What Game Handicap +1.5 Means
A game handicap in tennis is similar to a point spread in other sports. It doesn’t look at who wins the match outright, but instead adjusts the total number of games won by each player.
- +1.5 games means the selected player gets a 1.5-game “head start.”
- You add +1.5 games to that player’s total games won at the end of the match to decide the bet.
You’re betting on whether your chosen player wins the adjusted score after the +1.5 is applied.
Example 1 – Clear Scenario
Match:
- Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner
- Bet: Sinner +1.5 games
Real score:
- Alcaraz wins 6–4, 6–4
- Total games: Alcaraz 12 games, Sinner 8 games
Now apply the handicap:
- Sinner’s adjusted games = 8 + 1.5 = 9.5
- Alcaraz’s games = 12
Even after the handicap, Alcaraz has more (12 > 9.5).
Bet lost
Example 2 – Bet Wins
Match:
- Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner
- Bet: Sinner +1.5 games
Real score:
- Alcaraz wins 7–6, 4–6, 6–4
- Games: Alcaraz 17, Sinner 16
Apply handicap:
- Sinner adjusted = 16 + 1.5 = 17.5
- Alcaraz = 17
Sinner now wins the adjusted score (17.5 > 17).
Bet won
Key Points to Understand
- +1.5 games does not mean winning a set; it’s about the total games across all sets.
- The bet can still win even if your player loses the match (if the games were close enough).
- You can also bet -1.5 games, meaning your player must win by at least 2 games overall.
Betting Tips for +1.5 Game Handicap
- Look for Close Matchups
+1.5 games suits matches where the underdog is competitive and likely to lose narrowly or win a set. - Check Recent Form on Surfaces
Clay vs hard court can change game patterns; some players push every set close (lots of 6–4, 7–6 sets). - Evaluate Serve & Return Stats
Big servers often keep sets tight (tie-breaks), making +1.5 more valuable. - Don’t Confuse with Set Handicap
Game handicap is different from set handicap. A player can lose in straight sets but still cover +1.5 games if each set is close. - Live Betting Opportunities
If you see the underdog playing well early but down a set, the +1.5 line may become attractive in-play.
Would you like me to also cover -1.5 game handicap (the opposite scenario) with examples next?