Why the “Each Way” Bet Is a Must-Have
Look: most punters treat the Grand National like a one-off gamble, but an each-way bet turns a single ticket into a safety net. It splits your stake, letting you profit if your horse finishes in the top places, not just win.
What Counts as a “Place”?
Here’s the deal: the Grand National typically offers a 1-4-5-6-7-8 format for each-way places. That means if your horse finishes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth, the place part of the bet pays out.
How the Odds Are Calculated
And here is why the math matters: the place odds are a fraction of the win odds. For a 1-4-5-6-7-8 layout, the place part is 1/5 of the win odds. So a 20/1 win becomes a 4/1 place.
Choosing the Right Fraction
By the way, bookmakers sometimes adjust the fraction to 1/4 or 1/3 depending on the field size. In a 40-horse field, 1/5 is standard; in a smaller field, you might see 1/4. Ignoring this nuance can chew up your bankroll.
Practical Example
Imagine you stake £10 each-way on a 15/2 horse. You pay £20 total. If the horse wins, you collect £150 from the win part plus £30 from the place part — £180 total. If it finishes third, you still get £30 from the place side. That’s the cushion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
First, don’t assume every-way always pays. Some bookmakers limit places to the top 4 in tight years. Second, don’t forget the extra stake. It’s easy to overlook the doubled cost and think you’re getting a free bonus.
When to Use Each Way in the Grand National
Here’s the crux: use each-way when you have a solid top-six pick but not a clear favorite. The race is chaotic — jumps, pace, and weather turn it into a lottery. An each-way bet hedges that risk.
Linking It All Together
For a deeper dive into the specifics, check out the detailed guide on grand national each way places. It breaks down the exact fractions and offers a calculator.
Final Actionable Advice
Stop betting blind. Pick a horse you trust, split your stake, and let the place part protect you when the fences get messy. That’s the only way to survive the madness.