Total Games Over 6.5 in Tennis Betting: Explained
Lina Almans
14 August 2024
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Total games over 6.5 bet is a common prediction that at least 7 games will be played in a particular set or a match.
This wager is based on the expectation where both players contribute to the scoreline, with the minimum outcome being 6:1 (or 6:3, 6:4, 7:6, etc.).

Real-World Application of Over 6.5 Games Bet
What are the conditions for winning or losing the bet? Here’s a simple explanation.
Wager | Scenario | Example (Set Score) | Outcome |
Over 6.5 | 7 or more games played | 6:1 (7 games total) | Win |
Over 6.5 | 6 or fewer games played | 6:0 (6 games total) | Lose |
Imagine you’re at the US Open, and it’s a first-round match on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows between a seasoned pro like Novak Djokovic and a young qualifier. You’ve placed a bet on the total games over 6.5 for the 1st set.
As the match progresses, Djokovic leads 5:1, and with the qualifier serving to stay in the set, your over 6.5 bet is one game away from winning. The young player manages to hold serve and push the score to 5:2. With this, your bet is successful, as at least 7 games have been played.
However, let’s consider the rare occurrence of a ‘golden set’. If Djokovic, known for his return game, breaks the qualifier’s serve throughout the set and achieves a 6:0 scoreline, the total number of games played is only 6, and your bet on over 6.5 games does not win. This outcome is highly unusual, which is why the odds for under 6.5 are typically higher, reflecting its rarity.
Note: This bet suits scenarios where a close contest is expected, with neither player giving away easy games.
Best Markets to Bet on with Total Points Over 6.5
- Player’s Game Count
The most common market for the over 6.5 games bet is on a player to win at least 7 games in the match, which is a common strategy when two players are closely matched.
- Specific Set Focus
You can also bet on the total number of games in an individual set. The probability of a set having at least 7 games is high, hence the lower odds offered.
For example, if you’re betting on a match with no clear favorite, such as a contest between Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori, you might predict a closely contested set, making the over 6.5 games bet a sensible choice.
Note: While other markets do exist, they are not as commonly available.
Tennis Betting Playbook: Expert Tips for Total Over 6.5 Points Bet
Tournament Structure Impact: In Bo3 ATP and WTA matches, the urgency to secure each game is heightened, often leading to fiercely contested games. This intensity typically results in at least 7 games per set, aligning with the over 6.5 games bet.
Player Playstyle Profiling: Players with an aggressive baseline approach tend to create a high number of unforced errors, which can extend the game count. Such matches are likely to exceed the 6-game mark.
Surface-Specific Tactics: On grass courts, where serve-and-volley tactics prevail, players may still reach 7 games in a set due to the competitive nature of the surface. For instance, even a proficient server like Milos Raonic might face resistance from a skilled returner, pushing the game count up.
Serve-Break Scenarios: In WTA matches, where breaks of serve are more common, sets often go beyond 6 games as players exchange breaks.
Non-Refundable: It’s important to note that bets for over 6.5 games are final once placed. It’s essential to strategize carefully when including this bet in accumulators.
Note: In tennis betting, retirements can cause an unexpected twist. If a player retires, say due to an ankle sprain, bookmakers may vary in their response. Some might offer a ‘walkover’ refund, setting odds at even (1.00). Others might default to a ‘retirement rule’, where the retiring player is deemed to have lost the remaining games by default. For example, if a player retires after securing a 6:1 set, the match could be settled as a 1:2 loss (6:1, 0:6, 0:6). Always review these rules before placing your bet to avoid surprises.