What Is a Flag Bet? The Complete Guide to 23-Bet Combinations

A flag bet is a combination bet consisting of 23 individual bets placed on four selections in different events. It combines all possible accumulator bets (doubles, trebles, and a four-fold) with six single-stakes-about (SSA) pairs, creating a comprehensive betting system that covers numerous outcome combinations. The defining feature of a flag bet is that you only need one winning selection to generate some return, making it attractive to bettors seeking reduced risk compared to standard accumulators.

The Basic Definition and Structure

A flag bet is fundamentally a system bet that takes four selections and creates 23 separate wagers from them. These 23 bets are divided into distinct categories:

• 6 doubles — two-selection bets
• 4 trebles — three-selection bets
• 1 four-fold accumulator — all four selections
• 6 single-stakes-about (SSA) pairs — conditional bets where winnings from one selection are automatically staked on another

The total stake you place is multiplied by 23, meaning if you place a £1 flag bet, your total outlay is £23. This structure makes flag bets significantly more expensive than singles but provides dramatically better coverage of potential outcomes.

Why Is It Called a "Flag" Bet?

The name "flag bet" derives from the visual pattern created by the bet combinations when mapped across the four selections. When the doubles, trebles, and four-fold are visualized together, they form a pattern resembling the diagonal, horizontal, and vertical lines of the British flag. This naming convention highlights the symmetry and comprehensive coverage of the betting structure—every selection is paired with every other selection across the various bet types.

The terminology is particularly common in UK and Irish betting markets, where traditional bet naming conventions often reference visual patterns or historical betting practices. Understanding this historical context helps bettors appreciate why the flag bet remains such a popular combination betting option.

How Many Bets Are in a Flag Bet?

The 23 individual bets in a flag bet break down as follows:

This specific structure ensures that every possible combination of selections is covered across different bet types, providing multiple pathways to profit even if not all selections win.

How Does a Flag Bet Work? The Mechanics Explained

The Four Selections Requirement

To place a flag bet, you must select exactly four outcomes from four different events. The events must be entirely separate—you cannot use two selections from the same match, race, or game. This requirement exists because the mathematics of the flag bet structure depends on independent events.

The four selections can come from any sport or combination of sports. Many bettors focus on horse racing or football because these markets offer consistent odds and deep liquidity, but flag bets work equally well with tennis, cricket, rugby, basketball, or any other sport where individual events are available.

For example, in horse racing, you might select:

• Runner 3 from the 2:30 at Ascot
• Runner 7 from the 3:00 at Kempton
• Runner 5 from the 3:45 at Goodwood
• Runner 2 from the 4:15 at Sandown

Each selection is independent, and the race venues and times ensure no overlap.

Breaking Down the Component Bets

Understanding how each component of the 23-bet structure works is essential for grasping the full mechanics of flag betting.

The Six Doubles

A double bet combines two selections into a single wager. Both selections must win for the double to pay out. In a flag bet, there are six possible doubles because you're selecting 2 selections from 4 available options.

The six doubles are:

• Selection 1 + Selection 2
• Selection 1 + Selection 3
• Selection 1 + Selection 4
• Selection 2 + Selection 3
• Selection 2 + Selection 4
• Selection 3 + Selection 4

If you place a £1 stake on each double and selections 1 and 2 win at 3/1 and 2/1 respectively, that double returns £12 (£1 × 3 × 2). However, the other five doubles would lose because they don't include both winning selections.

The Four Trebles

A treble extends the logic to three selections. All three must win for the treble to generate a return. With four selections, there are exactly four possible three-selection combinations:

• Selection 1 + Selection 2 + Selection 3
• Selection 1 + Selection 2 + Selection 4
• Selection 1 + Selection 3 + Selection 4
• Selection 2 + Selection 3 + Selection 4

Trebles offer higher odds than doubles but require more selections to win. A £1 treble at odds of 3/1, 2/1, and 4/1 would return £60 (£1 × 3 × 2 × 4).

The One Four-Fold Accumulator

The four-fold accumulator is the most ambitious component of the flag bet. It requires all four selections to win. There is only one four-fold possible: Selection 1 + Selection 2 + Selection 3 + Selection 4.

If all four selections win, the four-fold generates the highest return. Using the same odds as above (3/1, 2/1, 4/1, and 5/1), a £1 four-fold would return £240 (£1 × 3 × 2 × 4 × 5). However, if even one selection loses, the four-fold loses entirely.

The Six Single Stakes About (SSA) Pairs

SSA pairs are the unique component that distinguishes a flag bet from a standard Yankee bet. An SSA pair is a conditional bet involving two selections where the winnings from one selection are automatically placed on the other, and vice versa.

