Asian handicap, you say? What in the sweet name of waffles and maple syrup is that? Well, to the initiated, Asian handicap betting (also known as Hang Cheng) is one of the very best ways to wager on soccer known to man.
Despite originating in the Far East towards the end of the 20th Century, this very unique but potentially profitable way of betting has become increasingly popular in other parts of the world, too.
Handicap betting may be sound more familiar to you as ‘betting the spread.’ If you have ever bet on football, basketball, baseball, hockey or a number of other sports – and not taken the moneyline but bet ‘the spread’ – you will have engaged in handicap betting. The idea of handicap betting is to try to equal the playing field between two teams that may have a gulf in strength.
For example, the stronger team is made slightly weaker by taking points away from them while the weaker team is given a slight advantage by starting a few points ahead. As such, bookmakers can then offer odds on both teams that are relatively, or even exactly, the same.
This is a common way of betting in North America. The principle of Asian handicap betting is practically the same.
In this piece, I will run through the basics of Asian handicap betting, how it works, why many believe it works for them, and the various types of bets you can place with this style of wager.
So, strap in, and let’s begin!
Asian handicap betting is believed to have originated down in Indonesia as a means to create a more interesting way of betting on soccer.
Given that the “draw” result is so prevalent in soccer, Asian handicap bets appeal to many these days given that ties (draws) are completely eliminated when the handicap is not a whole number.
This means that the potential success percentage is now 50% in comparison to 33%. This, alone, has seen the popularity of the bet skyrocket in the past decade.
As one of the main reasons why anyone gambles is to have fun. If there is a game between two soccer teams that is effectively a foregone conclusion, it is going to be difficult to get excited.
If you cannot get excited, then there is little point in betting. Given that the odds are pretty poor for the best team in the game, you aren’t really going to make much of a profit, even if you ignore the negligible value of the bet.
Asian handicap changes things up for the better. Let’s say the best team in England are playing a team heading for relegation, and the regular odds are slim for the potential champions and wide for the relegation battlers.
With Asian handicap betting, you can pretty much find as close to a 50-50 contest as there is, by handicapping the teams on their perceived ability and form. Although the better team should win, will they win by more than 3 goals? This definitely makes things more interesting.
As you can see, Asian handicap betting is certainly a more dynamic way of betting on soccer. Given that this way of betting can, for a smart betting enthusiast, increase the chances of consistent returns, it is definitely worth learning how to use them. More and more bookmakers are covering Asian handicap betting these days due to this type of bet’s growth in popularity.
As such, you should certainly consider giving it a shot.
There are various markets under the Asian handicap banner. This means that you will always have some type of choice when deciding the right bet. If the information below looks a little overwhelming, bear in mind that it is a lot simpler than it seems at first glance.
Once it clicks, you will feel smarter, almost immediately. Just remember to keep in mind that handicaps are referred to as “balls” and you will be fine.
Below, you will find a breakdown of the variants of this bet:
In traditional soccer markets, the “Draw No Bet” market is a popular choice among many soccer punters. The Asian handicap 0.0 bet – often advertised as simply “0” – will be offered when the difference between both teams is minimal.
In order to win this bet, you simply need your selection to win. If the game ends in a draw then you will have your stake returned, as the draw does not apply. If your selection loses, then you lose your stake. Simple enough to understand, right?
With a 1/4 ball bet, your stake is divided into two bets. As with betting the spread, there will be one team that is considered stronger and the other, weaker.
As such, always pay attention to the “+” and “-” symbols when making your selection as they affect the bets in different ways.
(When betting -0.25)
(When betting +0.25)
This type of bet is essentially the same as a traditional “To Win” soccer bet.
(When Betting -0.5)
(When Betting +0.5)
Once again, your stake will be split into two bets.
(When Betting -0.75)
(When Betting +0.75)
In the event of a bet where there is no quarter (0.25), things are typically more straightforward.
(When Betting -1.0)
(When Betting +1.0)
Once again, your bet will be split into two.
(When Betting -1.25)
(When Betting +1.25)
(When Betting -1.5)
(When Betting +1.5)
Keep in mind that your bet will, once again, be split into two for this one.
(When Betting -1.75)
(When Betting +1.75)
(When Betting -2.0)
(When Betting +2.0)
As mentioned above, Asian handicap bets do compare with regular soccer markets. Below, you will find the type of regular bet against the Asian handicap (AH) variety:
By understanding how both markets work, you can then compare odds between both and choose what appeals to you most.
