Total Games Under 18.5 in Tennis Betting Explained

Total Games Under 18.5 in tennis betting refers to a market where you predict that the total number of games played in a match will be 18 or fewer.

This bet is typically listed as something like “Total Games Under 18.5,” “Total Match Games Under 18.5,” or “Total Games 2-Way Under 18.5,” depending on where you’re placing your wager.

The idea is simple: if the match ends with 19 or more games, your bet loses. If it stays under 19, you’re cashing in. For example:

• Winning Scores: 6-0, 6-0 (12 games), 6-3, 6-3 (18 games)
• Losing Scores: 7-6, 6-3 (22 games), 6-4, 7-5 (22 games)

Here’s how it might look at a bookmaker like Stake.com:

How Is a Total Games Under 18.5 Bet Calculated?

To put it bluntly, let’s say you place a bet on a match between Novak Djokovic and a qualifier ranked outside the top 100.

Suppose you place a $100 bet on Under 18.5 Total Games at odds of 1.85. Here’s how different match outcomes would affect your Under 18.5 games wager:

In this scenario, if the match ends with 18 games or fewer, you’re cashing in with a payout of $185. But if the match finishes with 19+ games, you lose the bet. And, if the bet is voided, you’ll get your original $100 back.

The key here is anticipating a one-sided match. If you think one player is going to steamroll the other without dropping too many games, then Under 18.5 might be the perfect play.

Things to Watch for Before Betting Total Games Under 18.5

Like any bet, it’s not just about guessing. You’ve got to put in the work, read the matchup, and consider a few key factors before pulling the trigger.

Set Format: Bo3 vs. Bo5 Impact

In Grand Slam events (except the US Open for women), the men play best-of-five sets (Bo5), which naturally racks up more games. So, under 18.5? Probably not happening in a Bo5 match.

But in most ATP 250, ATP 500, or any WTA event, matches are best-of-three sets (Bo3). This is where Under 18.5 can shine, especially if a favorite is going up against a weaker opponent. Think of those early-round matches where the favorite crushes the underdog in straight sets, maybe 6-1, 6-2 — that’s your sweet spot for this bet.

Men’s vs. Women’s Game Length

Let’s talk men’s and women’s tennis for a sec. In the WTA (women’s tennis), matches are always Bo3, and they tend to wrap up faster, especially when a top-seeded player is up against a lower-ranked player. In these blowouts, the total game count often stays around that 18-19 mark.

However, if the players are more evenly matched the match can easily push past 19 games.

Skill Gap Between Favorite and Underdog

A significant gap in skill level often keeps the total game count low, particularly in women’s tennis. In men’s Bo3 matches, with a heavy favorite, the total often stays around 21 games. But in matches where the players are closely matched, the game total might hover around 23.

If you’ve got a heavy favorite facing an underdog, especially in women’s tennis, the total game count can stay pretty low. A match could easily wrap up with something like 6-2, 6-1, hitting right at 15 games.

In men’s Bo3 matches, with a heavy favorite, the total often stays around 21 games. But in matches where the players are closely matched, the game total might hover around 23, especially if it goes to a tiebreak.

Top Players vs. Standard Competitors

When you’ve got elite players like Djokovic or Alcaraz facing off, even a Bo3 match can get pretty long (sometimes hitting 26+ games). In a Bo5 matchup, we’re talking way more than 18.5 games — total approaches or exceeds 30 games, easily.

While these insights can guide your betting, remember that each match is different. Always review tournament specifics and player conditions before placing your bet.