Total Games Under 6.5 in Tennis Betting: Explained
Lina Almans
21 August 2024
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Total games under 6.5 is a niche wager in tennis that predicts a particular set will end with 6 games played, indicating an extremely dominant performance by one player.
This bet is quite uncommon and carries high odds due to its specificity – it essentially banks on a ‘golden set’ where one player wins 6:0.

Applying the Under 6.5 Games Bet
The conditions for winning or losing this bet are:
Wager | Scenario | Example | Outcome |
Under 6.5 | 6 games played | 6 games (6:0) | Win |
Under 6.5 | 7 or more games played | 7 games (6:1) | Lose |
Imagine a scenario at the US Open, known for its hard courts that can favor big servers. You place an under 6.5 games bet on a match featuring a dominant server like Iga Swiatek against a wildcard entrant. If Swiatek powers through the set 6:0, your bet wins.
However, if her opponent manages to win a game, making the set 6:1, the bet is lost.
Key Markets to Bet on with Total Points Under 6.5
- Player’s Game Performance
Commonly, this bet is placed on a player to win less than 6.5 games in a match, predicting a quick finish by a highly favored player.
- Set Outcome
Betting on under 6.5 games for a set outcome is less common due to the rarity of 6:0 sets outside of early tournament rounds or mismatches.
Note: These are the more common markets, while others may be less frequently offered.
Tennis Betting Playbook: Tips for Total Under 6.5 Points Bet
Early Tournament Tactics: The disparity in early rounds can be stark. Betting under 6.5 is most viable when a top-ranked player faces a low-ranked opponent, increasing the chance of a ‘golden set’.
Court Type: Each surface plays differently. For clay, where the ball moves slower and rallies last longer, opt for players with a history of quick points against defensive baseliners. Conversely, on faster surfaces like grass, where games can be shorter, look for players with powerful serves and quick volleys.
Break Point Efficiency: Target players who are exceptionally good at converting break points, as this could lead to a rapid conclusion of games.
Serving Strength: Prioritize players known for their serve dominance. A strong server can control the pace of the match, often leading to faster games and sets. Players like Roger Federer, known for their efficient serving, can be key to winning.
Minimize Risks: Remember, under 6.5 bets are non-refundable. Exercise caution when combining these bets with others, such as in an accumulator, to avoid amplifying losses.
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 6:0 set, the match could be settled as a 1:2 loss (6:0, 0:6, 0:6).