Understanding 4 Fold Bets: What Does Fourfold Mean?
Multiple bets may seem confusing initially, especially when terms like fourfold or 4 fold are mentioned without much explanation.
This blog post outlines what a 4 fold bet is, how it functions, which sports it is suitable for, how returns are calculated, and what occurs if one selection does not succeed. There is also an impartial consideration of whether fourfolds fit different betting preferences.
If you want a clearer understanding of multiple bets before placing one, read on for the necessary information.
What Is a 4 Fold Bet in Simple Terms?
A 4 fold bet is an accumulator consisting of four selections from separate events, combined into a single wager.
All four selections must be successful for the bet to produce a payout. If any one selection fails, the entire bet results in no payout.
Because the odds are multiplied together, possible returns may exceed those of placing four individual bets. The trade-off is that every selection must be correct. With the basics explained, here is how it operates in practice.
How Does a 4 Fold Bet Work?
A fourfold combines four separate selections on one betting slip with a single stake applied across them. Settlement is straightforward: if all four selections succeed, the accumulator pays out; if any one fails, it does not.
Returns are calculated by multiplying the odds of the first selection by the second, then the third, then the fourth, and finally multiplying that total by the stake. Standard fourfolds do not offer partial returns for three winning selections out of four.
Bookmakers may present odds in decimal or fractional formats, but the calculation method is the same. If you choose to place this type of bet, you might encounter websites that display potential returns as you build the bet, helping you see the effect of each selection before confirming the wager.
Which Sports Can You Use a Fourfold Bet On?
Fourfolds can be placed across many sports featuring separate events or fixtures. Common examples include:
- Football, where selections may be match results from four different fixtures or a mix of markets such as both teams to score and over/under goals, provided each selection is from a distinct match.
- Horse racing, combining winners from four separate races.
- Tennis and rugby, choosing match winners or set/handicap markets across different matches.
- Golf, where selections might involve tournament outcomes or finishing positions across different events.
Related selections from the same event are usually not permitted in a standard accumulator, as one outcome may affect another. When a bet builder is available, it is a different product designed to accommodate related selections within a single match.
Once you know where a fourfold fits, the next step is understanding how potential returns are calculated.
How Are 4 Fold Bet Winnings Calculated?
Potential returns are calculated by multiplying all four odds together, then multiplying that figure by the stake. With decimal odds, the final number includes the stake. With fractional odds, the result indicates profit, to which the stake is then added.
A quick example using decimal odds:
Suppose the four selections are priced at 1.80, 2.10, 1.50, and 3.00, with a £10 stake.
Multiply the odds: 1.80 × 2.10 × 1.50 × 3.00 = 17.01.
Multiply by the stake: 17.01 × £10 = £170.10 total return (including the £10 stake).
If all four selections succeed, the accumulator returns the full amount. If any selection does not, the bet does not pay out. Many betting sites provide on-screen calculators, but understanding the maths allows you to see how each price affects the total.
But what happens if one selection does not succeed or an event changes? That can influence how the bet settles.
What Happens If One Selection in a 4 Fold Bet Loses?
In a standard fourfold, one unsuccessful selection means the entire bet results in no payout. The three winning parts do not produce a partial payout.
There are some exceptions worth noting:
- If a selection is void or declared a non-runner, that leg is generally removed and the bet settles as a treble on the remaining three selections at their original odds.
- If a market results in a push (for example, a handicap line landing exactly on the number), that leg is usually voided and treated in the same way.
- Dead-heat rules may reduce the effective return on that leg rather than voiding it, depending on the market.
- Some bookmakers offer cash out options, allowing early settlement while events are ongoing; however, availability and value depend on live odds and site rules.
Are 4 Fold Bets Worth It?
Whether a fourfold bet suits you depends on how you like to place your wagers. If you decide to go for one, you would be combining four different selections into a single bet, with the condition that all four need to win for you to receive a payout. For some bettors, the appeal is that the odds are multiplied together, which may lead to a higher potential return. However, if even one selection doesn’t win, the entire bet is lost.
Compared to singles, fourfold bets require more results to go your way. Compared with doubles or trebles, a fourfold involves one extra outcome, which means the chance of a return is smaller, but the potential payout is larger if it does succeed.
Some people choose to place singles on selections they prefer and accumulators like fourfolds on others. This way, they combine different types of bets depending on what feels appropriate for each selection.
Regardless of what you decide, it’s important to set a clear budget and keep to it. If betting stops being enjoyable, it may be helpful to take a break or seek advice.
When approached carefully and with a reasonable stake, a fourfold bet lets you combine four selections into one wager, with the potential outcomes depending on all four results.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.