This article will explain how a 4-Fold bet works and the pros and cons of using this type of bet.
Are you new to multiple betting? Keep reading below to learn how 4-fold betting and multiple betting in general work.
Sports betting is a really thrilling hobby. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart because it’s an activity in which you can win or lose money. So, there’s some risk on the table.
Yet, the best way to minimize risks in sports betting is to speak the language of bets. The more you know about the types of bets and their characteristics, the more informed and better decisions you’ll make.
Among the most popular bets made by sport bettors are the multiple bets, which include the 4-fold bet as well. So, first things first, let’s make sure we’re on the same page with what multiple bets are.
Types of Multiple Bets
Multiple bets come in many forms.
Each offers different ways to engage multiple selections.
A Yankee, for instance, involves four selections across 11 bets.
A Canadian, also known as a Super Yankee, includes five selections spread over 26 bets.
The Heinz encompasses six selections with a total of 57 bets.
These formats allow bettors to diversify their strategies and potentially mitigate risks associated with losing a single bet.
Understanding these different types enhances the decision-making process for sports betting enthusiasts.
Multiple Bet Explained
As the name suggests, multiple bets are simply bets that consist of more than one selection.
Often the bets, in horse betting, for example, require that all horses win. However, you can also back an each-way multiple or a place multiple.
There are many different types of multiple bets, each being alternatives of the same general idea based on the number of selections: the bettors make four or more selections at the same time, and each and every selection made must win so that the bettor secures a return.
Now, these multiple bets are also known as fold betting, as the term “fold” represents the number of selections made by bettors within an accumulator bet.
4-Fold Bet Explained
Calculating the potential payout for a 4-fold bet involves multiplying the odds of each selection together.
This means the total odds can increase significantly, offering a promising win if all bets succeed.
Ensure you check the bookmaker's terms.
Payouts can vary based on specific rules around tied or postponed matches.
Next, let’s dig deeper into what 4-fold bets are.
Now that you know what the term “fold” represents, it’s pretty self-explanatory what a 4-fold bet is.
More precisely, a 4-fold bet is a single bet that includes four different selections.
The 4-fold term represents the number of selections included in a bet, creating a multiple bet, which we’ve discussed above.
Any fewer selections than four make a single, double, or treble bet.
These bets with four or more selections are known as Acca bets.
The 4-fold bet can turn into a 5-fold, 6-fold, and so on, based on how many selections you make in the same bet.
To win a four-fold bet, bettors need to make four selections that will be included in the same bet, and all selections better be good because only one wrong choice will make the bettor lose the entire 4-fold bet.
Strategies for Choosing Selections
Choosing selections for your 4-fold bet requires careful consideration.
Assessing team forms and past performances can provide valuable insights.
Stick to sports and teams you are familiar with to make more informed predictions.
Utilising statistics, like goals scored and recent match-ups, can further guide your choices, helping you create stronger bets.
Pros and Cons of 4-fold bets
What are the pros and cons of 4-fold bets? Should bettors choose this type of betting? Let’s see:
Cons
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of this type of bet is that one wrong selection will make bettors lose the entire bet.
So, if you are not an experienced bettor, or you don’t have expert knowledge of a sport, be it football, horse racing, tennis, cricket, or ice hockey, it’s better to choose single bets.
When you are an experienced bettor, and you know the sport really well, you can more accurately predict the results of the games.
Pros
Now, 4-fold bets also have advantages.
First of all, since the risks of losing are bigger since your winning depends on four different selections, so are the amounts of the wins.
More precisely, four-fold bets can bring bettors more significant returns than, say, single or double bets.
What’s more, multiple bets like the 4-fold bet type allow bettors to take advantage of smaller odds, which is why it is recommended to bet on favourites when placing a 4-fold bet.
Here’s an example.
Say there’s a single bet on Barcelona to win at home against Girona.
Single bets like this don’t have an incredibly tempting price on them. Yet, several bets on favourites included in the same bets can bring you a significant reward if your predictions are right.
So, you can combine a bet that includes that Barcelona bet with another one on Chelsea, one bet on Bayern Munich, and one bet on Celtic.
All these football teams are typically strong favorites when playing in their domestic competitions.
So, a 4-fold bet that includes these favourites will make the odds from each bet you make to be multiplied together.
In other words, you can win a good profit from several bets that don’t look particularly tempting when taken as single bets.
Differences Between Acca and 4-Fold Bets
Although an Accumulator and a 4-fold bet may seem similar, the key difference lies in structure.
An Accumulator can involve more varied numbers of selections, potentially increasing potential returns.
However, specific minimums and bookmakers vary, potentially affecting strategies for these bets.
How to make 4-fold bets work for you
To increase your chances of winning with 4-fold bets, a few good practices would be:
- Planning all four selections carefully
- Betting on favorites
- Not being greedy
Common Mistakes in 4-Fold Betting
There are common pitfalls one might encounter with 4-fold betting.
Ignoring odds and betting purely on favourites can lead to lower returns than anticipated.
Another mistake involves betting emotionally, on teams you support, rather than those most likely to win.
Avoid these by grounding your bets in research and logic.
FAQ's
Here are two frequently asked questions when it comes to four-fold bets and their answers.