As an avid basketball fan and sports bettor, I‘m always looking for new and interesting ways to wager on NBA and NCAA games. And one of my favorite bets is the 1st quarter 3 way line. If you‘re not familiar with this type of bet, it can seem confusing at first. But it actually provides a fun and focused way to bet on just a small part of the game.
In this complete guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about 1st quarter 3 way betting, including what it means, how the bets are settled, the key benefits, and why it‘s become one of my go-to basketball wagers. Whether you‘re a beginner sports bettor or a seasoned pro, you‘re sure to learn something new about this unique betting market. Let‘s dive in!
What Does "1st Quarter 3 Way" Mean?
In basketball betting, a "1st quarter winner (3 way) no push" line allows you to bet on which team will be ahead at the end of the first quarter, or if the game will be tied at the end of the first quarter.
Here are the 3 potential outcomes you can bet on:
- Team A to win the 1st quarter
- Team B to win the 1st quarter
- Tie game at the end of the 1st quarter
With a traditional moneyline bet, you would simply bet on either Team A or Team B to win the 1st quarter. But the "3 way" means there is a 3rd wagering option – the tie.
This opens up more possibilities and allows you to consider the likelihood of a game being close and tied after the opening quarter. Personally, I love having that extra option on the board!
How Are 1st Quarter 3 Way Bets Settled?
1st quarter 3 way bets are settled solely based on the score at the end of the 1st quarter. Any points scored in later quarters do not count towards this wager. Here are the key settlement rules:
- If Team A is winning at the end of the 1st quarter, a bet placed on Team A wins.
- If Team B is winning at the end of the 1st quarter, a bet placed on Team B wins.
- If the score is tied at the end of the 1st quarter, a bet placed on the tie wins.
Overtime is not considered unless otherwise stated in the specific bet terms. The bet is completely decided by just the score after the initial 12 minutes of play.
For example, if the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Boston Celtics 28-24 at the end of the 1st quarter, a bet on the Lakers to win the 1st quarter would cash. Even if the Celtics came back to win the game, on this wager only the 1st quarter result matters.
The Key Benefits of 1st Quarter 3 Way Betting
There are some solid reasons why I‘ve incorporated first quarter 3 way lines into my typical basketball betting action:
1. Provides an Extra Option to Bet on a Tie
Having the tie option on the board gives you more outs. Oftentimes the tie pays very well if you think a game or matchup will start off slow and be close after one quarter. NBA teams tend to feel each other out early, so ties in the 1st quarter are common.
2. Allows You to Focus Your Betting Analysis on One Quarter
Rather than trying to handicap the entire game, you only need to focus on how you expect the first 12 minutes to play out. This more narrow scope allows you to really dive into the key details.
3. Gives You Something to Root for Early On
One issue with betting full game lines is that if your team gets off to a slow start, the bet sometimes feels dead. With a 1st quarter wager, you‘re invested right from the opening tipoff. This provides an exciting rooting interest throughout the first quarter!
Betting on Other Quarter 3 Way Lines
While 1st quarter 3 way lines are the most common quarter bets, you may also see similar betting options for other quarters:
- 2nd Quarter Winner 3 Way
- 3rd Quarter Winner 3 Way
- 4th Quarter Winner 3 Way
The settlement rules remain the same – the bet is based solely on the score at the end of the specified quarter.
I particularly like wagering on 4th quarter 3 way lines, especially in games I expect to be close. The 4th quarter is where teams have to battle and make big shots, so focusing my handicapping efforts on just the 4th provides great insight.
My Top Tips for Making Profitable 1st Quarter 3 Way Bets
Over the years, I‘ve learned what to focus on to give myself the best shot at winning consistently on 1st quarter lines. Here are my top handicapping tips:
Check recent opening quarter trends: How have the teams started off games recently? Some teams tend to start hot and win the 1st quarter frequently. Others are slower starters.
Note any key injuries/absences: If a team is missing their starting PG or C, it often affects them most in the opening minutes before they adjust.
Compare offensive/defensive efficiency early: Statistics like 1st quarter points per possession can reveal which teams excel or struggle out of the gates.
Factor in travel/scheduling spots: Teams playing on short rest or traveling tend to start a bit slower before getting their legs under them.
Review the matchup history: Some opponents have dominated the 1st quarter in previous meetings. Spot any bad coaching mismatches.
Don‘t overreact to headlines: Late injury news or big trade rumors can create line value. Focus on the tangible impact.
Why I Love 1st Quarter 3 Way Betting: An Example
Here‘s a real example that highlights why this bet type has become a key part of my basketball betting arsenal:
Last NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies were hosting the Los Angeles Clippers. The Grizzlies were in the middle of an impressive hot streak, while the Clippers were playing on the road on the second night of a back-to-back.
Most sportsbooks had the Clippers favored by 4-5 points for the full game. However, when the 1Q lines opened, I was able to get the Grizzlies +0.5 on the 3 way line at -110 odds.
This meant if Memphis scored even 1 point in the first quarter, they would be winning or tied. Given the spot and Memphis‘ success out of the gates during their win streak, I loved this bet.
Sure enough, the Grizzlies jumped out early, leading 32-28 at the end of 1. My bet cashed by the first break! And it gave me a great reason to tune in and root from the opening tip.
Why You Should Give 1st Quarter 3 Way Betting a Shot
As you can see from the example above, betting 1st quarter winner 3 way lines can provide a nice betting edge if you study the right factors. You get to be super focused on just the opening 12 minutes.
I‘ve had a ton of success targeting certain team and matchup situations where the 1Q line differs from my projections. It adds variety to any basketball betting card and gives you more action throughout the game.
Next time you‘re looking to bet on the NBA or NCAA, be sure to check the 1st quarter 3 way lines. I‘m confident you‘ll love having that extra tie option and narrow focus. As always, bet responsibly and gamble within your means. But when you see the right spot, don‘t be afraid to pull the trigger on a 1Q 3 way bet!
Let me know on Twitter if you have any other questions @twilliamsbets. I‘m always happy to chat hoops and help fellow basketball betting enthusiasts!
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