Asian Handicap: how its work, [Secret behind it]
Asian Handicap is a popular betting system, particularly in football, that levels the playing field between two teams of differing abilities. This betting method is designed to eliminate the possibility of a draw, making it a two-way bet rather than the traditional three-way bet.
What is Asian Handicap?
Asian Handicap is a betting format originating from Asia, gaining popularity worldwide due to its unique approach to leveling the odds between a stronger and a weaker team. The idea behind the Asian Handicap is to provide a “handicap” or “head start” to the underdog team, effectively balancing the chances for both teams in the betting market. This means that the stronger team (the favorite) must win by a certain margin for the bet to be successful.
How Does Asian Handicap Work?
In traditional betting, you have three options: betting on Team A to win, betting on Team B to win, or betting on a draw. Asian Handicap removes the draw option, so you’re left with just two possibilities. This is done by applying a handicap to one of the teams before the match starts.
Example of Asian Handicap
To illustrate how the Asian Handicap works, consider a football match between Team A and Team B. If Team A is significantly stronger, the bookmaker might give Team B a +1.5 goal advantage. Here’s how it works:
- Team A (-1.5): If you bet on Team A, they need to win by at least two goals for you to win the bet.
- Team B (+1.5): If you bet on Team B, you win the bet if they win, draw, or lose by just one goal.
This method is particularly appealing to bettors because it makes betting on matches with a clear favorite more interesting, while also providing better value.
Different Types of Asian Handicap
There are various types of Asian Handicap bets, each offering different levels of complexity and potential payouts. Understanding these variations can enhance your betting strategy.
1. Level Asian Handicap (0.0)
In a level Asian Handicap, no team is given a head start. You win if the team you bet on wins the match. If the match ends in a draw, your stake is refunded.
Level Asian Handicap
| Outcome | Your Bet | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Your team wins | Win | Full payout |
| Match ends in draw | Push | Stake refunded |
| Your team loses | Lose | Stake lost |
2. Single Handicap
This is where one team is given a full goal or half goal advantage or disadvantage. The common values for this are -1.0, -1.5, +1.0, and +1.5. The decimal points are crucial as they prevent the possibility of a draw.
Single Handicap Example
| Handicap Value | Result Needed | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| -1.0 | Win by 2 or more goals | Win |
| -1.0 | Win by 1 goal | Push (Refund) |
| +1.5 | Win, Draw, or Lose by 1 goal | Win |
3. Split Handicap
A split Asian Handicap is where your stake is divided between two handicaps, such as -0.5 and -1.0. In this case, if your team wins by exactly one goal, half of your stake is refunded, and the other half wins.
Split Handicap Example
| Handicap Value | Result Needed | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| -0.5 / -1.0 | Win by 2 or more goals | Full payout |
| -0.5 / -1.0 | Win by 1 goal | Half win, half push |
| -0.5 / -1.0 | Draw or lose | Loss |
Advantages of Asian Handicap Betting
Asian Handicap offers several advantages over traditional betting methods, making it a preferred choice for many bettors.
1. Better Odds and Value
Since the draw is removed from the equation, the odds on both teams tend to be more favorable, offering better value for bettors.
2. Reduced Risk
Asian Handicap reduces the risk by offering a “push” or refund on certain outcomes, particularly in close matches. This can be appealing for bettors who want to minimize potential losses.
3. Increased Excitement
Asian Handicap adds a layer of excitement to matches where one team is heavily favored, as the handicap levels the playing field, making the outcome less predictable.
How to Calculate Asian Handicap?
Calculating the result of an Asian Handicap bet is straightforward once you understand the handicap values. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Identify the Handicap: Determine the handicap assigned to each team.
- Adjust the Final Score: Modify the final score of the match according to the handicap.
- Determine the Outcome: Based on the adjusted score, determine whether the bet wins, loses, or results in a push.
Example Calculation
Suppose you bet on Team A with a -1.5 handicap, and the match ends with Team A winning 3-1. The adjusted score is:
Adjusted Score: Team A 3 – (1.5) vs Team B 1
Final Adjusted Score: 1.5 – 1 = 2-1 in favor of Team A
Your bet wins because Team A still wins by more than one goal after the handicap adjustment.
Common Misconceptions About Asian Handicap
Despite its growing popularity, there are still several misconceptions about Asian Handicap betting. Let’s clear up some of these misunderstandings:
1. It’s Complicated
While the concept may seem complex initially, once you understand the basic principles, Asian Handicap betting is quite straightforward.
2. Only for Experts
Asian Handicap is not just for experienced bettors. In fact, it’s a useful tool for beginners as it offers more balanced and fair betting opportunities.
3. All Bets End in a Refund
Not all Asian Handicap bets result in a refund. This only happens in cases where the adjusted score results in a draw, which is less common with more complex handicaps.
