Round Robin

A round robin generates multiple parlays from your selections, covering every combination of a chosen size. Instead of one all-or-nothing parlay, you get several smaller parlays that provide protection against individual losses. It's the middle ground between straight bets and full parlays—higher variance than singles, but much safer than putting all eggs in one basket.

Table of Contents

• How Round Robins Work
• Calculating Combinations
• Round Robin Math
• Strategy Guide
• When to Use Round Robins
• Common Configurations

How Round Robins Work {#how-it-works}

You select multiple games and choose a parlay size. The system creates every possible parlay combination of that size.

Example: 4 Picks, 2-Team Parlays

Your selections:

• A: Lakers -3 at 1.91
• B: Celtics ML at 1.75
• C: Over 210.5 at 1.87
• D: Warriors -5 at 1.95

Generated parlays (6 bets):

**If betting $10 per parlay:** Total stake =$60

Outcome Scenarios

All 4 picks win:

• All 6 parlays win
• Total return: ~$207 (profit: ~$147)

3 picks win, 1 loses (say D loses):

• Winning parlays: A+B, A+C, B+C (3 wins)
• Losing parlays: A+D, B+D, C+D (3 losses)
• Return: ~$102 (profit: ~$42)

2 picks win, 2 lose:

• Only 1 parlay wins (the two winners together)
• Return: varies based on which two win
• Usually a loss overall

1 or 0 picks win:

• Total loss of all bets

Calculating Combinations {#calculation}

Combination Formula

The number of parlays in a round robin:

Where:

• n = total picks
• k = parlay size

Common Round Robin Sizes

Full Round Robin

Some bettors create "full" round robins including multiple parlay sizes:

4 picks, full round robin:

• 6 × 2-team parlays
• 4 × 3-team parlays
• 1 × 4-team parlay
• Total: 11 bets

This maximizes potential returns but also stake required.

Round Robin Math {#math}

Expected Value Calculation

Each parlay in a round robin is independent. Total EV = sum of individual parlay EVs.

Example: 4 picks at -110, 2-team parlays

Each pick has implied probability 52.4% (after vig).

For each $10 parlay:

Total EV for 6 parlays: -$2.64 on$60 wagered (-4.4%)

Variance Comparison

Round robin: Similar EV to straights, but higher upside.

Profit Probability

4 picks, 2-team round robin (assuming 50% win rate each):

Profit probability: 31.25% (vs 6.25% for 4-leg parlay)

Strategy Guide {#strategy}

Strategy 1: Optimal Configuration

Strategy 2: Stake Management

Unit-based staking:

Keep per-parlay stakes equal for simplicity.

Strategy 3: Selection Quality

Round robins don't improve bad picks. Requirements:

Don't include: "Lock of the century" with three questionable picks. The weak picks contaminate most parlays.

Strategy 4: Compare to Alternatives

Before placing round robin, calculate:

Option A: 4-pick round robin (2-team), $10 each

• Stake: $60
• Max profit: $147
• Profit if 3/4: $42

Option B: 4 straight bets, $15 each

• Stake: $60
• Max profit: $55
• Profit if 3/4: $13.65

Option C: 4-leg parlay, $20 + straight bets$10 each

• Stake: $60
• Max profit: $246
• Profit if 3/4: -$20 (lose parlay, win straights)

Choose based on your risk preference.

When to Use Round Robins {#when-to-use}

Good Situations

Bad Situations

Round Robin vs Full Parlay

Common Configurations {#configurations}

3 Picks, 2-Team Parlays (3 bets)

The simplest round robin. One loss = one winning parlay.

*At -110 odds per leg

Outcomes:

• 3/3 wins: ~$72 profit
• 2/3 wins: ~$4 profit
• 1/3 or less: ~$30 loss

4 Picks, 2-Team Parlays (6 bets)

Most popular configuration. Good balance of protection and upside.

5 Picks, 2-Team Parlays (10 bets)

Maximum practical round robin. Protects against 2 losses.

Mixed Parlay Sizes

4 picks: 2-team and 3-team parlays (10 bets)

• 6 × 2-team parlays
• 4 × 3-team parlays

Higher upside, higher risk.

Round Robin Calculator {#calculator}

Quick Reference Table

$10 per parlay, -110 odds:

Common Mistakes {#mistakes}

Mistake 1: Including Weak Picks

One -EV pick ruins your edge on most parlays.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Total Stake

10-bet round robin at $10 each =$100 at risk. Size accordingly.

Mistake 3: Correlated Selections

Two picks from same game aren't independent—protection is false.

Mistake 4: Chasing Losses

Round robins don't recover losses faster—they're still negative EV if picks are bad.

Related Calculators

• Round Robin Calculator - Generate all parlay combinations
• Parlay Calculator - Calculate individual parlay odds
• Acca Insurance Calculator - Evaluate insurance offers