Over/under bet

With an over/under bet, the provider sets a line, for example 2.5 goals. You then tip whether the match has more goals (over) or fewer (under). Over 2.5 means at least three goals, under 2.5 means at most two. The half value always gives a clear result, so a draw on the figure is ruled out. The English terms over and under mean exactly the same thing.

Who wins the match is beside the point here. All that counts is the total number of goals from both teams. A 2-1 and a 3-0 both give three goals and settle an over-2.5 tip as a win.

The odds tell you how the market reads the match. Low odds on over signal that many goals are expected. Low odds on under point to a more defensive game. At the betting shop you will find over/under markets on almost every fixture.

Say you stake 10 euros on over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.85. The table shows how different final scores settle. All that matters is the sum of the goals.

You work out the payout with payout = stake times odds. At a 10-euro stake and odds of 1.85, that is 18.50 euros gross, in other words 8.50 euros in winnings plus your stake back.

The line can be set higher or lower depending on the match, and both half and whole values are common.

With half lines there is never a push. With whole lines such as 2.0, you get your stake back if the score lands exactly on the line. Over/under works not only on goals but also on cards, corners, shots or just the first half.

Over/under is especially interesting when you have a clear sense of how a match will play out but are unsure of the winner. When two attacking sides meet, ones that concede plenty and threaten at the other end, that points to an over tip. When two solid defences face off, the under tip can be the better call.

A look at both teams' recent matches helps. How many goals did they average there? How much the match matters plays a part too. In a big match, teams often play more cautiously, which points to fewer goals. The odds on offer also tell you how the market reads the game.

A low line such as 1.5 raises the chance of an over win but brings lower odds. A high line such as 3.5 is harder to clear and pays higher odds in return. At the betting shop you can compare the lines for a match directly at the terminal.

Over/under is one of the most popular bet types, but it has its pitfalls too.

• Advantage: you do not have to pick a winner
• Advantage: half lines always give a clear result
• Advantage: the bet works on many figures, such as corners or cards

• Disadvantage: a late goal can flip the whole tip
• Disadvantage: with whole lines, beginners easily miss the push
• Disadvantage: the number of goals is hard to predict and depends heavily on how the match unfolds

Before you decide, look at how attacking both teams are and how many goals they scored in their last matches. Bear in mind too who those goals came against, because a strong attacking record against weak sides says little about a top match. Check whether the line is a half or a whole value, because only whole lines allow a push with your stake returned. Finally, note whether the bet covers the whole match, just one half or another figure such as corners. Stake only money you can spare, and play responsibly. Gambling is permitted only from the age of 18 (21 in Bremen). There is more on the different bet types in the guide single bet, accumulator and system bet compared.