Three-Way Total: What Is It in Betting?

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There are many notations used in sports betting. In this article, we will clearly define what a three-way total is and how it is different from other totals.

What Is Three-Way Total in Betting?

A three-way total or three-outcome or 3way total is a type of standard total that has three outcomes: over, under, or equal to. It is always expressed as an integer. There is no push (settlement at odds of 1.00); the bet loses or wins. This type of bet is used most often with the aggregate number of goals for a match and is typically offered by most betting sites. On rare occasions, it can be applied to the number of corners, shots, offsides, yellow and red cards, or other in-match events. Bookmakers typically offer three-way totals for football, and comparatively less often for hockey, basketball, or tennis.

This is less preferred by bookmakers because it is harder to predict, but generally offers better odds.

Examples

Let us view how a three-way total works in practice. Let us suppose that you have researched a football game and come to the conclusion that there will be precisely 3 goals scored. You choose the option "Exactly 3."

You win on a score of 3:0 or 2:1 for either side.
You lose on any other result.

If you believe fewer than 3 goals will be scored, you choose "Under 3".

You win on a score of 2:0, 1:1, 1:0, or 0:0.
You lose in all other situations.

If you bet on "Over 3":

You win on 4 or more goals being scored in total.
You lose on any other occasion.

A total of three outcomes may be general (goals scored by both teams) or individual (one team's goals). Prediction of the result in the second instance will typically be a bit more straightforward.

Winnings Calculation

Assume we look at the following odds line for the total number of goals in a soccer game. A bettor believes that more than 3 goals will be scored and wagers $100 on "Over 3."

In case of the score 4:0, 3:1, or 2:2, the bet is a winner, and the winnings are $100 × 2.82 = $282.
Otherwise, the bet loses, and the player loses the bet.

Tips for Players

Professional players advise that this type of total should not be utilized often because it is difficult to come up with a good strategy. However, some advice may prove useful:

Look at whether the teams play more defensively or attack-based.
Look at the tactics that are available to both teams, depending on the strength of the opposition.
Look at the recent form of the teams in terms of goals scored and conceded.
Look at the head-to-head record.
Look at the availability of players, especially the key players.
Look at the weather: temperature, snow, or rain. The tougher the conditions, the less likely there will be goals.".
Avoid placing under bets on two high-scoring teams playing, and avoid over bets when playing between defensive teams.
Individual totals can also be tried first by starters because they are easier to predict. Otherwise, try simpler bookmaker standard markets.
Use the 3way market only if it is offering better value than standard over/under totals; otherwise, risk increases.

What About Strategies?

There is no formula for a guaranteed win in this market. However, the most successful methods are putting "Over" bets on attacking, high-scoring teams, and "Under" on low-scoring teams. Any personal approach will need to be proven in the long term, ideally using a trial account first.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Three-Way Totals

Advantages:

Greater odds compared to traditional totals.
Other types of bet available (e.g., goals, corners, cards), though not necessarily available from all bookmakers.
A larger field of play for experienced bettors who have game information.
Always round numbers, thus easier to calculate.

Drawbacks:

Not offered by all bookmakers.
Principally limited to football.
No push option, removing insurance potential.
Increased chance of loss than normal totals.
Maximum cap is set on odds.
Difficult to execute a simple strategy.
Complicated for inexperienced bettors with poor or average sports knowledge.

Summary

Three-way total has not found favor among bookmakers and players due to the lack of sustainable long-term profits. It is used occasionally by experienced gamblers only. For these players, this bet might prove to be a valuable tool and a good source of earnings.

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