What Is An Each Way Double?
If you have spent any time around horse racing or betting circles, you have probably heard the term “each way double” thrown around. At first glance, it sounds like some sort of betting puzzle designed to confuse newcomers. The good news is that you do not need a maths degree or a secret bookmaker’s handbook to figure this out.
An each way double is simply a way to combine two each way bets into one. It gives you multiple chances to win or place while increasing the potential payout. It is especially popular among horse racing fans who want to back more than one runner but also want the safety net of a place payout.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know. You will learn how each way doubles work, how payouts are calculated, when they make sense, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up many bettors. By the end, you will be able to confidently decide whether this betting strategy belongs in your playbook.
What Does “Each Way Double” Mean?
Definition of an each way bet
An each way bet is actually two bets of equal stake on the same runner. One half is a win bet, the other half is a place bet. The place bet pays out if the selection finishes in one of the specified positions, usually at a reduced fraction of the win odds.
How it differs from a single each way bet
A single each way bet involves only one selection. By contrast, an each way double combines two selections. It is essentially two doubles placed at the same time: a win double and a place double. Both selections must at least place for you to see a return from the place double, and both must win for the win double to pay out.
How Does an Each Way Double Work?
Step by step mechanics
To place an each way double, you select two runners and tick the each way option. Your total stake is then divided equally between the win double and the place double. The win odds apply to the win bet, while the place odds are calculated at a fraction of the win odds, usually one quarter or one fifth. If either selection fails to place, the multiple fails and the bet loses.
Example outcomes, win, lose, place
If both selections win, you win on both the win double and the place double. If one selection wins and the other only places, the win double loses but the place double pays out. If both selections only place, the win double loses and the place double pays. However, if one selection does not place, the entire bet is lost.
Payout scenarios explained
The return you receive depends on whether your selections won or placed. If both win, the payout can be large, since you collect on both halves of the bet. If both only place, your return is modest but you still avoid a complete loss. If only one selection places, you salvage part of your stake. If either fails to place, the bet is settled as a total loss.
How to Calculate Winnings on an Each Way Double
Manual calculation walkthrough
Imagine you place a £10 each way double, which means £5 goes on the win double and £5 on the place double. Suppose the first runner is 8/1 and the second is 12/1, with place terms of one fifth the odds.
If both win, your £5 win double pays at the full odds. That means £5 × (8+1) × (12+1) = £585. The place double also pays, calculated at the reduced odds of 8/5 and 12/5. Converted to decimals, that becomes 2.6 and 3.4. £5 × 2.6 × 3.4 = £44.20. Your total return is £629.20, a profit of £619.20 after subtracting your £10 stake.
If only one wins and the other places, your win double loses but your place double still returns £44.20. If both place only, the return is still £44.20. If either runner fails to place, the entire bet is lost.
Odds, stake, and place terms explained
The fraction used to calculate place odds makes a significant difference to your returns. A quarter the odds produces better payouts than one fifth, particularly at long prices. Place terms depend on the number of runners and the type of race. Big handicap races sometimes offer extra places, which can improve your chances of a return, but the bookie may adjust the fraction accordingly.
Each Way Double Calculator
While it is possible to calculate these bets manually, most bettors use an online calculator. These tools handle place fractions, non runners, and even dead heats automatically, making them invaluable when planning your bets.
Each Way Double vs Other Betting Types
Each Way Double vs Single Each Way Bet
A single each way bet requires only one selection and is easier to win. An each way double links two selections and creates the potential for much larger returns. However, it also increases the risk, since both selections must at least place.
Each Way Double vs Straight Double
A straight double only pays if both selections win. By contrast, an each way double offers more flexibility, since it can still return money if the selections only place. This makes it more attractive in competitive fields where the chance of placing is higher than outright victory.
Each Way Betting vs Win Betting
A straight win bet gives the highest payout if your selection wins, but there is no return if the runner finishes second or third. An each way bet sacrifices some payout potential in exchange for a safety net when your runner hits the frame but does not win.
Tips and Strategies for Each Way Doubles
When to use each way doubles
Each way doubles are most useful in big field races where many runners are priced at attractive odds. They also work well in sports like golf, where bookmakers sometimes pay out to extended places, such as the top ten. In these situations, even if your selections do not win, you still have a decent chance of collecting from the place portion of the bet.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is ignoring the place terms. A fifth the odds compared to a quarter the odds can make a big difference to your return, especially with longer priced selections. Another mistake is over staking because of the false sense of security the place bet provides. It is still a multiple and can lose completely if one selection fails. Dead heats can also reduce returns, and many bettors underestimate their impact.
Bankroll management strategies
Each way doubles carry higher variance than singles. Staking small, consistent units is essential. Set clear limits on the portion of your bankroll devoted to multiples and avoid chasing losses. Keeping records of your bets, including place terms and outcomes, helps track performance and keeps you disciplined.
Each Way Doubles in Different Sports
Horse Racing
Horse racing is the traditional home of the each way double. Place terms depend on the size of the field and the race type. For example, small races may only pay for the first two finishers, while large handicaps may pay down to fourth or fifth place.
Greyhound Racing
Greyhound races often feature smaller fields, which reduces the number of places paid. This limits the value of an each way double compared with horse racing, but it can still be used strategically if the odds are appealing.
Other Sports
In golf, each way betting is popular because bookmakers often offer extended places. It is common to see payouts for finishing in the top five, top eight, or even top ten. This makes each way doubles in golf attractive, since players can return profit without winning outright.
Frequently Asked Questions about Each Way Doubles
Can I place an each way double on any sport?
Yes, as long as each way markets are available for the sport and event. They are most common in horse racing and golf, but some bookmakers offer them in other sports too.
What happens if one selection loses?
If one of your selections fails to at least place, both the win double and the place double are lost.
Do bookmakers offer the same each way terms?
No. Place fractions and the number of places vary from bookmaker to bookmaker and also depend on the event.
What if my selection withdraws?
If a selection is declared a non runner, that leg of your double is usually void. The bet then continues as a single on the other leg, but settlement rules vary.
Can I use free bet bonuses on each way doubles?
Yes, many bookmakers allow this, but the stake from the free bet is not usually returned with your winnings. Always read the terms and conditions.
How do dead heats affect each way doubles?
If your selection finishes in a dead heat, your stake on that part of the bet is divided by the number of tied participants. The reduced stake is then settled at the full odds, which lowers your overall return.
Can I hedge an each way double?
Yes. Many bettors cover their position by laying off the second leg on a betting exchange or placing a smaller single bet to lock in some profit.
How are multiple each way bets calculated?
Each selection is treated as two bets, a win and a place. These are then multiplied through for each leg, producing a win path and a place path.
Final Thoughts: Should You Bet Each Way Doubles?
Pros and cons summary
Each way doubles provide more opportunities for a payout than straight doubles, but they still carry the risk of total loss if one selection fails to place. They are particularly effective when used in large competitive fields or when generous place terms are offered. The downside is that returns can be trimmed by fractions, Rule 4 deductions, or dead heats.
When each way doubles make sense
They make sense when you are confident that your selections have strong chances of at least placing, especially at medium to high odds. They are less effective in small fields or with short priced favorites, where the place portion adds little value.
Closing advice
An each way double is not a golden ticket, but it is a versatile bet that can be rewarding when used wisely. Shop around for the best place terms, stake sensibly, and remember that it is still a multiple bet with higher variance than singles.