When it comes to football betting, one of the simplest and most widespread formats is the European style odds, often called 1X2 (or “kèo châu Âu” in Vietnamese). Unlike Asian handicap or Over/Under bets, European odds focus purely on the match result: a win, draw, or loss. If you are new to sports soccer prediction games betting, mastering this format is a good and relatively straightforward start. In this article, we’ll define the format, explain how to interpret the odds, present examples, and share some practical tips to make more informed decisions.

What Is European Odds / 1X2?

The European odds (1X2) format gives three possible outcomes for a match:

• 1 means a bet on the home team to win

• X means a bet on the match ending in a draw

• 2 means a bet on the away team to win

In other words, you choose whether the home side wins, whether it ends in a draw, or whether the away side wins. The odds displayed for each of those three are the multiplier by which your stake is paid (if your prediction is correct)

Because there are three top soccer prediction sites possible outcomes, the probability of success (if all outcomes were equally likely) would be 33.33%. Of course, odds reflect not just equal probabilities but also bookmakers’ adjustments, team strength, and market demand

How to Read the Odds Table

In a typical odds board or betting interface, you will see:

Often the home team is which is the most accurate football prediction app listed on the left or at the top, and the away team on the right or bottom. The “X” column lies between them

If you see something like:

• 1 = 2.30

• X = 3.20

• 2 = 2.90

That means:

• A bet on the home team wins 2.30 × stake if the home team wins

• A bet on a draw pays 3.20 × stake if the result is a draw

• A bet on the away team pays 2.90 × stake if the away side wins

If your bet is incorrect, you lose your stake. If it’s correct, you get back your stake plus the profit based on the multiplier.

Examples of 1X2 Bets

Example 1: Straightforward outcome

Match: Team A (home) vs Team B (away)
Odds: 1 = 2.50, X = 3.10, 2 = 2.80

• If you bet $100 on “1” (home win) and Team A wins → you receive $100 × 2.50 = $250 (i.e. $150 Profit)

• If you bet $100 on “X” (draw) and the result is 1–1 → you receive $100 × 3.10 = $310

• If you bet $100 on “2” and Team B wins → you receive $100 × 2.80 = $280

If the event does not match your pick (e.g. You bet “1” but Team B wins), you lose your $100 stake.

Example 2: Underdog surprise

Suppose for another match, odds are:

• 1 = 1.80

• X = 3.50

• 2 = 4.20

Here, the home team is favored (lower odds). A bet on “2” (away win) offers a higher return, reflecting the lower predicted probability.

Pros & Cons of European Odds (1X2)

Pros:

• Very easy to understand: just pick win / draw / loss

• No handicap or goal lines to worry about

• Clear payouts: either full win or full loss

Cons:

• Because there are three possible outcomes, odds are typically lower for the favorites than in some handicap markets

• Less flexibility — you cannot get a “half win” or “push” outcome as with Asian handicaps

• A draw outcome often dilutes return chances

Tips for Betting with European Odds

1. Compare implied probabilities
   Convert odds into implied percentages to see which outcome the bookmaker expects. For example, an odd of 2.50 implies ~40% chance (100 ÷ 2.50). By summing the implied probabilities of all three outcomes, you can also perceive the bookmaker’s margin or overround.

2. Spot value in draws
   Many casual bettors ignore or undervalue the draw option (X). But in tightly matched games, a draw is realistic. If the draw odds are generous relative to past patterns, it can present value.

3. Follow odds shifts and market sentiment
   If early odds for “home win” were 2.20 but drift to 2.50, that suggests money is moving away from the home side, possibly indicating new information (injuries, lineups, etc.). Such shifts can help you choose where value is.

4. Check team form and historical data
   Look at recent matches, home/away records, and head-to-head history. A team that draws often may make the “X” option more appealing.

5. Manage bankroll carefully
   Since one bet either wins fully or loses fully, risk management is crucial. Don’t overcommit your stake on a single match just because the odds are tempting.

In Summary

Reading European odds (1X2) in football is straightforward: you bet on the home team (1), a draw (X), or the away team (2). The listed odds are multipliers for your stake if your prediction is correct. While the format is simpler and easier to grasp than handicaps or totals, success still depends on sound analysis, understanding team dynamics, identifying value, and smart money management.