What Does “1st Set – Correct Score (in Legs)” Mean?
In darts, matches are divided into sets, and each set is made up of legs.
- A leg is one game — players start from 501 points and try to reach zero first by finishing on a double.
- A set is won by the player who wins a certain number of legs first (usually best of 5 legs — i.e., first to 3).
When you bet on the “1st Set – Correct Score (in Legs)”, you’re predicting the exact leg score when the first set ends.
You are not betting on who wins the whole match — only the first set, and specifically the exact scoreline (like 3–2, 3–0, etc.).
Example 1
Let’s say the match is:
Michael van Gerwen vs. Peter Wright
The 1st set is played best of 5 legs (so possible scores: 3–0, 3–1, or 3–2).
Betting Market Example:
| Outcome | Description | Typical Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Van Gerwen 3–0 | Van Gerwen wins all 3 legs | 3.50 |
| Van Gerwen 3–1 | Van Gerwen wins 3 legs, Wright 1 | 4.00 |
| Van Gerwen 3–2 | Van Gerwen wins narrowly | 6.00 |
| Wright 3–0 | Wright wins all 3 legs | 6.50 |
| Wright 3–1 | Wright wins 3–1 | 5.50 |
| Wright 3–2 | Wright wins 3–2 | 7.00 |
Scenario:
If Van Gerwen wins the first set 3–1, and you had bet on Van Gerwen 3–1, your bet wins.
If he wins 3–0 or 3–2, your bet loses.
Example 2 (shorter format)
Luke Humphries vs. Gerwyn Price
1st set played best of 3 legs (first to 2 legs).
Possible correct scores:
- 2–0
- 2–1
- 0–2
- 1–2
If Humphries wins the first set 2–1, and you predicted Humphries 2–1, you win.
Betting Tips
- Study Player Start Patterns
Some players start matches slow (often lose the first set), while others start fast and focused.
→ Check their average first-set performance or win rate in opening sets. - Check “1st 9-Dart Average”
Players with high early averages (scoring power in first few legs) often win sets 3–0 or 3–1. - Tournament Format Matters
- Best of 3 legs per set → fewer possible scores → easier prediction.
- Best of 5 legs per set → more possible outcomes → higher odds.
- Momentum Betting
If one player is known for warming up slowly, betting on the opponent to win the first set 3–1 can be profitable. - Don’t Forget Value
Odds like 6.00 or 7.00 can offer strong value — but only if stats support your pick.
Example Tip:
Match: Michael Smith vs. Rob Cross
Prediction: Smith to win 1st Set 3–1
Reason: Smith averages strong openings and rarely drops more than one leg early. Cross often takes a few legs to find rhythm.
Odds Example: 4.50
Tip: Medium stake — good value based on form.
Summary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1st Set – Correct Score (in Legs) | Predicting the exact leg score when the first set ends |
| Common Formats | Best of 3 or 5 legs per set |
| Winning Condition | You must get both the winner and exact scoreline correct |
| Best Strategy | Research early-set performance, scoring averages, and head-to-head stats |
Would you like me to make a betting odds chart and prediction template (that you can reuse for different matches — just fill in player names and stats)?
It helps you calculate possible returns and track patterns easily.