An up and down bet can seem tricky for a novice player, but we will simplify it. This guide explains what it is, where it works best, and why punters like it. You’ll also find out how an up and down bet calculator will help to estimate your potential returns quickly. Let’s get started.
What is an Up and Down Bet?
It is a kind of conditional stake that is split between two selections. It’s made up of two parts of two single bets each, with the second one funded only if the first one wins. If the first selection is successful, the original stake goes to the second one. This structure means you will get a partial return even if only one selection wins.
You could say that up and down bet is a bit of a safety net, which is why they’re so popular with horse racing and other sports punters. It’s a great option if you’re confident about your picks but want to manage your risk.
Types of Up-and-Down Bets
Single Stakes About (SSA) is the main type of up-and-down bet. There’s also Double Stakes About (DSA), which is far less popular.
In a SSA, only the original stake is forwarded to the second bet. If the first runner wins, the same amount only is placed on the next selection. Potential payouts will be lower, but you don’t risk losing your winnings if the second selection fails.
In the case of DDA, the stake doubles when it transfers to the second bet after the success of the first selection. For example, if your first runner wins, your second wager will be 2x the original stake (taken from the winnings), increasing potential returns. At the same time, the risk increases too: If the second runner doesn’t win, you’ll lose your original stake and at least part of the winnings from the first bet.
If part 1 of a stake is placed at odds of evens or lower, the return may not be sufficient to fully fund part 2. In such cases, all the remaining cash is used for part 2. And it adds to the risk, as you need the picks with higher odds.
Example of Up and Down Bet
Let’s say you choose Pick A and Pick B in two horse races, both with 3/1 odds. You decide to place a £20 SSA up and down bet, splitting it into two parts:
- Part 1: You bet £10 on Pick A. If it wins, £10 is forwarded to fund the stake on Pick B.
- Part 2: You bet £10 on Pick B. If it wins, £10 is forwarded to Pick A.
If Both Picks Win
Part 1:
- Pick A wins:
Profit: £30 + £10 stake returned = £40 total.
From this, £10 is carried forward to Pick B. - Pick B wins:
Profit: £30 + £10 stake returned = £40 total.
Total Profit from Part 1: £30 (Pick A) + £30 (Pick B) = £60. Plus £10 stake returned.
Part 2:
- Pick B wins:
Profit: £30 + £10 stake returned = £40 total.
From this, £10 is carried forward to Pick A. - Pick A wins:
Profit: £30 + £10 stake returned = £40 total.
Total Profit from Part 2: £30 (Pick B) + £30 (Pick A) = £60. Plus £10 stake returned.
Overall Outcome:
- Total Profit: £60 (Part 1) + £60 (Part 2) = £120 profit.
- Returned Stakes: £20.
- Two singles would make £60 profit plus £20 return.
If Only One Pick Wins
Let’s say Pick A wins, but Pick B loses:
Part 1:
- Pick A wins:
Profit: £30 + £10 stake returned = £40 total.
£10 is carried forward to Pick B. - Pick B loses:
The £10 carried forward is lost.
Total Profit from Part 1: £30 (Pick A).
Part 2:
- Pick B loses:
The £10 stake is lost.
Total Profit from Part 2: £0.
Overall Outcome:
- Total Profit: £30 (from Part 1).
Comparison with Two Single Bets
If you placed two single bets of £10 each:
- Pick A wins: £30 profit + £10 stake returned = £40.
- Pick B wins: £30 profit + £10 stake returned = £40.
Outcome:
- If both win: £30 (Pick A) + £30 (Pick B) = £60 profit.
- If only one wins: £30 profit from the winning selection.
Up and Down Bet Calculator
An Up and Down Bet Calculator is a tool designed to help punters accurately calculate potential profits and returns across different odds and stakes. Transferring the winnings from one selection to another may require complex manual calculations. The calculator automates this process, saving time and reducing errors.
Most calculators include such features as:
- Each Way Option: Allows calculation for split stakes between win and place outcomes.
- Rule 4 Adjustments: Adjusts results to deductions for non-runners.
- Inputs: Options to specify outcomes (e.g., win/lose, dead heats, etc), odds format, and stake amounts.
- Outputs: total outlay, total return, and total profit.
However, you must first ensure they are configured correctly—SSA and DDA use different rules for handling stakes, so improper settings could produce misleading results. Verify the settings and outputs carefully with simple odds and round stake amounts.
Best Markets for an Up and Down Betting
Up and down bets are the most popular in horse and greyhound racing markets, where punters often combine two strong selections. These markets suit the format because the odds often provide significant returns, and events occur quickly.
Another popular option is football match betting, particularly when choosing outcomes like 1×2 or specific player props. This format is also useful in tennis or golf, where individual matches or players can be paired strategically.
Strategy&Tips
When up-and-down bet make sense? When both of your horses win. Then you get virtually four singles at the price of two, which guarantees a 2x amount of winnings compared to singles. If only one horse out of two wins, SSA will provide at least a refund or a small plus, and the result will be a little worse (because in a single stake, the original stake is also returned).
Start with small amounts to test out a new type of bet and understand how the up-and-down scheme works. Once you’ve spent your first money, you’ll be better positioned to decide whether the risk is worth it.
