Definition
A Patent is a system bet that covers 3 selections across 7 individual bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles, and 1 treble (3-fold accumulator). Because it includes singles, a Patent pays out if just one of your three selections wins. It offers the most protection of any 3-selection system bet.
How It Works
From your 3 selections (A, B, C), the Patent automatically generates: Singles on A, B, and C; Doubles on A+B, A+C, and B+C; and a Treble on A+B+C. Your total stake is 7 times your unit stake. Even if two selections lose, you still collect on the one winning single. If all three win, you collect on all 7 bets.
Example
Selections: A (2.00), B (2.50), C (3.00). Unit stake: $5 (total stake: $35).
If all 3 win:
- 3 singles: $10 + $12.50 + $15 = $37.50
- 3 doubles: $25 + $30 + $37.50 = $92.50
- 1 treble: $75
- Total return: $205, profit: $170
If only A wins:
- 1 single pays: $10
- Total return: $10, loss: $25
A Patent limits your downside while offering significant upside if all picks hit.
Why It Matters
The Patent is the most forgiving system bet for 3 selections because the singles provide a safety net. Compared to a Trixie (which excludes singles), a Patent costs more but guarantees a return if at least one selection wins. It is best suited for medium-to-high odds selections where even one winning single can return a meaningful amount.
Patents work best with selections at odds of 2.00 or higher. At lower odds, the singles may not return enough to offset the higher total stake compared to a Trixie.