Trebles, Trixies and Patents: Three-Selection Betting Systems

Introduction

Trebles, Trixies and Patents are related ways of betting on three selections. A treble is a straightforward three-leg accumulator. Trixies and Patents are system bets (also called full-cover or permutation bets) that break the three selections into multiple smaller combinations, providing insurance if not everything wins.

1. Treble

A treble is a three-fold accumulator: one bet combining exactly three selections.

• All three must win for any payout.
• Odds are multiplied: Combined odds = Odds A × Odds B × Odds C.
• Total stake = unit stake (e.g., a £10 treble costs £10).
• Highest potential return of the three options for the same unit stake, but highest risk of total loss.

Example

Selections:
Team A @ 2.00
Team B @ 1.80
Team C @ 2.50

Combined odds = 2.00 × 1.80 × 2.50 = 9.00
£10 treble → £90 return if all three win.
Any one loser → £0.

2. Trixie

A Trixie covers three selections with four bets:

• 3 doubles (every possible pair)
• 1 treble (all three)

Total stake = 4 × unit stake (a £1 Trixie costs £4).

Minimum requirement for a return: at least two winners.

• One winner → entire Trixie loses (no singles included).
• Two winners → one double pays.
• Three winners → all three doubles + the treble pay.

Example (same odds as above, £1 unit stake, total outlay £4)

If only A and B win: Double A+B returns £1 × 2.00 × 1.80 = £3.60. Overall loss.

If A, B and C all win:
Double A+B = £3.60
Double A+C = £5.00
Double B+C = £4.50
Treble = £9.00
Total return ≈ £22.10 (profit ≈ £18.10).

Trixies offer a middle ground: more protection than a straight treble, but still require two correct selections.

3. Patent

A Patent covers three selections with seven bets:

• 3 singles
• 3 doubles
• 1 treble

Total stake = 7 × unit stake (a £1 Patent costs £7).

Minimum requirement for a return: just one winner (from its single).

• One winner → only that single pays (often a loss overall unless the odds are long enough).
• Two winners → two singles + one double pay.
• Three winners → all seven bets pay.

Example (same odds, £1 unit stake, total outlay £7)

Only A wins @ 2.00: Single returns £2. Overall loss of £5.

A and B win:
Singles A + B = £2.00 + £1.80 = £3.80
Double A+B = £3.60
Total return £7.40 (small profit).

All three win:
Three singles + three doubles + treble → significantly higher return (around £30+ depending on exact calculation).

Patents give the most insurance of the three options. They are popular when backing shorter-priced favourites where one upset is possible.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Points and Practical Tips

• Cost awareness: Always check the total stake. A "£2 Patent" actually costs £14.
• Each-way versions: Available in horse racing and some other sports. An each-way Trixie or Patent doubles the number of bets (and the cost).
• When to use each:
  Treble → You are highly confident in all three and want maximum upside.
  Trixie → You expect at least two to win and want better returns than a Patent for the same total outlay.
  Patent → You want protection against one (or even two) failures, especially with favourites.
• System bets reduce the pain of near-misses compared with a straight accumulator, but they also dilute the payout when everything lands because the stake is spread across multiple lines.
• Bookmaker margins still apply to every individual bet within the system.
• These bets are most common in horse racing but work across football, tennis, and other sports where multiples are allowed.

Key Takeaway

Treble = one three-leg accumulator (all-or-nothing).
Trixie = 3 doubles + 1 treble (needs ≥2 winners).
Patent = 3 singles + 3 doubles + 1 treble (needs ≥1 winner).

Trixies and Patents turn three selections into multiple bets to provide partial cover. They cost more upfront but soften the blow when results are mixed. Choose based on your confidence level, bankroll, and appetite for risk versus insurance.

Always gamble responsibly and only stake amounts you can afford to lose.