Total Games Under 20.5

Total Games Under 20.5 wager is when you predict that the total number of games in the match will be 20 or fewer. For this bet to cash in, the match must end with 20 or fewer games played — think 20, 19, 18, or less. 

Here’s how it looks at Stake.com: 

Total Games Under 20.5

Keep in mind, there’s no room for a refund unless the match gets canceled or something fishy goes down (like the match being flagged for match-fixing).

How Is a Total Games Under 20.5 Bet Calculated?

Let’s break down how a wager on the Total Games Under 20.5 betting market is calculated, using a simple example. 

Imagine you’ve placed a $100 bet with odds of 1.9. Here’s how the outcome would play out depending on the total number of games in the match:

In this example, If the match ends with 20 games or fewer, you’re cashing in with a payout of $190. But if it wraps up with 21+ games, you walk away with nothing. And, if the bet is voided, you’ll get your original $100 back.

What to Consider When Betting on Under 20.5 Games in Tennis?

When you’re placing a bet on Total Games Under 20.5, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Match Format: Bo3 vs. Bo5 Sets

In men’s Grand Slam events like Wimbledon or the US Open, matches are played as best of 5 sets (Bo5), which naturally leads to more games. On the other hand, ATP 250 or 500 tournaments usually stick to best of 3 sets (BO3), just like all WTA events, making those matches more likely to stay under 20.5 games.

Men’s vs. Women’s Matches

In WTA matches (always Bo3), when a top player faces a lower-ranked opponent, you often see fewer games, with totals frequently landing around 18-19. However, when evenly matched players are involved — say, in a quarterfinal or beyond at the US Open — the total can easily push past 22 games.

Skill Gap Between Players

If there’s a clear favorite versus an underdog, the total game count might stay low, particularly in women’s tennis. In men’s Bo3 matches, with a strong favorite, expect the total to hover around 21 games. However, if both players are evenly matched, totals often land in the 23-game range.

Quality of Competitors

When top-tier players are involved, especially in men’s tennis, even a Bo3 match can see game totals reaching 26 or more. In Bo5 matches, the total often approaches 36 games, particularly in closely contested matchups.

These details can give you an edge, but remember: every match is unique. Always read up on the specific tournament rules and player conditions before making your bet.