What is handicap betting on tennis?
Handicap betting on tennis occurs when one player is given a set number of games by the odds-maker. This means that the player will start the match with a set number of games behind. The player who is given the advantage is said to have a “plus” handicap while the player who is at a disadvantage has a “minus” handicap. For example, if a player is given a handicap of three games, the player would start the match with a set number of games behind. If the match is played in sets, the player would start the match with three games behind. If the match is played in games, the player would start the match three games behind. Handicap betting on tennis allows bettors to back the underdog and still have a chance to win, making it one of the most exciting betting markets in tennis. The handicap system provides a unique challenge and adds an extra layer of excitement to each match.
Advantages of handicap betting
Betting on tennis with a handicap gives bettors an advantage over the bookmaker since the handicap is usually in the player’s favor. Handicap betting is a great way to make tennis betting more competitive and exciting. The advantage of handicap betting is that it allows bettors to back the weaker player. The weaker player will likely be given a handicap and the stronger player will be given a higher starting number. So, bettors can back the weaker player and still have a chance to win. This all depends on how many games the weaker player is given as a handicap. The handicap system provides a unique challenge and adds an extra layer of excitement to each match.
Handicap betting strategies
As with all sports betting, handicap betting on tennis is not a “one size fits all” betting strategy. There are many different strategies when it comes to handicap betting on tennis, each serving its purpose.
- Duration betting - Duration betting is a strategy used by bettors who are confident in the strength of their tennis betting selection. Duration betting involves betting on a single set, betting on the match to end in the set number of games, or betting on a tie break. Duration betting is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that should only be used by experienced bettors.
- Line betting - Line betting is more of a general strategy that can be used during most tennis matches. Line betting involves betting on a set number of games and also betting on the match to end in the set number of games. Line betting is a low-risk, low-reward strategy that can be used during most tennis matches.
- Ratio betting - Ratio betting is another general strategy that can be used during most tennis matches. Ratio betting involves betting on the overall set number of games, the overall match number of games, and the set number of tie-break games. Ratio betting is a low-risk, low-reward strategy that can be used during most tennis matches.
- Handicap Trading - Handicap trading is a specific betting strategy that involves trading different handicap bets. This strategy is only recommended for experienced bettors since handicap trading can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
How to calculate handicap betting
Handicap betting is a way of leveling the playing field by giving a weaker tennis player a head start. The usual method of handicapping is to give a weaker player a certain number of games or points. This means that the weaker player starts with a certain amount of points or games behind. To calculate handicap betting, simply add the weaker player’s handicap to the stronger player’s expected score. The combined total is the new expected score for the stronger player. For example, if a stronger player is expected to win with a score of 6-4 and the weaker player is given a handicap of two games, the new expected score for the stronger player is 6-6.
Tips for successful handicap betting
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both tennis players - This is the most important step when it comes to handicap betting on tennis. If you don’t know the strengths and weaknesses of both tennis players, it will be very difficult to determine who should be given a handicap.
- Always give the weaker player a handicap - This may seem like common sense, but it is very important. If the weaker player is expected to win against the stronger player without a handicap, then the weaker player should not be given one.
- Be aware of the type of surface and match conditions - The surface of the court and the match conditions should be taken into account when handicapping a tennis match. For example, clay courts are generally slower than both grass and hard courts. Therefore, a slower surface would likely allow the weaker player to be given a larger handicap.
Handicap betting on different surfaces
Hard-court tennis is played on a surface made of asphalt or concrete. This is the surface used at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open.
- When betting on handicap tennis on a hard court surface, keep in mind that the ball travels faster on hard courts, which makes it more difficult for weaker players to return shots.
- When stronger players play on slower surfaces and weaker players play on faster surfaces, the stronger players will have a greater chance of winning. This is because the weaker players will have less time to return shots on slow courts and will be at a disadvantage.