The “1st Game – Total Points” bet in table tennis refers to wagering on the total number of points scored by both players combined in the first game (also called the first set). You are not betting on who wins — only on whether the total points will be Over or Under a specified number set by the bookmaker.
How It Works (with Example)
Let’s use a real example:
Match:
Fan Zhendong vs Tomokazu Harimoto
Market Shown by Bookmaker:
1st Game – Total Points: Over/Under 19.5
This means:
- If Over 19.5 is selected → You are betting the first game will have 20 points or more combined.
- If Under 19.5 is selected → You are betting the first game will have 19 points or fewer combined.
Example Results:
- Fan Zhendong wins 11–8 → Total = 19 points Under 19.5 wins
- Harimoto wins 12–10 → Total = 22 points Over 19.5 wins
Why It Matters
Table tennis games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2). But when both players are evenly matched, the score can extend beyond 11–9 — for example, 12–10 or 13–11.
That’s why close matches often result in higher total points, while one-sided games produce lower totals.
Player-Based Example
Let’s say:
- Player A: Ma Long – experienced, consistent, strong defense
- Player B: Anton Källberg – aggressive attacker, takes risks
In the 1st game, Ma Long might start slowly, feeling out the opponent, leading to a tight 11–9 or 12–10 game.
Bet Example: 1st Game Over 19.5 looks good because both players trade long rallies and the scoreline is likely close.
However, if Ma Long plays a much weaker opponent ranked 100+ in the world, the 1st game might end 11–4.
Bet Example: 1st Game Under 19.5 is smarter due to the skill gap.
Betting Tips
- Study Player Styles:
- Defensive / consistent players (e.g., Ma Long, Truls Möregårdh) → more rallies → higher total points.
- Aggressive / risky players → quicker points → lower totals.
- Check Recent Form:
- If both players have been winning close matches, it suggests the first game might be competitive → Overbet.
- If one dominates early → Under bet.
- Tournament Stage:
- Early rounds (weaker opponents) → expect Under.
- Later rounds (evenly matched) → expect Over.
- Head-to-Head Record:
- Check how often their 1st games go beyond 19.5 or 20.5 points.
- Live Betting Advantage:
- If the first few rallies show both players defending well or long rallies → you can bet live on Over Total Points before the game ends.
Example Betting Slip
| Match | Market | Selection | Odds | Result | Outcome |
|——–|———|———–|——-|———-|
| Fan Zhendong vs Harimoto | 1st Game – Total Points | Over 19.5 | 1.80 | 12–10 | Win |
| Ma Long vs Källberg | 1st Game – Total Points | Under 19.5 | 1.70 | 11–6 | Win |
Summary Table
| Situation | Likely Bet | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Evenly matched players | Over 19.5 | Close first game |
| Strong vs weak player | Under 19.5 | One-sided game |
| Defensive players | Over | Long rallies, fewer errors |
| Aggressive, error-prone players | Under | Short rallies, quick points |