What “Home Team Total Bookings” Means
This bet focuses only on the number of cards (bookings) the home team receives in a match.
- Bookings = Yellow cards + Red cards.
- Most bookmakers use booking points (Yellow = 10 points, Red = 25 points) or just the count of cards.
- The away team’s cards do not count in this bet.
Essentially, you’re predicting how many times the home team’s players will be booked by the referee.
Two Main Formats
- Total Cards
- You simply bet on the number of cards (e.g., Over 2.5 cards for the home team).
- A double yellow + red = counts as 2 cards for most bookies.
- Booking Points
- Points assigned to cards (typical: Yellow = 10, Red = 25).
- E.g., Over 35 Home Team Booking Points = expecting 4 yellows (4×10=40 pts) or 1 red + 1 yellow etc.
Example with a Team
Let’s use Chelsea (Home) vs Liverpool (Away):
- Bookmaker line: Chelsea Total Bookings – Over/Under 2.5 cards
- If Chelsea gets:
- 3 yellow cards → Over 2.5 wins
- 2 yellow cards → Under 2.5 wins
Booking Points Example:
- Line: Chelsea Over 30 Booking Points
- Chelsea receives 2 yellows (20 pts) + 1 red (25 pts) = 45 points → Bet wins.
Example with a Player Context
Say you believe Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) plays as a defensive midfielder and is likely to commit fouls.
- Chelsea at home vs Liverpool.
- Gallagher + Enzo Fernández are defensive-minded → more chance of bookings.
- The bet “Chelsea Total Bookings Over 2.5” might look good because players like Gallagher frequently foul.
Here your analysis of player discipline informs the team bet.
Key Factors to Consider
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Referee strictness | Some referees average 5+ cards per game; this inflates bookings. |
| Derbies / High stakes games | Emotions run high → more fouls & cards. |
| Team style | Defensive or physical teams commit more fouls. |
| Player positions | Defensive mids & full-backs pick up more cards, influencing team total. |
| Game state | If the home team defends a lead late on → more tactical fouls & bookings. |
Betting Tips
- Check referee stats before placing bets (average cards per match).
- Look at home team discipline — past 5–10 games, how many cards?
- Identify key “card-prone” players — if several start, likely higher bookings.
- Game importance — title deciders, relegation battles, derbies usually bring more cards.
- Use booking points when offered — it covers reds more accurately.
- In-play betting option — if the match is heating up early, live odds on home team bookings often spike.
Quick Scenario:
Arsenal (Home) vs Man City (Away):
- Referee averages 5 cards/game.
- Arsenal likely under pressure, playing physical.
- Players like Partey, Rice, White in midfield/defence.
Line: Arsenal Over 2.5 Cards
- If Arsenal get 3 yellows → bet wins.
- If Arsenal get 2 yellows only → bet loses.
Would you like me to also break down the difference between “Home Team Total Bookings” and “First Team to Get a Booking” (that’s another popular market)?