While we have covered the different types of Asian handicap bets, I believe that it can often be easier to understand something new with examples. Always bear in mind that the point of Asian handicap betting is to even the playing field, so to speak, between two teams that are not exactly matched on the moneyline.
I have provided a couple of breakdowns for you, below:
Example 1
As you can see from the odds above, Liverpool can be selected with a -1.5 handicap against Huddersfield who carry a +1.5 handicap. If you choose to select Liverpool to win this bet, you are relying on them to beat Huddersfield by more than two goals in order to be successful.
If you select Huddersfield, you simply need them to win the game or simply lose by no less than 1 goal to win your bet.
As Liverpool is considered the stronger team, they start the game with a disadvantage of 1.5 goals in comparison to Huddersfield, the weaker team, starting with a 1.5 lead.
In order to work out if you have won your bet on Liverpool at the end of the game, simply deduct 1.5 from the goals they have scored. If Liverpool win 3-0, this will equate to a scoreline of 1.5-0 in betting terms. In other words, you have won your bet.
The same logic applies to Huddersfield, but instead of deducting 1.5 from the final score, you add 1.5. So, If the game ends 2-1, in betting terms, you have won as the Asian handicap score will be 2-2.5 to Huddersfield.
Simple, eh?
Example 2
In this example, you are betting on a game between Barcelona and Valencia on odds with a quarter handicap. When betting on quarter handicaps, always remember that your stake is split in order to form two bets.
Using the example above, you can see that Barcelona (-1.25) are the favorites while Valencia (+1.25) are the underdogs.
You decide to place a $10 bet on Barcelona at -1.25 in order to make a profit. The way it works when betting on the Asian handicap is that $5 will go on Barcelona at -1 and the other $5 goes on Barcelona to win by -1.5.
The game ends 1-0 to Barcelona. In order to work out of you are a winner, you need to look at both bets. Your $5 bet on Barca to win -1.5 is a loser, as you needed them to win by at least 2 goals.
The $5 on Barcelona to win -1 goal means that the game ended in a tie, under the rules of the bet, so you get that $5 returned to you as it ended in a draw. In Asian handicap, a draw result is removed so the bet is essentially voided.
The great thing about the Asian handicap is that there is no possibility of a draw. This means that your chances of winning are essentially 50/50, rather than 1 in 3 as with a regular soccer bet.
When it comes down to it, you can’t really go wrong in that regard.
When you consider the advantages to Asian handicap betting, I think it the best way, bar none, to bet on soccer. For those of us who have a fondness for wagering on the most popular sport in the world, when a game ends in a draw – especially if it is part of a parlay/accumulator – it can be a real kick in the teeth.
On a personal level, I have seen some great bets destroyed by last-minute equalizers out of the blue.
Asian handicap betting makes it so that you can kiss goodbye to any draws. The way bets are structured, you will simply not be affected by a tie as you would if you had been placing regular bets.
In zero ball bets, things are so simple that even an absolute novice could get the hang of Asian handicap betting. That alone is more than enough reason to rejoice and embrace one of Asia’s greatest exports in modern betting history.
There is no question that many betting enthusiasts prefer to keep things simple, or so they think. Simply investing time in learning a whole new way of betting is seen by some as nothing more than a waste of time.
This is a bad attitude to have when it comes to Asian handicap betting, as it is nowhere near as difficult to get the hang of as it might seem, initially.
There are a number of Asian handicap bets that come with excellent odds, although, sometimes, comparing the types of bets with one another is a good idea.
With Asian handicap, there are only two ways that a bet can go: one team must win the bet. Of course, if you prefer the chance of a draw result occurring – or are someone who likes betting on draws – this bet is probably not for you.
In fact, many of our choices help us to better understand what works for us. Those who pigeon hole themselves as stick to the same thing, time and time again, won’t get to experience those feelings.
Although Asian handicap betting might initially appear to be a little exotic and requiring of effort, I believe that most betting enthusiasts who give it a shot will be surprised at how easy it is to get the hang of.
Every endeavor requires something to make it worthwhile. Asian handicap certainly has that in the fact that it provides those who love betting on soccer with the chance to increase their win to loss ratio. No more draws, see?
It is all good and well allowing someone else to explain to you why something is worthwhile. However, the proof is always in the pudding.
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