In an SSA pair, if Selection A wins, your stake is placed on Selection B. Simultaneously, if Selection B wins, your stake is placed on Selection A. This creates two "any-to-come" bets running in parallel.

The six SSA pairs in a flag bet are:

• Selection 1 & 2
• Selection 1 & 3
• Selection 1 & 4
• Selection 2 & 3
• Selection 2 & 4
• Selection 3 & 4

SSA pairs are particularly valuable because they generate returns even if only one of the two selections wins. If Selection 1 wins at 3/1 and Selection 2 loses, the SSA pair still returns £3 on the "Selection 2 wins, stake on Selection 1" leg.

Minimum Winners and Payout Scenarios

One of the most attractive features of a flag bet is that you don't need all four selections to win to generate a return. In fact, you only need one winning selection to receive some payout.

Here's how payout scenarios work:

One Winning Selection: The SSA pairs that include this selection generate returns. If Selection 1 wins at 3/1 and the other three lose, the three SSA pairs involving Selection 1 (1&2, 1&3, 1&4) each generate a return. You'd recover part of your £23 stake.

Two Winning Selections: Multiple doubles, SSA pairs, and potentially one treble generate returns. This scenario often produces a profit if the odds are reasonable (typically 2.00 or higher).

Three Winning Selections: Several doubles, trebles, and SSA pairs pay out. Profit is likely unless odds are very short.

All Four Winning Selections: All bets pay out, including the four-fold accumulator. This generates the maximum return and can result in substantial profits.

The exact profit or loss depends entirely on the odds of your selections and the specific combinations that win.

Flag Bet vs. Yankee Bet: Understanding the Key Difference

The Yankee Bet Explained

A Yankee bet is a combination bet consisting of 11 bets on four selections. The structure includes:

• 6 doubles
• 4 trebles
• 1 four-fold accumulator

The Yankee covers all possible accumulator combinations but does not include any conditional or "any-to-come" bets. Like the flag bet, it requires four selections from different events.

Key Differences Between Flag and Yankee Bets

Why Add the Single Stakes About (SSA) Pairs?

The six SSA pairs in a flag bet provide coverage that a Yankee doesn't offer. They create "any-to-come" bets, meaning if one selection wins, the stake automatically moves to the next selection in the pair. This feature has two major advantages:

1. Reduced Minimum Winners: You can profit from a flag bet with just one or two winning selections, whereas a Yankee typically requires at least three to generate profit.

2. Increased Coverage: SSA pairs create additional betting combinations that wouldn't exist in a standard Yankee, increasing the number of potential winning scenarios.

The trade-off is cost: a flag bet costs more than a Yankee (£23 vs. £11 at £1 per bet), but the additional coverage and lower minimum winners requirement often justify the extra expense for experienced bettors.

How to Place a Flag Bet: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Four Selections

Begin by identifying four outcomes you want to bet on. These must come from four separate events. Consider:

• Sport Selection: Do you know horse racing better than football? Focus on your area of expertise.
• Odds Assessment: Look for selections with odds of 2.00 or higher. This increases the likelihood of profit on fewer winners.
• Event Timing: Ensure events don't overlap in problematic ways (e.g., if one event's outcome affects another).

Write down your four selections clearly, including the event, selection name, and current odds.

Step 2: Determine Your Stake and Total Cost

Decide on your stake per bet. This is the amount you're willing to risk on each of the 23 individual bets.

Calculation: Your stake × 23 = Total flag bet cost

Examples:

• £1 per bet × 23 = £23 total
• £2 per bet × 23 = £46 total
• £5 per bet × 23 = £115 total

Remember, this total amount will be deducted from your account immediately when the bet is placed. Ensure you have sufficient funds and that the stake aligns with your bankroll management strategy.

Step 3: Request the Bet from Your Bookmaker

Most major UK bookmakers offer flag bets, but the process varies:

Online Betting Slips: Some bookmakers automatically offer flag bets once four eligible selections are added to your slip. Look for a "Flag Bet" option in the bet type dropdown.

Contact Customer Support: If the option isn't available on your betting slip, contact your bookmaker's customer service team and request a flag bet. Provide your four selections and stake clearly.

Confirmation: Once placed, you'll receive a bet slip confirmation showing all 23 component bets, the odds, and your potential returns for various winning scenarios.

Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid

1. Selections from the Same Event: Double-check that all four selections come from different events. Many bookmakers will reject flag bets with duplicate events.

2. Miscalculating the Total Stake: Forgetting to multiply by 23 can lead to surprise charges. Always confirm the total cost before placing.

3. Unclear Selection Details: Provide race numbers, match IDs, or other specific identifiers to avoid confusion.

4. Ignoring Odds Changes: If you request a flag bet verbally, odds may change by the time customer support places it. Confirm final odds before confirming placement.

