If you’re new to sports betting, you might have come across a number of terms that feel unfamiliar. One of those may be the combination forecast bet. At first glance, it can seem complicated, especially if you’re not used to how betting works.
This blog will explain exactly what a combination forecast bet is, how it works, and how to calculate the cost of placing one. Everything is broken down clearly and simply, with real examples to make it easier to understand. Whether you’re just starting out, or exploring different types of bets, you may find this a helpful guide to one of the more flexible betting options available with many UK bookmakers.
Please remember that betting always involves an element of chance. There is no guaranteed outcome, and it’s important to only bet what you can afford to lose. This blog does not promote gambling as a way to make money, but aims to provide factual and transparent information.
What Does Combination Forecast Mean In Betting?
A combination forecast is a type of bet where you select two or more participants (usually in a horse race or greyhound race) that you think will finish first and second, but the order they finish in does not matter. This is different from a straight forecast, which requires you to try and predict the exact order of the top two finishers.
In a combination forecast, you’re backing several possible outcomes based on your chosen selections. This means that each possible finishing order is treated as a separate bet.
For example, let’s say you choose three horses – let’s call them River Light, Storm Path, and Amber Trail. You’re confident that any two of these could finish in the top two spots. With a combination forecast, you’re covering every possible way any two of those horses could finish first and second, in either order.
This gives you more coverage, but it also means you’re placing multiple bets instead of just one. The more runners you choose, the more combinations there are, and the higher the total cost of your bet.
This type of bet is often found in UK race betting. Bookmakers may offer it slightly differently, depending on where you place your bet, so checking their terms can help you understand how your bet will be settled.
How To Work Out a Combination Forecast
Working out a combination forecast is mostly about calculating how many individual bets you’re placing.
The number of combinations is based on how many selections you choose. If you’re picking three runners, there are six different ways two of them can finish in the top two places. Each of those is treated as a separate forecast bet.
Here’s how to figure it out:
- Choose your selections – These can be horses, greyhounds or other participants you think will finish first and second.
- Work out the number of combinations – The formula for this is n × (n – 1), where n is the number of selections. So if you choose 3 participants:
- 3 × (3 – 1) = 6 combinations
- 3 × (3 – 1) = 6 combinations
- Set your stake per combination – If you want to stake £1 per combination, then 6 combinations would cost you £6 in total.
- Review your bet – The total stake increases with more selections, so it’s worth checking this carefully before confirming your bet.
Since each combination is a separate bet, only one needs to be successful for a return. However, as with all betting, outcomes are uncertain and there’s no way to predict how a race will finish.
Combination Forecast Example
To make things clearer, here’s an example based on a greyhound race involving six runners. You’ve done some research and feel that Bolt, Shadow, and Jet are most likely to finish in the top two. You’re not sure of the exact order, but you believe any two of the three could place first and second.
Here are the possible combinations for those three dogs:
- Bolt first, Shadow second
- Shadow first, Bolt second
- Bolt first, Jet second
- Jet first, Bolt second
- Shadow first, Jet second
- Jet first, Shadow second
Each of these six is a separate forecast bet. If you decide to place £2 per combination, your total stake would be £12.
If, for example, Jet comes first and Bolt comes second, the bet covering that outcome would win. The return would depend on the odds or dividends offered by the bookmaker at the time.
Some use forecast odds, while others may settle combination forecasts based on total potential returns (also known as the Computer Straight Forecast or CSF system). These methods may vary, so it may be worth reviewing the terms on the bookmaker’s website or app before placing any bets.
Keep in mind that even well-researched selections can be affected by many factors, such as weather, form, or last-minute changes. There is no method that can ensure a return. That’s why it’s recommended to keep track of your betting activity, understand how much you’re staking, and only bet for enjoyment — not with the aim of making money. Please gamble responsibly.
