What is a Fourfold Bet and How Does it Differ from a Single Bet?

A Fourfold Bet involves four selections in different events. In order for the bet to be a success, all four legs have to win. The bet rolls from one selection to the next, ensuring it is commonly referred to as a fourfold accumulator or fourfold acca.

This bet type is rewarding when successful, more so than backing the four individual legs separately, but comes with the risk of knowing the bet loses if one leg lets you down.

How Does the Compounding of Odds Work in a Fourfold?

As with any accumulator, the odds in a fourfold bet are compounded by multiplication. The winnings on each individual selection roll up, ensuring the original stake and the winnings from each leg goes onto the next selection in the bet and therefore the potential returns grow quickly.

Let's use a simple example:

In this example, if you place £10 on this fourfold bet, the following occurs if each leg wins:

Leg 1 wins @ 2/1, returning £30. This goes on Leg 2, at 3/1, returning £120 (£30 stake + £90 winnings). This goes on Leg 3 @ 4/1 and returns £600 (£120 stake + £480 winnings). Finally, this goes on Leg 4 @ 5/1 and returns £3,600 (£600 stake + £3,000 winnings).

The winnings multiply fast but, if the leg 4 loses, the £600 stake that was built on the first three successful legs is all lost.

How Does a Fourfold Compare to Treble and Five-Fold Bets?

The fourfold has four selections, one more than a treble and one less than a five-fold. With each added selection, both the risk and potential reward increase.

If you were to consider a £10 bet on a treble, fourfold or fivefold bet, with all selections in each bet priced at evens, it's safe to suggest that each additional leg in the bet has the potential to double your winnings, but also halves your chance of success.

What is the Best Strategy for Placing a Fourfold Bet?

The fourfold bet is a common one for punters seeking a big return on a relatively small stake as the odds grow quickly. As with any bet, doing your research is key. Try to identify four solid selections that you believe can win. Keep the odds realistic, as a single losing leg takes out the entire bet. The fourfold is popular in football betting, combining multiple teams to win, or both teams to score etc, on a busy programme of games.

Are There Any Insurance Options for Fourfold Bets?

Many leading bookmakers will offer accumulator insurance on bets like a fourfold, where the stake is returned as a free bet if only one leg of the fourfold loses. This is a good option and gives you some form of safety net if you hit the crossbar.

How Do I Place a Fourfold Bet?

Placing a fourfold bet is very straightforward. Select four desired outcomes, go to the bet slip, select the 'Four-Fold Accumulator' or 'accumulator' option, enter the unit stake you want to place and check your potential returns to show the combined odds. Then place your bet.