Betting on football has moved far beyond just picking the winner of a match. More and more people are now exploring special markets like corners and cards because they can offer better value and more fun, especially when the match result seems too tight to call.
These markets allow you to focus on specific in-game events, not just who wins or loses. But how exactly does corner betting work?
How do you bet on cards in a smart and profitable way? This guide will break everything down in a clear, natural, and relatable way that makes sense even to someone who is just starting. Let’s walk through it together, step by step.
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What Is Corner Betting?
Corner betting is simply placing a wager on how many corner kicks will happen in a football match. Instead of worrying about goals or who wins, you’re predicting how often the ball goes out of play behind the goal line for a corner to be awarded.
This type of bet is popular because corners can happen often, especially in matches where one team is attacking heavily or when both teams play a fast and wide style of football. Corner bets come in different types, each with its own logic and strategy. Let’s look at the most common ones.
Total Corners (Over/Under)
This is the simplest and most popular type of corner bet. You are betting on the total number of corners in a match, either going over or under a number set by the bookmaker.
For example, let’s say the bookmaker offers Over 10.5 Corners. This means you win if there are 11 or more corners in the match. If the game ends with only 10 corners or fewer, you lose.
Here’s a good way to picture it:
Bet Type | Bet Line | Outcome | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
Over 10.5 Corners | 11 corners or more | Win | ✅ |
Over 10.5 Corners | 10 corners or less | Lose | ❌ |
Team Corners
This one focuses on how many corners a single team will get. For example, if you bet on Team A Over 5.5 Corners, you’re hoping Team A gets at least six corners, regardless of what the other team does.
This is useful in matches where one team is known for attacking constantly or playing on the wings. A good example would be a match between Manchester City and Burnley. You might expect City to get many corners even if the game ends 1-0.
Race to X Corners
This market asks which team will get to a certain number of corners first. For example, Race to 7 Corners means whichever team reaches 7 corners first wins the bet.
Imagine Barcelona is playing a team that defends deeply. Even if the underdog team is holding on defensively, Barcelona may win the race to 7 corners because they are constantly on the attack.
First Corner or Last Corner
You can also bet on which team will take the first corner or the last corner of the match. These markets are more about momentum and game flow.
For instance, teams that press from kickoff often earn the first corner, while teams chasing a goal might win more corners near the end.
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What Is Card Betting?
Card betting is all about predicting the number of yellow and red cards shown in a football match. Some people enjoy card betting because it involves tension, emotion, and how strict the referee is. Again, there are various types of bets you can place under this market:
Total Cards (Over/Under)
Like total corners, this bet is about whether the number of cards shown in the match goes over or under a set number. To make it easier, bookmakers often assign points to cards. For example:
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Yellow card = 10 points
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Red card = 25 points
So if you bet Over 35 Booking Points, you win if the total number of cards in the match adds up to at least 40 points.
Let’s say:
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Team A gets 3 yellow cards (30 points)
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Team B gets 1 red and 1 yellow card (35 points)
That’s a total of 65 booking points. If your bet was Over 35, it wins.
Team Booking Points
This bet lets you focus on how aggressive or undisciplined one team is. You might bet on Team B to get Over 20 Booking Points if you know they foul a lot or have players with a temper.
First Card / Last Card
This is another straightforward option. You are betting on which team will receive the first card or the last card of the match.
Think of a game like Argentina vs Chile. If you know one team plays with extra aggression from the start, they are a good pick for the first card bet.
Player to Be Carded
If you follow player behavior closely, this can be a goldmine. You can bet on specific players to be shown a card during the match. This works well if you know a player often fouls or is playing against a tricky opponent.
Imagine Casemiro playing against a fast winger like Saka. If you’ve seen his history of tackles, you might expect him to get a yellow card at some point in the game.
Why People Bet on Corners and Cards
Many punters go for these markets when the regular markets look too tight or too risky. Let’s take a match between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
Goals may be hard to predict, but you can reasonably expect many fouls and cards. Likewise, a team like Liverpool often wins a lot of corners because of their attacking style, even if the game ends in a draw.
Corner and card betting is also great when you understand a team’s playing style, match context, or even the identity of the referee. Some referees hand out cards easily while others allow play to continue with more tolerance.
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Tips for Betting on Corners and Cards
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Study the Teams
Look at how the teams play. Do they use wingers? Do they cross the ball a lot? Do they defend deeply and block shots? Teams that shoot a lot and play wide tend to win more corners. -
Check Recent Stats
Look at the last five to ten matches for each team. You’ll often spot patterns in how many corners or cards they tend to get. If a team averages six or seven corners per match consistently, that’s valuable information. -
Know the Referee
Some referees are known for being strict. If a particular referee averages five or more cards per game, that could influence your betting decisions. -
Game Importance Matters
High-stakes games like cup finals or derby matches often lead to more cards due to high emotions. The more heated the match, the more likely players will get booked. -
Watch the First 10 Minutes
If you’re betting live, observe how the game starts. If one team dominates from the start and is already pushing into the box, the corner count may climb quickly.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Manchester United are playing Nottingham Forest. You know United will attack most of the game. You look at past matches and see United consistently get over 7 corners when they play teams that sit deep.
You place a bet on United Over 6.5 Corners. During the game, United push hard, and by the 75th minute, they have already taken 8 corners. Your bet is safe.
On the same night, you check a game between Marseille and PSG. You remember the last time they played, there were 7 yellow cards and 2 reds. You bet Over 55 Booking Points, and by halftime, both teams already have 3 yellow cards each. The cards keep coming, and your bet finishes as a win.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bet on both corners and cards in the same game?
Yes. Some bookmakers even offer combo bets where you can bet on both markets together. For instance, Over 9 Corners and Over 40 Booking Points.
2. Do extra time and penalties count in corner and card bets?
Usually, no. Most of these bets are settled based on 90 minutes plus injury time. Unless you are betting on markets that clearly state “including extra time,” don’t expect those stats to count.
3. What is the safest bet in card or corner markets?
There’s no guaranteed safe bet, but team totals (e.g. Team A Over 4.5 Corners) are often easier to predict when the team style is known.
4. Why do odds vary so much for the same bet across matches?
Odds depend on team history, referee assignment, league style, and game pressure. A La Liga match may have more cards than a Premier League one because of the refereeing style and match intensity.
5. Can weather affect corner or card counts?
Absolutely. Rainy or windy conditions can lead to more defensive mistakes, clearances, and physical tackles, which might increase corners and cards.
Final Thought
Betting on corners and cards is not just for professionals or seasoned punters. It’s for anyone who wants to enjoy the game from a different angle.
It rewards those who pay attention to match details, team styles, and emotions. You don’t have to be a stats genius. You just need a bit of research, common sense, and awareness of how teams and players behave on the pitch.
This type of betting brings excitement from the very first whistle to the final minute, and it often holds more value than traditional betting markets. Start small, watch closely, and you might just discover your edge in the game.