What Is a System Bet and How Is It Calculated?
A system bet places every combination of a given size from your selections as separate bets. Unlike an accumulator, you can still get a return if one or more selections lose.
How to Read a System Bet
A "3/4 system" means every 3-fold combination of 4 selections. There are 4 such combinations, so 4 separate trebles are placed.
- 2/3 system: 3 selections, 3 doubles
- 3/4 system: 4 selections, 4 trebles
- 2/4 system: 4 selections, 6 doubles
- 3/5 system: 5 selections, 10 trebles
Total Stake
The stake you enter usually applies per combination. With 10 per combination on a 3/4 system, your total stake is 4 × 10 = 40. Always check the total before confirming.
Calculating Returns: a 2/3 Example
Selections: A (1.80), B (2.00), C (1.50). 10 per combination, 30 in total.
- A+B = 1.80 × 2.00 = 3.60 → 36
- A+C = 1.80 × 1.50 = 2.70 → 27
- B+C = 2.00 × 1.50 = 3.00 → 30
All three win: 36 + 27 + 30 = 93. Only A and B win: only A+B pays, you get 36 (net +6 on a 30 stake). Only A and C win: you get 27, which is 3 less than you staked.
System or Accumulator?
- Accumulator: One bet, high odds; a single losing selection loses the whole bet.
- System: Several bets and a higher total stake; some selections can lose and you still get a return, though it may be less than you staked.
A system bet spreads risk; it doesn't remove it. For the basics, read How to Read Betting Odds.