When betting on darts, there are options galore and like many sports, the over/under betting markets can provide you with loads of ways to win. Whether it’s legs, sets, 180s, or checkouts, you’re spoiled for choice.
Over/Under Betting Explained
What is Over/Under Betting in Darts?
A popular market in darts and most sports, the overs and unders are simply a bet where you choose to go higher or lower than the virtual line set by the bookmaker.
Popular over/under markets in darts include:
- Total legs/sets: relating to the length of a match
- Total 180s: the amount of maximums to be scored in a match or by either player
- Highest checkout: Will the match see a checkout higher than a particular target
Over/under darts betting is hugely popular because it covers so many markets, it’s a simple yes or no, and research and analysis can help you beat the bookies!
Over/Under Darts Betting Examples
Over/Under Total Legs: In this example, let’s imagine the bookmaker sets the line for a best-of-11 match at 8.5. If you bet on overs and the game finishes 6-3, 6-4 or 6-5, you’d win your bet. For your bet to lose, the match would have to finish 6-0, 6-1 or 6-2.
Over/Under Total 180s: Deep into a PDC World Championship clash between two heavy scorers, the line might be set at 14.5 180s. You might think this line is too high, so you bet on unders. If players combine for 15 or more, you lose. But 14 or under and you’re a winner!
Over/Under Player 180s: Unlike the above, this bet relates to one single player. Imagine Luke Littler has a line set at 7.5 180s in a match. If you know he consistently hits more, take the overs. Eight or more gets you a win.
Over/Under Highest Checkout: The bookie sets the line at 120.5. Are you watching two clinical finishers, or expecting a nervy affair? A big finish of 121 or more will win you your bet. Anything lower is a loss.
NB. Odds for over/under markets will usually be just under evens, meaning any winning bets will almost double your original stake.
When to Use Over/Under Bets
Tight contests
If two evenly matched players are known for going toe-to-toe, betting on over the total legs or sets makes a lot of sense.
Heavy scorers and crowd-pleasers
If two power scorers meet, or a player is involved who loves to get the fans excited by taking on every 170 checkout, the over on total 180s or highest checkout is worth a look.
Mismatches
A top seed versus a qualifier could lead to unders hitting on a number of markets. A 6-0 whitewash would be under the line set by bookmakers, in turn giving the player less time to register 180s, and give them the freedom not to risk high checkouts.
Long-format tournaments
Major events like the PDC Worldsnor World Matchplay are tailor-made for over/under betting. Long formats generate more opportunities for maximums and ton-plus checkouts, making the “over” markets more appealing.
Over/Under Betting Darts FAQs
Q. What is over/under betting in darts?
Over/under betting covers multiple markets where you bet on whether a measurable statistic (like total legs, total 180s darts, or highest checkout) will simply go over or under a virtual line set by a bookmaker, based on historical data. No winner, just numbers.
Q. Which over/under darts markets are most popular?
The total 180s market is a common choice – it’s something to get excited about as a fan and a bettor! Total legs and high checkout lines are also common markets.
Q. How do match formats impact over/under darts betting?
The line set by the bookmakers will naturally rise in longer format matches, in line with match length. But the longer matches can be better for over/under betting due to the possibility of player momentum or the twists and turns that darts so often produces.
Q. I bet on over/under for individual players?
Yes. Many bookies offer player-specific over/under darts markets when it comes to total 180s and highest checkouts. This is perfect to get behind the big guns and the power scorers.
Q. Is over/under betting easier than picking match winners?
There are pros and cons to both, as is the way with all darts betting and sports betting. The markets are great if you’ve done your research, or simply due to the fact that it’s effectively a yes or no. But the odds and lines reflect it’s almost a 50/50 bet.
Q. Is the Under side of the bet undervalued?
Good question, and probably a yes. It’s natural for bettors to pick the overs, and bookies may inflate the line as a result. Recognising matches that don’t involve high-scoring or clinical players, short-format games etc can make betting on the unders the smartest play of all.
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