In football betting, one of the more exciting and strategic markets is “Away 4+ Exact Bookings”. This bet focuses on the number of cards (yellow or red) shown to the away team in a particular match. Let’s break it down in detail with examples and smart betting tips.
What Does “Away 4+ Exact Bookings” Mean?
The term “Away 4+ Exact Bookings” means you are betting that the away team will receive at least 4 bookings (cards) during the match.
Bookings include:
- Yellow cards = 1 booking
- Red cards = 2 bookings
In this betting market:
- If the away team gets 4 or more cards, your bet wins.
- If the away team receives 3 or fewer cards, your bet loses.
Some bookmakers may count bookings in points (e.g. yellow = 10 points, red = 25 points), so 4+ bookings could also mean 40+ booking points.
Example of Away 4+ Exact Bookings Bet
Let’s use a real football example:
Match: Manchester City vs Chelsea
Away Team: Chelsea
You place a bet on Chelsea – Away 4+ Exact Bookings.
- If Chelsea players get:
- Enzo Fernández – Yellow Card
- Thiago Silva – Yellow Card
- Reece James – Red Card (counts as 2 bookings)
- Conor Gallagher – Yellow Card
Total Bookings = 5
Your Away 4+ Exact Bookings bet wins.
But if Chelsea only receive 3 yellow cards and no red,
Your bet loses because it didn’t reach the 4+ target.
How Bookings Are Counted
| Card Type | Booking Value |
|---|---|
| Yellow Card | 1 booking |
| Red Card | 2 bookings |
| Two Yellows = Red | Counts as 3 (1 + 2) bookings |
Bookmakers may use either the number of cards or booking points system, so always check the rules before placing your bet.
Factors That Influence Away Bookings
To increase your winning chances, consider the following factors:
- Aggressive Playing Style – Teams that play physically (like Atlético Madrid or Burnley) tend to collect more cards.
- Referee Strictness – Some referees are known for giving many yellow cards. Check stats before the match.
- Derby or High-Pressure Games – Rivalries (e.g., Arsenal vs Tottenham) often produce more bookings.
- Away Pressure – Away teams defending heavily often make more fouls to stop attacks.
- Tactical Fouls & Time Wasting – These can increase booking chances, especially in away games.
Example Teams Known for High Away Bookings
- Chelsea (2023–24) – Often aggressive in midfield battles.
- Atletico Madrid – Known for strong tackling and time-wasting tactics away from home.
- Leeds United (Championship level) – Energetic and foul-heavy side.
- Everton – Defensive structure often leads to many fouls in away games.
Betting Tips for Away 4+ Exact Bookings
- Check Stats Before Betting: Use sites like WhoScored or FlashScore to check average cards per match for the away team.
- Analyze Referee Data: Some referees issue 4+ yellow cards per game — ideal for this market.
- Target Physical Leagues: Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A are great for bookings bets.
- Combine with Other Markets: You can combine “Away 4+ Bookings” with “Over 2.5 Goals” for higher odds.
- Avoid Friendly Matches: These