What is Total Games in Tennis Betting?
In Total Games betting, you predict whether the total number of games played in a match will be Over or Under a line set by the bookmaker.
- A game in tennis = the smaller scoring unit where one player serves and the winner takes the game (not the same as a set).
- Example: A set can end 6–4 = 10 games played in that set.
So, the bet is based on the sum of all games in the match, not sets or points.
Example with Player
Imagine a match:
Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
Bookmaker sets Total Games line = 38.5
- If the match ends Djokovic 6–4, 4–6, 7–5, 6–4
- Total Games = 10 + 10 + 12 + 10 = 42 games
- Over 38.5 wins
- If the match ends Djokovic 6–2, 6–3, 6–2
- Total Games = 8 + 9 + 8 = 25 games
- Under 38.5 wins
Key Variations
- Over/Under Full Match Total Games
- Example: O/U 38.5 games.
- You bet if the full match goes above or below the line.
- Over/Under Per Set
- Example: In Set 1, O/U 9.5 games.
- If Set 1 ends 7–5 (12 games) → Over wins.
- If Set 1 ends 6–2 (8 games) → Under wins.
- Exact Total Games (riskier)
- Example: Bet on “Exact 31 games” in the match.
- High odds but harder to predict.
Betting Strategy & Tips
- Check Playing Styles
- Two strong servers (e.g., John Isner vs Milos Raonic) → Likely more tie-breaks → Over on games.
- A dominant baseline player vs weak opponent → Straight sets → Under.
- Surface Matters
- Grass (fast, more aces) → Longer sets, more tie-breaks → often Over.
- Clay (slower, more breaks of serve) → Fewer long sets → sometimes Under.
- Best of 3 vs Best of 5
- Men’s Grand Slams (Best of 5) → Higher chance of long matches → Over more attractive.
- Regular ATP/WTA events (Best of 3) → Fewer games → Under more likely if there’s a mismatch.
- Head-to-Head Record
- Check how many sets and games previous matches produced.
- Live Betting Edge
- If both players are holding serve easily → You can grab Over games before the line shifts higher.
- If one player looks completely dominant early → Under games may be value.
Quick Example Bets
- Bet 1: Djokovic vs Alcaraz – Over 38.5 games wins if match is competitive (4 or 5 sets).
- Bet 2: Iga Swiatek vs a qualifier – Under 19.5 games wins if she wins 6–2, 6–3.
Would you like me to also compare Total Games betting with Game Handicap (so you see when one option might be better than the other)?