Half-ball handicap is a relatively new concept for those who love the world of football betting. Typically, people are familiar with common odds such as European handicap, Asian handicap, over/under odds... So what exactly is the half-ball handicap? How is this odd calculated for accurate betting? Let's explore through the information provided by Wintips in the following article!

What is the concept of 1/4 handicap?
According to betting experts or experienced players, the half-ball handicap is also known as the half-ball even handicap or the half-loss handicap. The familiar symbol for this type of odd is 1/4 or 0.25. This type of odd is challenging to predict when two football teams have similar abilities and comparable comparison coefficients.
Therefore, this odd is not widely popular, especially among new players, as they might find it difficult to accurately grasp the half-ball handicap. To identify the half-ball handicap, one must rely on the odds presented by the bookmakers. Usually, it appears as 1/4, and the name of the team with the handicap is highlighted.

When does the 1/4 handicap occur?
In a match where two participating teams have equivalent strengths, similar forms, relatively balanced team line-ups, and a fairly even history of matchups.
At this point, the half-ball handicap will emerge, significantly increasing the intensity of the match. Simultaneously, players must apply their entire reasoning and prediction abilities at best soccer tips to place bets. Matches featuring the half-ball handicap often attract a large audience due to their high level of excitement.
Due to these factors, this type of odd is often encountered by bettors during semi-finals or finals, especially in major tournaments such as the Euro, World Cup, Copa America... Additionally, some bookmakers apply the half-ball handicap as a subsidiary odd in football tournaments in Asia.
As mentioned, the half-ball handicap appears in matches where the two teams are evenly matched. Whether in tactics, personnel, playing style, or form, the actual difference in strength between the two sides is minimal.
Therefore, in the final minutes of the match, there is a significant chance of a turn in the half-ball handicap. Hence, players need to analyze carefully and consider all related information to make a sensible choice.

Formula for calculating the 1/4 handicap
Similar to any other type of football odds, to master this somewhat complex half-ball handicap, one needs to understand its basic calculation.
Calculating wins and losses in the half-ball handicap
In reality, calculating wins and losses in the half-ball handicap is not overly complex. There are still three main scenarios corresponding to betting in a match as follows:
If the favored team wins the match, the player who bet on that team wins. This means the player who chose the underdog team loses.
If the underdog team wins, the player who bet on the favored team loses, while the player who bet on the underdog team obviously wins.
Lastly, if the match results in a draw, the player who chose the underdog team wins half of the bet amount, while the player who chose the favored team loses half of the bet amount. This scenario is considered a relatively safe choice since no one loses their entire bet amount.

Calculating 1/4 Bet Winnings
Calculating winnings for half-time bets depends on the match result. This is somewhat similar to Asian handicap betting, so the calculation method is straightforward.
If the match ends with a win or loss, the player will receive or lose the initially placed amount accordingly. Specifically:
When a player bets on the upper team and the upper team wins, the amount received is calculated using the formula: Bet amount x Odds. This also applies when a player bets on the lower team, and the final result matches the prediction.
If the lower team wins but the player bet on the upper team, or vice versa, the entire initially placed bet amount will be lost.
For a draw result in the match, the player will win or lose half the initial bet amount when betting for both the upper and lower teams. The amount won or lost is calculated as follows: Bet amount x Win/Loss Odds : 2.


Pocketing Tips for Choosing 1/4 Bets
Half-time bets aren't simple for newcomers in football betting. Hence, relying solely on luck isn't advisable. Here are some experienced tips for betting tips vip app to choosing half-time bets, which experienced bettors have gathered. They'll surely help a lot on your path to successful betting.
For half-time handicap bets, it's advisable to choose the underdog. Especially in matches where the home team is the favorite, coupled with teams having a large fan base worldwide.
In matches initially set with a 1/4 handicap but change to 1/2 during the game to favor the underdog, players should bet on the upper team.
In matches with half-time bets where the upper team is trailing 0-1 in the first half but the handicap remains at 1/4 in the second half, continuing to bet on the underdog could be an option.
In matches where the second half offers a 1/4 handicap to favor the upper team, it's advisable to choose the underdog and engage in running bets for these matches.
For matches where the away team has a 1/4 handicap with low over/under odds and the first half ends 0-0, betting on the away team during the second half could be considered.

Tips for Novices Playing 1/4 Bets
The appeal of 1/4 bets due to good odds cannot be denied, although they might be challenging to play. To understand a somewhat complex bet like half-time bets, besides understanding the rules and gameplay, individuals must also hone their skills and gain experience. Consider the following factors:
Thoroughly research crucial information such as starting lineups, playing style, tactics, form, and players' capabilities. These are essential factors to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses when two teams face each other, making it easier to make accurate half-time bet selections.
Additionally, once you've gathered information about both teams, compare their playing abilities to balance them against the handicap and the odds provided by the bookmakers. In cases where both teams are equally strong, and the away team is the upper team, some bookmakers might offer reversed odds. In such situations, choose the away team to avoid being lured by the bookmakers' odds and making the wrong selection.
In major tournaments, if you want to play half-time bets, prioritize the home team if there's not much difference in the abilities of both sides. In cases where there's no home team advantage, the winning odds will be higher if you select the team with lower odds from the bookmaker.
Choosing a team in good form, giving a handicap to a weaker team, might seem reasonable. However, in matches where there's a possibility of an upset by the weaker team, players might face risks with 1/4 bets. Be cautious and wait for luck to favor you.
1/4 bets from different bookmakers will have varying odds, sometimes significantly different. Hence, pay attention to selecting the right bookmaker to maximize your chances of winning.

Maybe you should know : what is an asian handicap in soccer

If you want to make your betting more thrilling, try your hand at the very interesting 1/4 bets. You'll undoubtedly gain new experiences along with the chance to win valuable betting rewards. Wishing you success!