For those not used to betting on Table Tennis, here is a helpful guide to the type of markets there are and how those markets work.
There are often a number of different types of bets on each match, including in-play markets, as well as options on the overall tournament.
Outright Betting
An outright bet, on the tournament winner or each-way, can prove popular with those who are looking to make decent money for a relatively minimal outlay.
Winners at double-figure prices are common, while treble-figured priced winners are naturally harder to find.
There are various factors involved in finding a winner of a tournament, but arguably the most important thing to consider is the draw. It’s worth analysing the draw bracket to see if a player has a more comfortable route to the final than the odds imply.
Other factors to consider include recent form, previous results at the specific tournament, and motivation.
Match Betting
Match Betting or Moneyline is a simple bet on who will prevail in a head-to-head encounter.
It tends to be worth focusing on closely-matched encounters, instead of searching for a 1-20 shot to get turned over. Shocks do occur, as in most sports, but they are more difficult to find.
Look out for head-to-head records and recent results. Is a player performing at a level they will struggle to maintain when they face a rival who can take them out of their comfort zone?
Different players have different styles and a certain style can suit one opponent but can cause problems for another.
Handicap Betting
Betting on the handicap is simple, if you back Player A -5.5 points, and he wins by six points, the bet is a winner. Alternatively, back Player B +4.5 points and the bet will win if he loses by four points or fewer.
Plenty of matches, particularly in the early rounds of a tournament, often see a high-profile player taking on a lesser opponent.
The favourite may well be hard to beat but an underdog with a never-say-die attitude can prove tough to put away, while certain players can shy away from a tense battle.
Conversely, some of the best players are exactly that because they refuse to take their foot off the gas.
Do the maths when considering a handicap bet. The difference between giving away 3.5 points or 4.5 points could easily be the difference between backing a winner or a loser.
Total Points
Like a handicap bet, a bet on the total points in a match can offer an interest in even the most one-sided of mismatches.
A top player can make short work of a lesser player, but that’s not always the case, while it’s reasonable to expect those who are evenly-matched to play a long match, although the odds will reflect that.
