What Does “1st Game – Winner” Mean in Table Tennis Betting?
When you bet on the 1st Game – Winner, you are predicting which player will win the first game in a table tennis match.
Each table tennis match is usually played in a best of 5 or best of 7 games format. The first game is crucial because it often sets the tone for the rest of the match.
If your chosen player wins the 1st game, your bet wins — regardless of who wins the entire match.
If your player loses the 1st game, your bet loses — even if they win the match later.
Example of 1st Game Winner Bet
Let’s use an example between Fan Zhendong and Tomokazu Harimoto:
- Fan Zhendong: 1st Game Winner – Odds @1.65
- Tomokazu Harimoto: 1st Game Winner – Odds @2.25
If you bet ₦10,000 on Fan Zhendong to win the 1st game at 1.65 odds, and he wins the first game 11–7, you’ll receive:
Naira 10000 x 1.65 = ₦16,500 (₦6,500 profit)
However, if Harimoto wins the first game, your bet loses — even if Fan Zhendong later wins the match.
Why Bettors Choose the 1st Game Winner Market
- Quick Outcome – The result is decided after just one game (usually 5–10 minutes).
- Momentum Betting – Some players start strong, making this market ideal for first-set specialists.
- In-Play Advantage – You can watch the warm-up or first few rallies to judge form before betting live.
How to Analyze Players for 1st Game Betting
- Check Player Start Statistics
Some players are fast starters (win the first game often). Others need time to warm up. Look at their first-game performance in recent matches. - Consider Fatigue and Motivation
A tired or less-motivated player might start slow. Fatigue from previous matches can affect early games. - Style of Play
Aggressive players often dominate early sets. Defensive players may take longer to adjust to opponents’ speed and tactics. - Head-to-Head Records
Review previous matchups — does one player consistently win the first game? That’s a strong indicator.
Example Analysis
Let’s say Ma Long and Hugo Calderano are playing.
- Ma Long often wins the first game 70% of the time in his last 10 matches.
- Calderano wins only 40% of his first games but improves later.
In this case, betting Ma Long to win the 1st game is statistically stronger than betting on Calderano.
Expert Betting Tips for “1st Game – Winner” in Table Tennis
- Watch Live Before Betting – Observe warm-up intensity and first few rallies for form clues.
- Avoid Betting Blindly on Favorites – Even top players can lose the first game as they adapt to opponents.
- Use Stats Sites – Check recent match stats for 1st game win percentages.
- Combine with In-Play Markets – If your pick loses the first game but looks strong, bet them to win the next game or match.
- Consider Venue and Conditions – Some players perform better in certain venues or under specific lighting and humidity conditions.
Final Thoughts
The 1st Game – Winner bet in table tennis is perfect for bettors who prefer quick results and short-term excitement. By studying players’ early performance trends and applying smart betting analysis, you can increase your chances of success in this market.
Remember: discipline, research, and smart bankroll management are key to long-term winnings.