What Does 1X Mean?
In soccer betting, 1X means you are betting that the home team will either win or draw.
- “1” stands for the home team win.
- “X” stands for a draw (tie).
So, 1X combines both outcomes: Your bet wins if the home team wins OR the match ends in a draw.
The only way you lose this bet is if the away team wins.
Example of a 1X Bet
Let’s take an example:
Match | 1 | X | 2 | 1X | X2 | 12 |
Manchester United vs Chelsea | 2.10 | 3.40 | 3.50 | 1.33 | 1.60 | 1.35 |
If you place a 1X bet on Manchester United:
- ✅ You win if Manchester United wins or draws.
- ❌ You lose only if Chelsea wins.
The odds (1.33) are lower than for a single “1” (2.10) because you’re covering two outcomes instead of one — meaning less risk and lower potential reward.
Understanding “Double Chance” Betting
The 1X market belongs to the Double Chance betting type.
This type allows you to cover two of the three possible results in one bet:
Bet Type | Covers | Loses If |
1X | Home Win or Draw | Away Win |
X2 | Draw or Away Win | Home Win |
12 | Home Win or Away Win | Draw |
It’s a great way for beginners to minimize risk, especially in matches where teams are evenly matched or the underdog plays at home.
When to Use 1X
1X is often used when:
- The home team is strong, but a draw is still possible.
- The odds on the home win alone are too risky.
- You expect a tight match, but want safety against a late equalizer.
👉 Example strategy:
If Real Madrid hosts Atlético Madrid, you might take 1X instead of “Real Madrid to win”, because a draw is likely — and you still win if that happens.
1X vs. Draw No Bet (DNB)
These two are similar, but not identical:
Bet Type | If Draw | Risk Level |
1X | Wins | Lower risk, lower payout |
Draw No Bet | Refund | Slightly higher risk, higher payout |
So 1X gives you a win even on a draw — that’s why odds are lower.
Advantages of 1X Betting
✅ Safer than betting on a single result
✅ Ideal for accumulators (parlays)
✅ Great for unpredictable leagues (like the English Premier League)
✅ Simple to understand — win or draw = success
When to Avoid 1X Bets
Avoid using 1X when:
- The home team is weak or in poor form.
- The odds are too low to be worth the risk.
- You expect the away team to dominate.
Sometimes betting on X2 (draw or away win) gives better value if the underdog is strong.
Quick Summary
Symbol | Meaning | Wins If | Loses If |
1X | Home Win or Draw | Home Win or Draw | Away Win |
X2 | Draw or Away Win | Draw or Away Win | Home Win |
12 | Either Team Wins | No Draw | Draw |
Final Thoughts
So, what does 1X mean in soccer betting?
It’s a double chance bet that wins if the home team avoids defeat.
It’s one of the safest and most popular bet types — perfect for bettors who prefer consistency over high risk.