.00 | 0–0, 1–1, 2–2 |
| 2 | Hearts of Oak win | 3.60 | GH₵36.00 | 0–1, 1–2, 0–2 |
If you bet 1 and the match ends 2–1, you get GH₵10 × 2.10 = GH₵21. Your profit is GH₵11.
If the match ends 1–1, your bet on 1 loses. You lose the GH₵10.
What do 1, X and 2 mean?
1, X and 2 are the three possible results of a football match. Only one of them can happen.
- 1: the team listed first wins. This is usually the home team.
- X: the match ends in a draw.
- 2: the team listed second wins. This is usually the away team.
The bet is settled on normal time. Normal time is 90 minutes plus added time. Extra time and penalties do not count in most cases.
How to read 1X2 odds and implied chance
Each 1X2 price shows what you get back for every 1 unit you stake. Lower odds mean the bookmaker thinks that result is more likely.
To find the implied chance (the chance the odds suggest), divide 1 by the odds. Then multiply by 100 to get a percentage.
| Pick | Odds | Working | Implied chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Kotoko) | 2.10 | 1 ÷ 2.10 × 100 | 47.62% |
| X (Draw) | 3.20 | 1 ÷ 3.20 × 100 | 31.25% |
| 2 (Hearts) | 3.60 | 1 ÷ 3.60 × 100 | 27.78% |
Here the bookmaker rates Kotoko as the most likely winner. This is only an estimate, not a fact. Learn more in our implied probability guide.
What is the difference between 1X2 and double chance?
1X2 covers one result. Double chance covers two results in one bet, such as 1X (home win or draw).
Example: ₦1,000 on Enyimba vs Rivers United (example odds). Enyimba win (1) is 2.20. Enyimba or draw (1X) is 1.50.
| Result | Enyimba (1) at 2.20 | Enyimba or draw (1X) at 1.50 |
|---|---|---|
| Enyimba win | ₦2,200.00 | ₦1,500.00 |
| Draw | ₦0.00 | ₦1,500.00 |
| Rivers United win | ₦0.00 | ₦0.00 |
The 1X2 bet pays ₦700 more if Enyimba win. The double chance bet also wins on a draw. Both lose if Rivers United win. Read our double chance guide for more.
What is the 1X2 margin?
The 1X2 margin is the extra the bookmaker builds into the three prices. You can see it when you add up the three implied chances.
In a fair market, the three chances would add up to exactly 100 percent. Bookmakers set prices so the total is higher.
From the Kotoko vs Hearts example:
- 47.62% + 31.25% + 27.78% = 106.65%
- The margin is about 6.65%
This margin means the bookmaker pays a bit less than fair odds on every result. Over many bets, it is how the bookmaker earns money. A lower total means a smaller margin, which is better for you.
You can check the return on any 1X2 price with our payout calculator.
Common mistakes
- Thinking 1 always means the stronger team. 1 is the team listed first, usually the home team.
- Forgetting about extra time. Most 1X2 bets are settled after 90 minutes plus added time.
- Ignoring the draw. A draw is a common result in football, and it loses bets on 1 and 2.
- Reading low odds as a safe bet. Odds of 1.30 can still lose your full stake.
- Not comparing the margin. A total far above 100 percent means you get less for the same risk.
FAQ
What does X mean in betting?
X means a draw. Your bet on X wins if the match ends level, for example 0–0 or 1–1.
Is 1 always the home team?
1 is the team listed first. This is usually the home team. At a neutral ground, check which team the bookmaker lists first.
Does 1X2 include extra time and penalties?
Usually no. Most bookmakers settle 1X2 on normal time only, which is 90 minutes plus added time. Check your bookmaker's rules.
Why do 1X2 percentages add up to more than 100?
The bookmaker adds a margin to each price. The amount above 100 percent is that margin, and it is how the bookmaker earns money.