Flag Bet Strategy: How to Win and Profit

Odds Selection Strategy

The odds you choose directly determine your profitability threshold. Here's a strategic framework:

Target Odds Range: 2.00 to 4.00

• 2.00 Odds (Evens): Four selections at 2.00 odds each mean the four-fold returns 16× your stake. A £1 flag bet could return £368 if all four win. More importantly, two winners typically generate profit.

• 3.00 Odds: Four selections at 3.00 odds create a four-fold return of 81×. Two winners often generate £30-£50 profit on a £23 stake.

• 4.00+ Odds: Higher-risk selections. Fewer winners needed for profit, but selections are less likely to win. Best suited for experienced bettors with strong conviction.

Avoid: Selections below 1.50 odds. Even with all four winning, returns are modest and don't justify the risk of losing on one selection.

Sport Selection and Focus

Choose sports where you have genuine knowledge or access to reliable information:

Horse Racing: The most popular sport for flag bets. Advantages include consistent odds, abundant selections, and established form guides. Focus on races with 8+ runners to find value.

Football: Popular for flag bets on match outcomes or goal scorers. Requires understanding team form, injuries, and matchups. Avoid major tournaments where odds are heavily skewed.

Tennis: Excellent for flag bets due to consistent player availability and predictable odds. Grand Slam tournaments offer numerous matches across multiple days.

Mixed Sports: Combining different sports can offer value if you're confident across multiple disciplines, but increases complexity.

Bankroll Management

Effective bankroll management ensures you can sustain a flag betting strategy:

1. Set a Monthly Flag Bet Budget: Allocate a specific amount (e.g., £100/month) for flag bets separate from other betting activities.

2. Stake Sizing: Use the "1-2% Rule"—never stake more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single flag bet. If your bankroll is £1,000, limit flag bets to £10-£20 per bet.

3. Track Results: Maintain a record of all flag bets placed, including selections, odds, stake, and outcome. This data reveals whether your strategy is profitable long-term.

4. Avoid Chasing Losses: If you lose several flag bets consecutively, resist the urge to increase stakes to recover losses quickly. Stick to your predetermined stake size.

When NOT to Place a Flag Bet

Certain conditions make flag bets unsuitable:

• Very Short Odds (under 1.50): Even if all four selections win, returns are minimal.
• Uncertain Selections: If you're not confident about one or more selections, avoid the flag bet. The cost of 23 bets makes losses expensive.
• Single-Event Focus: If your strongest conviction is on one specific event, place a single bet instead. Flag bets dilute focus across four events.
• Insufficient Bankroll: If £23 (or your chosen stake × 23) represents more than 2% of your total betting funds, the bet is too large.

Flag Bet Variants: Beyond the Standard Flag

The flag bet structure can be extended to more selections, creating variants with different numbers of bets and higher potential returns.

Super Flag Bet (5 Selections, 46 Bets)

A Super Flag bet extends the flag structure to five selections instead of four. It consists of 46 individual bets:

• 10 doubles
• 10 trebles
• 5 four-fold accumulators
• 1 five-fold accumulator
• 10 SSA pairs

A Super Flag requires a £46 stake (at £1 per bet) and offers significantly higher returns if multiple selections win. However, it's more complex and more expensive than a standard flag bet. A £1 Super Flag with five selections at 3/1 odds each could return over £1,000 if all five win.

Heinz Flag Bet (6 Selections)

A Heinz Flag extends to six selections, creating 57 total bets. It includes all possible doubles, trebles, four-folds, five-folds, and six-fold accumulators, plus SSA pairs. This is a high-complexity bet suited only to experienced bettors with substantial bankrolls.

Goliath Flag Bet (8 Selections)

The Goliath Flag is the most extreme variant, involving eight selections and 247 total bets. It's rarely placed by individual bettors due to the enormous cost (£247 minimum at £1 per bet) and complexity. Primarily used by professional syndicates or betting pools.

Other Flag Variants

Bookmakers also offer:

• Super Heinz Flag (7 selections, 120 bets)
• Alphabetical Flags (Patent Flag, Trixie Flag, etc.)

Each variant follows the same principle: more selections = more bets = higher cost and higher potential returns.

Flag Bet Examples: Real-World Scenarios

Horse Racing Example

Scenario: You select four horses from different races at a UK racecourse.

