Single Stakes About

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Total Stake

Total Return

Total Profit

What is a Single Stakes About Bet?

Among the more intricate types of sports wagers available to punters in the UK is the Single Stakes About bet, often simply referred to as a SSA bet. This is a form of conditional or if-cash betting, which adds a strategic element to traditional doubles or singles. While less common than standard betting types like singles, doubles, and accumulators, Single Stakes About bets are particularly popular among more experienced punters who want to maximise returns while managing risk across two selections.

Here we look at what a Single Stakes About bet is, how it works, and the scenarios in which it might be a smart betting choice.

Understanding the Basics

A Single Stakes About (SSA) bet is essentially a pair of single bets involving two selections. It includes:

A single bet on selection A.
A conditional single on selection B that is only placed if selection A wins, using the original stake of selection A (not the winnings).

And vice versa:

A single bet on selection B.
A conditional single on selection A that is only placed if selection B wins, again using the original stake amount.

So, it’s two single bets, each “about” the other, hence the name. The bet includes a total of four parts, but only requires two stake units — one for each selection.

How a Single Stakes About Bet Works

Let’s use a simple example to break it down:

You back Selection A (say, Manchester United to win) at 2/1
You also back Selection B (say, Liverpool to win) at 3/1
You place a £10 Single Stakes About bet

This means you place:

£10 on Manchester United to win
If they do, a second £10 stake is then placed on Liverpool to win
Separately, you place £10 on Liverpool to win
If they do, a second £10 stake is placed on Manchester United to win

So your total stake is £20 (2 x £10).

Here’s how the outcomes could play out:

Scenario 1: Both win

Man United wins at 2/1 = £30 return (£20 profit + £10 stake)
→ Then £10 is staked on Liverpool at 3/1 = £40 return
Liverpool wins at 3/1 = £40 return
→ Then £10 is staked on Man United = £30 return
Total returns: £30 + £40 + £30 = £100

Scenario 2: Only Man United wins

£10 on Man United = £30 return
→ £10 then staked on Liverpool, who lose = no return
£10 on Liverpool = lost
Total returns: £30

Scenario 3: Only Liverpool wins

£10 on Liverpool = £40 return
→ £10 then staked on Man United, who lose = no return
£10 on Man United = lost
Total returns: £40

Scenario 4: Both lose

Both £10 singles lose
Total returns: £0

Key Features of a Single Stakes About Bet

Total stake is two units (e.g., £10 on each selection = £20 total stake)
The conditional bet only uses the original stake — not the winnings
There is a strong element of strategic planning involved
Best suited for two selections in different events

Advantages of a Single Stakes About Bet

1. Strategic Risk Management:
If only one of your selections wins, you may still walk away with some return, depending on the order in which they’re settled.

2. Enhanced Profit Potential:
If both selections win, your returns are significantly higher than placing two independent singles.

3. Better than Doubles in Some Scenarios:
In a traditional double, if the first selection loses, you’re out. In an SSA bet, both singles are placed independently, offering partial cover.

Disadvantages of a Single Stakes About Bet

1. Can Be Confusing:
For beginners, the logic of conditional betting can be difficult to grasp at first.

2. Reliance on Sequential Wins:
While both selections are backed individually, to get the full benefit, both need to win, and the bet must be settled in the right order.

3. Limited Use:
Not all bookmakers support SSA bets online, and they are most often found in traditional betting shops or with telephone betting.

When to Use a Single Stakes About Bet

An SSA bet is ideal when you have two strong fancies and want to cover them both while still retaining a chance of a larger payout if both win. It’s especially useful when betting on events that are spaced out across a day, such as horse races, where you know the result of one before the next starts. This sequencing allows you to structure your SSA bet more effectively.

It’s also a valuable option if you want to manage your stake carefully without committing to a full double, particularly when odds are attractive.

Summary

A Single Stakes About bet is a smart and tactical bet type that gives you the flexibility of singles, combined with the possibility of double-like returns. It’s a more advanced form of betting and not often used by casual punters, but for those who understand the mechanics, it can be an effective way to maximise returns while spreading risk.

As always, understanding the terms and structure before placing the bet is crucial. When used wisely, an SSA can be an excellent addition to your betting strategy — just be sure to keep your stakes responsible and your expectations realistic.