What does over under 5 mean? – Your Complete Guide to Understanding Over/Under Betting

Hey there! If you‘re new to sports betting, one of the first things you‘ll come across is ‘over/under‘ betting, also known as betting on the ‘total‘. You‘ll see books listing totals like ‘Over 5‘ or ‘Under 5‘ on games and it can be confusing to interpret exactly what those numbers mean.

As your buddy and resident betting expert, let me walk you through everything you need to know about over/under betting and specifically what ‘over/under 5‘ refers to. I‘ll provide you with concrete examples, data, and tips so you can understand this extremely popular form of betting.

Over/Under Betting 101

The basic idea behind over/under betting is simple – sportsbooks set a predicted total number of points that will be scored in a game by both teams combined. Bettors can then wager on whether the actual total points scored will be either over or under that set number.

For example, let‘s say the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Boston Celtics and the over/under total for the game is set at 220 points. Here are the two over/under betting options:

• Over 220 points scored
• Under 220 points scored

If you bet the over, you are betting that the two teams will combine to score more than 220 total points. If you bet the under, you are betting they will combine to score fewer than 220 points.

The over hits if 221 total points or more are scored. The under hits if 219 or fewer points are scored. Landing right on 220 points is considered a push, meaning bets are refunded.

See, pretty simple right? The sportsbook sets the projected total and you just pick whether you think the actual total will be over or under that number. This works for any sport like football, baseball, hockey, soccer, etc.

Now let‘s move on to breaking down what ‘over 5‘ and ‘under 5‘ specifically mean.

What Does "Over 5" Mean in Betting?

When you see a total posted at 5, an ‘over 5‘ bet means you are wagering that the two teams in that game will combine to score 6 or more points.

For example, if you bet ‘over 5‘ on an NHL hockey game and the final score is:

• 4-2 (total of 6 points): Your over 5 bet wins
• 3-0 (total of 3 points): Your over 5 bet loses
• 2-3 (total of 5 points): Your bet is refunded – it‘s a push

No matter how the scoring plays out between the teams, your over 5 bet is victorious any time their combined score reaches 6 or higher.

Even if one team gets shutout, you can still win your over 5 wager. Like if the final score is 6-0, that‘s still 6 total points scored – so your over cashes.

When Over 5 Bets Lose

Your over 5 bet would lose if the combined score adds up to 4 or fewer points. Some losing over 5 scenarios:

• 2-1 final score (total of 3 points)
• 1-0 final score (total of 1 point)
• 0-0 final score (total of 0 points)

In any sport, your over 5 bet is successful when the teams combine for 6+ points. Falling short of that at 4 or fewer points means a losing bet.

What Does "Under 5" Mean in Betting?

Now we‘ve covered what an ‘over 5‘ bet requires. An ‘under 5‘ bet is just the opposite.

When you bet ‘under 5‘, you need the two teams to combine to score 4 or fewer points for your bet to win.

For example, if you wager on under 5 in an NFL game, here are some scenarios:

• 3-0 final score (total of 3 points): Your under 5 bet wins
• 2-2 final score (total of 4 points): Your under 5 bet wins
• 6-3 final score (total of 9 points): Your under 5 bet loses

Those examples show that as long as the two teams score 4 or fewer points altogether, your under 5 bet comes out victorious.

When Under 5 Bets Lose

Your under 5 wager would lose if the total combined score reaches 5 or greater. Here are some losing under 5 scenarios:

• 2-3 final score (total of 5 points)
• 4-2 final score (total of 6 points)
• 5-1 final score (total of 6 points)

So in summary, here‘s what over/under 5 means in betting terms:

• Over 5 wins when the total points is 6 or more
• Under 5 wins when the total points is 4 or fewer

That‘s really all there is to comprehending over/under bets set specifically at 5 points. Pretty straightforward!

Why Sportsbooks Usually Set Whole Number Totals

You may be wondering, why do books set most totals at whole numbers like 5 rather than fractions like 5.5? There are a couple reasons sportsbooks tend to avoid fractions with low-scoring sports:

• Whole numbers like 5 are simpler and easier for casual bettors to digest quickly when betting sports like hockey, soccer or baseball where scoring is lower.

• Fractions like 5.5 would remove the possibility of a ‘push‘ if the game lands exactly on 5 total points. Books actually like the small chance of a push at 5 because it protects them on their over/under prices.

Now for sports where scoring is higher like football and basketball, you‘ll see more totals set with fractions like 47.5 points or 220.5 points. But for low-scoring matches, whole numbers are cleaner and avoid awkward totals like 4.5 points.

The possibility of a ‘push‘ on exact numbers is unique to over/under betting. Let‘s take a closer look at what happens when the total lands precisely on the number.

Betting Totals Set at Exactly 5 Points

When you bet an over/under with the total set right at 5, there is a chance the actual total lands exactly at 5 points, which would result in a ‘push‘.

For example, say you bet on ‘over 5‘ in a hockey game and the final score is 2-2, adding up to total of 4 points. Your bet loses because it fell short of 6+ total points needed.

However, if the final score is 2-3, that‘s an exact total of 5 points. This situation is considered a ‘push‘. When the total lands exactly on the number, all over/under bets are refunded – no bettors win or lose.

The possibility of a push on whole number totals provides some protection compared to fraction totals. With fraction totals like 5.5, there‘s no chance of a push – the total will either be over or under 5.5.

This unique dynamic is why betting on whole numbers like 5 in over/unders presents bettors with some interesting strategic opportunities compared to fractions like 5.5.

