In darts betting, “Legs Handicap” is a type of handicap betting market offered in matches where one player is favored to win, and the bookmaker wants to even the odds by giving the underdog a head start in terms of legs won.
What is a “Leg” in Darts?
A leg is a single game within a match, where players compete to reach zero from a starting score (usually 501) faster than their opponent. Matches are usually structured as best of X legs (e.g., best of 11 legs means the first to 6 legs wins).
Legs Handicap Betting Explained
In a Legs Handicap bet, a virtual advantage or disadvantage (in legs) is applied to one of the players before the match begins. You bet on who will win after the handicap is applied.
Example:
Let’s say the match is:
- Michael van Gerwen vs. Joe Cullen
- Handicap line: Van Gerwen -2.5 legs
Possible Outcomes:
- If Van Gerwen wins 7-4, after the handicap it’s 7 – 2.5 = 4.5, so he still wins → Van Gerwen (-2.5) wins
- If Van Gerwen wins 7-6, after the handicap it’s 7 – 2.5 = 4.5 vs. 6 → Cullen wins the handicap
- If Cullen wins outright → Cullen (+2.5) wins
Why Bet on Legs Handicap?
- More value when backing a favorite in a one-sided match.
- Better odds than just backing the outright winner.
- A way to back underdogs and still win even if they lose, as long as they don’t lose by more than the handicap margin.
Tips:
- Always check how many legs are being played.
- Understand player form—some win, but not by big margins.
- Beware of match formats: shorter matches (e.g., best of 7) offer less room for a handicap to play out.
Would you like examples from actual matches or tips on how to spot good handicap value?