Your Back Bet
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About this tool
Hedging locks in a guaranteed profit or limits a guaranteed loss by placing a lay bet against a position you have already backed. The optimal lay stake is derived from the ratio of your back stake to the two prices: lay stake = back stake × back odds ÷ lay odds. When both bets settle, you receive identical P&L regardless of outcome.
If the selection's price has shortened since you backed it (lay odds lower than back odds), the hedge locks in a profit — the market has moved in your favour. If the price has drifted (lay odds higher than back odds), laying will produce a guaranteed loss smaller than your full back stake — you are trading out at a loss to reduce exposure. Break-even occurs when lay odds equal back odds. Betfair commission is applied to net positive P&L on the market.