Are you a new punter who is completely confused by all the betting jargon that seasoned bettors keep throwing around? If so, then you must have definitely wondered, “What is a 4 folds bet?”, and why do people keep talking about it. 

Long story short, a 4 folds bet, also called a four-leg accumulator, combines four separate bets into one. This type of bet isbslightly risky because you must win all four bets to get a payout. However, the potential payout is high because the odds from each individual bet are multiplied together.

That’s mostly why it’s a favourite among bettors, apart from how simple it is to put together. Besides, the high risk factor also adds to the thrill of the game, but there’s a lot more to it. Read our simple guide, and at the end, you will definitely be able to answer what 4 fold means in betting.

What Is a 4 Folds Bet?

To put it simply, a 4 folds bet is a type of accumulator bet that combines four separate selections into a single wager. However, the catch is that to win a 4 fold bet, you must correctly predict the outcome of all four events. If even one of your selections loses, the entire bet is lost.

Accumulator bets are a great way to get a bigger payout on shorter odds, especially when you are betting on favourites. Since the odds of each successful pick are multiplied together, you can win a lot more than if you placed separate bets.

While betting on favourites can increase your chances of winning, remember that no bet is a sure thing. It’s always better to do your research and bet wisely. 

How Does a 4 Folds Bet Work?

Now that you know what exactly a 4 fold bet is, let’s understand how it works using an easy example. Let’s assume that you place a £10 stake on a 4-fold accumulator with the following four football selections:

• Liverpool winning odds: 5/1
• Arsenal winning odds: 4/1
• Chelsea winning odds: 3/1
• Man City winning odds: 2/1

Step 1: You need to calculate the total odds.

First, convert each fraction into its “profit” part. The fractional odds tell you the profit you would make for every £1 you stake. For example, 4/1 means you would get £4 profit for every £1 staked.

Here’s how you calculate the total profit for the entire bet:

• A £10 stake on Arsenal at 4/1 gives you a profit of £10×4=£40. You now have a total of £50 (£40 profit + £10 stake).
• The total of £50 is now staked on Man City at 2/1. Your profit is £50×2=£100. You now have a total of £150 (£100 profit + £50 stake).
• The total of £150 is now staked on Chelsea at 3/1. Your profit is £150×3=£450. You now have a total of £600 (£450 profit + £150 stake).
• The total of £600 is now staked on Liverpool at 5/1. Your profit is £600×5=£3,000. Your final total return is £3,600 (£3,000 profit + £600 stake).

Step 2: You need to calculate the total payout and then the total profit.

As you saw in the step above, your total payout is £3,600. 

To calculate your total profit, you can use this formula:

Total payout – original stake = total profit

£3,600 – £10 = £3,590

4 Folds Bet vs Other Accumulators

From 2 folds to 9 folds, there are a lot of varieties when it comes to accumulator betting. Let’s look at this table that highlights their differences from a 4 folds bet.

A 4 folds bet is often a better choice than a 5+ fold because it offers a higher probability of winning while still providing a good payout. It’s often seen as a “sweet spot” that balances risk and reward. Additionally, many bookmakers offer “Acca Insurance” for 4 folds bets, providing a safety net if one selection loses. Besides, it is also more realistic to research four teams thoroughly than a larger number.

Example Scenario

Let’s look at another scenario so that you can completely grasp the concept of 4 folds bet. 

Total profit = £259.87 – £10 = £249.87

So, if all four teams win their respective matches, your bet is successful. You would receive a total of £259.87, and that’s almost £260, right? However, even if one of the teams fails to win their match (i.e., they draw or lose), the entire 4 folds bet is lost, and you also lose your original £10 stake.

FAQ

How Do You Calculate a 4 Folds Bet Payout?

To calculate a 4 folds bet payout, you multiply your stake by the odds of each selection and add them up.

Can One Losing Selection Still Give a Return in a 4 Folds Bet?

No, if you lose even one selection, you lose the bet, as it requires all four selections to win for you to get a payout.

Is a 4 Folds Bet Risky?

Yes, a 4 folds bet is slightly risky as you must win all four bets to get a payout. 

Can I Include Different Sports in a 4 Folds Bet?

Yes, you can include different sports in a 4 folds bet, as long as the outcomes of the events are unrelated.

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