Typical Over/Under Totals Set in Major Sports

Now that you‘ve got the basics down, let‘s take a look at some of the common over/under totals you‘ll see set across the most popular sports:

NFL Over/Under Totals

• Totals generally range from 35 to 60 points
• Most common NFL totals fall between 42 and 49 points
• High-scoring matchups like Chiefs vs. Bills can have totals set at 55+ points
• Low-scoring matchups like Bengals vs. Steelers may have totals of 39 or fewer points

NBA Over/Under Totals

• NBA game totals range from 190 points up to 240+ points
• The most common over/under totals are set between 200 and 220 points
• Contests featuring lots of offensive talent like Mavericks vs. Nets can have 230+ point totals
• Slow-paced matchups like Spurs vs. Grizzlies may have over/unders around 195 points

MLB Over/Under Totals

• MLB totals are set using runs rather than points
• Game totals typically range between 6 and 12 runs
• Most common MLB over/unders are set from 7 to 10 runs
• Pitching showcases like deGrom vs. Scherzer can have totals around 6 runs
• Slugfest matchups like Yankees vs. Red Sox may have 11+ run totals

NHL Over/Under Totals

• NHL hockey game totals range from 5 to 7 goals
• The most common over/under totals are 5.5 or 6 goals
• High-scoring affairs like Oilers vs. Maple Leafs can exceed 7 goals
• Defensive matchups like Hurricanes vs. Wild may have under 5.5 goal totals

Soccer Over/Under Totals

• Soccer totals range between 1.5 to 4.5 goals
• Most common totals are set from 2 to 3 goals
• Big rivalry/playoff games may have 3.5+ goal totals
• Low-scoring defensive matchups can have under 2 or under 1.5 goal totals

As you can see, common over/under totals vary quite a bit based on the natural scoring output of each sport. This allows books to set appropriate totals to stimulate even action on both sides.

Now let‘s get into some proven betting strategies so you can crush over/unders!

7 Pro Tips for Conquering Over/Under Betting

While over/under betting may seem basic on the surface, winning requires research and the right approach. Here are my best tips for absolutely crushing sportsbook totals:

Tip #1 – Follow the sharp money

Track line movements and watch which side the pros are betting early. For example, if an NFL total opens at 49 points and quickly drops to 47, that signals respected action on the under.

Tip #2 – Factor in weather conditions

Bad weather typically suppresses scoring. Pay close attention to forecasts when betting football and baseball totals, as rain, wind and snow will favor unders.

Tip #3 – Study offensive and defensive efficiency stats

Analyze key metrics like yards per play, red zone scoring rates and 3rd down conversion rates. Understanding each team‘s strengths and weaknesses is crucial.

Tip #4 – Monitor impactful injuries

A key offensive injury to a quarterback or running back can shift a high projected total to a lower one. Same for impact defensive players – their absence may lift projections.

Tip #5 – Fade heavy public overs

The public tends to bet overs more than unders. When you see 70% or more of bets on the over, it‘s usually wise to fade the public by taking the under.

Tip #6 – Shop for the best number

Make sure you get the best price. A total of 48 at one sportsbook may be 49.5 at another, so always line shop for optimal over/under value.

Tip #7 – Have a strong opinion before betting

Don‘t just bet every over/under. Handicap matchups yourself and only play the totals you feel strongly about after doing analysis.

The most profitable sports bettors are patient and selective with their over/under wagers. Follow these tips to build an optimal betting strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Over/Under Bets

While over/under betting seems very straightforward, it‘s easy to fall into some costly traps. Here are the most frequent errors recreational bettors make:

• Betting too many over/unders without a strong opinion

• Failing to account for late lineup changes or injuries

• Blindly betting every over because it feels more exciting

• Chasing losses by increasing bet size after some unders lose

• Ignoring key stats and trends

• Failing to shop for the optimal line and number

• Betting with emotions rather than discipline and patience

Avoiding these mistakes takes experience and developing proper habits. The keys are staying patient, avoiding tilting, and doing your homework. Proper bankroll management is also essential.

With the right approach, over/under betting can absolutely be profitable long-term. Just stay selective and bet only the totals you have a clear edge on based on matchups, data and research.

Why Over/Under Betting is So Popular

There are several reasons why over/under betting has exploded in popularity in recent years:

• Don‘t need to pick a winner – Simply bet on your projections for total points without needing to choose a team against the spread. Way easier than picking winners.

• Exciting sweat – Over/under bets keep you on the edge of your seat until the final whistle, as every point scored and allowed matters. Much more engaging sweat than spread betting.

• Easy to understand – Beginners grasp the basic concept right away. You don‘t need to understand complicated concepts like covering the spread or moneylines.

• Opportunity to middle – Savvy bettors can play both sides of a total at different numbers for a risk-free payout opportunity.

• Hedging potential – You can hedge against spread/moneyline bets by using correlating over/unders to reduce risk.

• More betting options – You can bet each game total along with sides, spreads, props. More choices and opportunity.

Over/under betting provides a simpler and more exhilarating experience that appeals to novice and seasoned bettors alike. I firmly believe every sports bettor needs to understand totals.

Bottom Line

Alright my friend, now you‘ve got the complete low-down on over/under betting and specifically what "over 5" and "under 5" refers to.

I hope this detailed guide gave you the concrete examples, data, tips and strategies you need to start betting totals with confidence. Let me know if you have any other sports betting questions! I‘m always happy to help explain key concepts.

The main takeaways:

• Over 5 wins when the combined total points is 6 or more
• Under 5 cashes when the combined total points is 4 or fewer
• Typical totals vary based on the natural scoring output of each sport
• Follow late line moves, study key stats and watch for injuries
• Don‘t chase losses! Remain selective and bet only the totals you have a strong opinion on.

Best of luck at the sportsbook! Let the winning begin.