What “Asian Handicap +0.5” Means
Asian Handicap +0.5 gives the underdog a half-goal head start before the match even begins.
- If you bet on a team at +0.5, they “start” the match with +0.5 goals.
- Because no football match can have half goals, this bet basically means:
- You win if your team wins or draws.
- You lose if your team loses.
It’s similar to a “Double Chance” bet (Win or Draw) but usually at slightly better odds.
How the Bet Is Settled
| Actual Match Result | Your Team +0.5 | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Your team wins | +0.5 added | Win bet |
| Match draws | +0.5 added | Win bet |
| Your team loses | +0.5 added | Lose bet |
Example with Teams
Imagine a Premier League match:
Everton vs Liverpool
- Everton is the underdog.
- Bookmaker offers:
- Everton +0.5 @ 1.90
- Liverpool -0.5 @ 1.90
If you bet ₦10,000 on Everton +0.5:
- If Everton wins 1–0 → you win (Everton already had +0.5).
- If Everton draws 1–1 → you win (Everton +0.5 beats Liverpool 1–1.5).
- If Everton loses 1–2 → you lose (Everton +0.5 = 1.5 vs Liverpool 2.0).
This is why underdog bettors like +0.5: it gives protection if the match ends in a draw.
Difference from Other Handicaps
- Asian Handicap 0 = Draw = Stake refunded
- Asian Handicap +0.5 = Win or Draw = Win bet
- Asian Handicap +1 = You win if your team draws or wins; if your team loses by one goal, you get your stake refunded.
Betting Tips for +0.5
- Good for Underdogs at Home
- Teams at home with strong defense often hold big teams to draws.
- Example: Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park vs Arsenal.
- Check Recent Form & Injuries
- If the favorite is missing key attackers, the underdog’s chance of drawing increases.
- Low-Scoring Games
- Matches expected to be tight (under 2.5 goals) increase the probability of a draw → +0.5 more valuable.
- Compare with Double Chance
- Sometimes “+0.5” and “Double Chance” have different odds; take whichever gives better value.
- Use in Accumulators
- Because it’s safer than an outright win bet, it’s a popular choice for parlays.
Quick Summary Table
| Handicap | Team Must Do to Win Bet |
|---|---|
| +0.5 | Win or Draw |
| -0.5 | Must Win |
| 0 | Win = Win bet; Draw = Refund |
Would you like me to make you a chart comparing +0.5, +1, and 0 handicaps side-by-side (quick reference)?