A comprehensive guide explaining what a trixie bet is
What is a trixie bet?
A trixie bet consists of four different bets across three selections. This type of bet includes three doubles and a treble, but with a trixie bet, there are no single bets.
In order to secure a profit from a trixie bet, the bettor must pick two winners out of three, although choosing three winners will see all four bets settled as winners.
The trixie bet is just one example of a multiple bet which gives bettors a safety net of not having to get every selection right to make a profit.
Indeed, other popular bets in this regard include a Lucky 15 and Yankee, both used widely in horse racing.
While a trixie bet offers plenty of advantages when used correctly, only those with a solid knowledge of the sport they are going to bet on will regularly make a profit.
This article will provide an in-depth explanation as to what a trixie bet is, as well as covering topics such as the pros and cons of a trixie bet, different tips and strategies when using a trixie bet and certain examples of a trixie bet.
How does a trixie bet work?
A trixie bet works by placing a total of four bets covering three different selections. First of all, a bettor will choose the winners of three horse races or three winners from that week’s football schedule.
Once the selections have been made, the bettor must choose a trixie bet and enter their stake. One thing to notice is because there are four bets being made, the original stake will be multiplied by four.
Breakdown of a trixie bet
- Three doubles (1+2, 1+3, 2+3)
- One treble (1+2+3)
As you can see, for the treble bet, all three must be successful. With regards to the three double bets, a profit can still be made if two of the three selections is successful.
Trixie bet example
With both horse racing and football the best sports to utilise a trixie bet, lets use an example from the latter to highlight how they work.
Lets say the bettor has selected three football teams to win their respective matches with all teams starting out at the same odds.
- Selection 1: Rangers to win at 2/1
- Selection 2: Celtic to win at 2/1
- Selection 3: Manchester United to win at 2/1
The bettor places a £10 trixie bet on these selections. Since the original stake is multiplied by four, the total stake is £40.
The four bets
- Double: Rangers + Celtic
- Double: Rangers + Manchester United
- Double: Celtic + Manchester United
- Treble: Rangers + Celtic + Manchester United
Of course, not all selections will have the exact same odds when making a trixie bet and this could mean the bettor might make a slight loss, especially if only one double lands.
If the treble is successful, all four bets will come in, making the bettor a substantial profit depending on their stake.
Pros and cons of trixie bets
As with any type of bet, there are certain advantages and disadvantages of using a trixie bet.
Advantages of trixie bets
- A potential for high returns
Should all three selections land, then the bettor will get returns from not only the treble, but also the three doubles included in the trixie bet.
This can see a much higher payout compared to a standard treble.
- Spreading the risk
Another advantage of a trixie bet is the ability to spread the stake across several combinations. This provides the bettor with a cushion if one selection loses.
- More chances to win than a standard treble
All selections in a standard treble must win in order for the bet to be a winner. In a trixie bet, however, even if two selections win, it can still return a profit.
The risk is therefore reduced.
Disadvantages of a trixie bet
- A bigger stake is required
Due to placing four bets rather than one, the bettor must multiply their initial stake by four, which may make a trixie bet less accessible for those not willing to spend much.
- Multiple winners are needed to profit
In a trixie bet, at least two selections are required to win in order for the bettor to make a return.
If only one selection wins, the entire bet loses and even with two winners, unless the odds are high, the bettor may still not make a profit on the bet.
- It may be complex for beginners
While a straightforward treble bet is fairly easy to understand for those new to the betting scene, a trixie bet is slightly more complicated.
it requires the bettor to have an understanding of both double and treble bets while it may also be difficult in calculating potential returns without the use of a bet calculator.
Difference between trixie bet and a patent bet
While the trixie bet is becoming more and more popular, a common alternative is a patent bet.
As mentioned, there are four bets within a trixie bet, but this doesn’t include any singles.
A patent bet has the same amount of selections as a trixie (three), but there are a total of seven bets included within.
The bet structure is as follows:
- Three singles
- Three doubles
- One treble
The best thing about a patent bet is only one selection has to win in order for the bettor to make a return. While a trixie bet sees the original stake multiplied by four, in a patent bet, the stake is multiplied by seven.
Should the bettor place a £1 patent, the total stake for the bet would be £7.
How to calculate a trixie bet
In order to calculate potential winnings from the bet, using a trixie bet calculator is the best option to find out the returns of a bet.
These tend to be offered by established bookmakers and allow bettors to understand the methods that are used by the bookmakers to calculate winnings.
Trixie bet tips and strategies
Like all bets, using various strategies when placing a trixie bet can give the bettor a much greater chance of being successful and securing a profit.
- Pick selections with value odds
If two selections land in a trixie bet, this can give the bettor a return, although this depends on the odds of the selections.
Picking football teams or horses with lower odds might seem tempting, but if one somehow loses, then the bettor might not make anything, despite two of the selections coming in.
Instead, choose selections that have more attractive odds. Picking selections with odds ranging from evens to 3/1 is the best option, especially as it gives the user a strong potential of profit even if only two win.
- Balance risk and reward
While most bettors would want to pick three strong favourites as part of their trixie bet, perhaps adding in a mix of selections is the best way to approach the bet.
Rather than three odds-on favourites, the better choice would be to choose one outside, one mid-range bet and a strong favourite.
If all three win, it can maximise the profit while the enhanced odds mean even if two selections land, the bettor will still make a decent return.
- Shop around different bookmakers for best odds
In order to maximise returns, using odd comparison tools is an extremely useful way for the bettor to pick the correct bookmaker.
Certain bookmakers may offer specials on trixie bets, enhancing the odds if all three selections win. Or they may even offer enhanced odds across several selections.
- Use a variety of different sports
Rather than focussing on just one sport, using knowledge across different bet types on a variety of sports might help maximise returns.
In football, the match result and both teams to score market always offers excellent odds. Combining three such bets could return a serious profit for the bettor.
Horse racing can also be profitable, especially if the bettor has closely followed certain horses and knows their form. Tennis and darts are two sports which may have plenty of value, especially in the early rounds of tournaments for example.
Trixie bet FAQs
What is a trixie bet?
A trixie bet is a type of multiple bet that consists of four bets across three selections.
How much does a trixie bet cost?
As a trixie bet consists of four bets, the original stake is thus multiplied by four. For example, a £10 trixie bet would cost the bettor £40.
Do all three selections in a trixie bet need to win?
No, all three selections in a trixie bet need to win in order for the bet to be profitable.
The maximum profit is gained if each selection wins, but if two selections land at favourable odds, the bettor will still make a decent return.
Do all bookmakers offer a trixie bet?
Yes, all established bookmakers offer a trixie bet, although it is best to check before making your selections.
What sports can I place a trixie bet on?
A trixie bet can be placed on most sports, but the most popular tend to be football and horse racing.
Others such as greyround racing, tennis and darts can offer good odds when using a trixie bet.
Is there a difference between a trixie bet and a patent bet?
Yes, there is a difference between a trixie bet and a patent bet. While a trixie consists of four bets across three selections, a patent consists of seven bets across three selections.
The main difference between the two is a patent bet includes three single bets, while a trixie does not.
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