• Selection 1: Thunderbolt (2:30 Ascot) at 4/1
• Selection 2: Dancing Queen (3:00 Kempton) at 3/1
• Selection 3: Silent Storm (3:45 Goodwood) at 5/1
• Selection 4: Golden Arrow (4:15 Sandown) at 2/1

Stake: £2 per bet = £46 total outlay

Scenario A — Two Winners (Thunderbolt and Dancing Queen):

• The double (Thunderbolt + Dancing Queen) returns: £2 × 5 × 4 = £40
• The two SSA pairs involving both selections generate additional returns
• Approximate total return: £80-£100 (profit of £35-£55)

Scenario B — All Four Win:

• The four-fold returns: £2 × 5 × 4 × 6 × 3 = £720
• All doubles, trebles, and SSA pairs also pay
• Approximate total return: £1,200+ (profit of £1,150+)

Football Example

Scenario: You select four match outcomes from different fixtures.

• Selection 1: Manchester City to win (3/1)
• Selection 2: Liverpool to win (2/1)
• Selection 3: Arsenal to win (4/1)
• Selection 4: Chelsea to win (2/1)

Stake: £1 per bet = £23 total

Outcome: Manchester City and Liverpool win; Arsenal and Chelsea lose.

• Both winning selections generate returns from doubles and SSA pairs
• The double (City + Liverpool) returns: £1 × 4 × 3 = £12
• SSA pairs involving both teams generate additional returns
• Total return: approximately £35-£45 (profit of £12-£22)

Mixed Sports Example

Scenario: Combining selections from different sports.

• Selection 1: Novak Djokovic to win (Tennis, 1/2)
• Selection 2: England to win (Cricket, 2/1)
• Selection 3: Rory McIlroy to win (Golf, 5/1)
• Selection 4: Canelo Alvarez to win (Boxing, 3/1)

Advantage: If you have expertise across multiple sports, mixed flag bets can offer value where single-sport bettors might overlook opportunities.

Disadvantage: Requires confidence across diverse sports and understanding of different odds structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flag Bets

Do All Four Selections Have to Win on a Flag Bet?

No. One of the primary advantages of a flag bet is that you can generate returns with fewer than four winners. You only need one winning selection to create some return from the SSA pairs. However, profitability typically requires at least two winners with reasonable odds (2.00+).

What Happens If One of My Selections Is a Non-Runner?

If a selection is withdrawn (e.g., a horse is declared non-runner or a player is injured), the bookmaker's rules determine the outcome. Typically:

• Bets Affected: Any bet including the non-runner is void (stake returned).
• Remaining Bets: Other bets in the flag continue as normal.
• Example: If Selection 1 is a non-runner, all bets involving Selection 1 (some doubles, trebles, four-fold, and SSA pairs) are voided, but bets using only Selections 2, 3, and 4 remain active.

Most bookmakers will adjust your total stake and potential returns accordingly.

How Do I Calculate Flag Bet Winnings?

Calculating flag bet winnings by hand is extremely complex due to the 23 individual bets and varying odds. Always use a flag bet calculator provided by your bookmaker or third-party betting sites. These calculators allow you to input:

• Odds for each selection
• Which selections win
• Your stake per bet

The calculator then computes returns for all 23 component bets and provides your total payout.

Can I Place a Flag Bet Online?

Yes. Most major UK bookmakers (bet365, Paddy Power, Sky Bet, Betfair, etc.) accept flag bets. Some offer them directly on the betting slip; others require contacting customer support. Online placement is faster and more convenient than in-person betting shops.

What's the Minimum and Maximum Stake?

Minimum Stake: Usually £0.10 per bet (£2.30 total for a flag bet), though some bookmakers set minimums at £0.25 or £0.50.

Maximum Stake: Varies by bookmaker and selection odds. High-odds selections may have lower maximum stakes. Contact your bookmaker for specific limits.

Is a Flag Bet Profitable?

Flag bets can be profitable, but success depends on:

• Odds Selection: Betting at 2.00+ odds significantly increases profitability likelihood.
• Selection Accuracy: Your ability to identify winning selections.
• Bankroll Management: Proper stake sizing ensures you can sustain losses during downturns.

Studies suggest that experienced bettors with strong knowledge of their chosen sport can achieve modest long-term profits (5-15% ROI) with flag bets. However, casual bettors often lose money due to poor selection or inadequate bankroll management.

What's the Difference Between a Flag Bet and a Super Flag Bet?

Super Flags offer higher returns but cost more and require greater confidence across five selections.

Can I Place a Flag Bet on Selections from the Same Sport?

Yes. All four selections must come from different events, but they can all be from the same sport. For example, you can place a flag bet on four different football matches or four different horse races. Many bettors prefer this approach because they can focus expertise on a single sport.

Related Terms

• Yankee Bet — The foundation of the flag bet structure
• Accumulator Bet — The core component of flag betting
• Double Bet — One of the six double components
• Treble Bet — One of the four treble components
• Super Flag — Extended flag bet with five selections
• Round Robin — Alternative combination bet structure
• Lucky 15 — Another popular combination bet type
• Single Bet — The simplest betting option