DOTA 2 kampformater: hvordan de spiller i professionel eSport

We continue the series of materials dedicated to Dota 2 matches. Previously, we talked about elements of any Dota 2 match, how to make betting tips wisely, and analyze the strengths of teams for successful betting.

In this post we tell you what are the formats of Dota 2 matches in professional esports, how to make predictions for Dota 2 esports betting sites for professional teams and use live scoring for successful bets.

What are the formats of Dota 2 matches?

There are a few main formats and game modes in Dota 2. Some of them are used in regular matches, including ranked and unranked matches, while the others are used in the professional scene: big tournaments and local events.

A match to one victory – bo1

Bo1 is considered to be a basic format of Dota 2 matches. It is used in ranked matches, standard matches, and the majority of custom maps.

Sometimes, bo1 is also played at large esports events. For example, the first round of matches is played till one victory at The International.

However, this format has not become highly popular in professional Dota 2. It can hardly be called well-balanced but it is easily characterized as spectacular: the smallest mistakes lead to fatal consequences and give no chance to come back.

A match to two victories – bo3

Bo1 is the main Dota format beyond esports but bo3 is all about it. Matches up to two victories are the most widespread format for hosting tournaments of all scales.

It solves the main problem of bo1 matches: the absence of balance. In bo3, a team that loses one map will have a chance to work on its mistakes in a blitz format and come back.

Another argument in the favor of the balance of bo3 is a possible change of sides. At the majority of events, teams use the coin toss procedure, on the outcome of which one of the teams decides the side it will be playing, and the other one receives the right to pick a hero first.

On the second map, teams frequently swap sides, however, it is not mandatory. In modern Dota, the factor of the sides means a lot, so receiving it, the team that has lost in the coin toss has the right to choose on the second map, which can benefit it.

A match to three victories – bo5

It is the improved bo3 with the absolute balance. In theory, bo3 had to become the classic format for Dota 2 matches at tournaments of all scales but it did not.

The problem with bo5 is its duration. Even 3-0 for one of the sides can last a few hours of intense Dota play and, in turn, impacts the level of the performance of players.

Bo5 is mostly played in the finals of tournaments, both big and small. It is done in order not to overload viewers and players because the grand final is carried out on a standalone day but there are exceptions (for example, the final of The International is played on the same day as the loser’s final).

Besides three generally-accepted and standard formats, there are more sophisticated ways to host Dota 2 matches. For example, there is bo7 but, as we remember, such a match was played at a high level for the last time on January 1, 2014, when IG faced DK, and the last ones, losing with a score of 0-3, achieved victory with a result of 4-3. It was an unforgettable experience that has sunk into oblivion.

The basics of betting tips and bets on various formats of matches

Having learned about the formats of Dota 2 matches existing in competitive Dota 2, we are halfway to success. Now, it is time to use their features in betting.

The advice on betting on Dota 2 matches in a bo1 format

The first thing that you should understand in betting on bo1 matches – is roulette. Knowing this axiom will help you save money and not spoil the mood.

If you have decided to bet on a bo1 match, you will need to follow a strict plan of action. Our option does not pretend on being the only true one but it seems to be pretty rational:

1. Learn the match history of teams at a particular tournament. If they play the first match, check the match statistics at the latest championships and matches in a current patch.
2. Analyze team rosters. It is important to not miss critical replacements done by one side or two at once.
3. Take a look at the players’ performance. It is synergized with the second paragraph.
4. Compare the playstyle of both teams. A team that plays more aggressively has more chances to succeed in a bo1 match.
5. Analyze the team’s picks. It is an important subparagraph because teams frequently use their strongest characters or even imbalance heroes due to the one-map limitation.

Due to the above-mentioned paragraphs, pay special attention to the 4th and the 5th ones. From the above-mentioned list, they are the decisive ones in Bo1 matches.

The advice on betting on Dota 2 matches in a bo3 format

The basics of the scheme of actions are the same in betting on Dota 2 matches in a bo3 format: it is still important for us to know the results of the teams at a particular event or their success over a short period, and understand the strengths and weaknesses of a roster and its players. But bo3 has its unique features, by analyzing which you can increase the win rate of your bets.

The features of bo3 include an average duration of matches between teams and their win rate for one of the sides. The first aspect helps us to understand how stress-resistant a team is and how it deals with possible long matches, and the second one is wider.

2 matches are mandatory played in bo3 matches and it means that there is a chance to see a team on a different side of a map. In Dota 2, the factor of the sides is vital since they are not symmetrical and the perfect balance is impossible in such a complex discipline.

The advice on betting on Dota 2 matches in a bo5 format

Bo5 matches are a rare beast in competitive Dota 2. As we have mentioned above, these are frequently the finals of the champions and this information provides us with additional data to analyze the situation.

Since the best of the best reach the finals, it means that the performance at a tournament comes to the fore. In Dota, there are lots of examples of “a one-tournament team”, so the success of the sides at a particular tournament is meaningful.

Another factor that gives us additional data while betting is the schedule of a championship. If it is The International series, the final of the lower bracket and the grand final will be carried out on the same day due to the specifics of the final tournaments.

Logically, the team that proceeds to the final match through the upper bracket will have more time to prepare for and analyze the future opponent than the team that makes it to the final from the bottom. Continuing comparing with The International, the statistics prove this: the team that advanced to the grand final from the lower bracket won only 4 times out of 11 tournaments.

How the live score can be used for betting

We have not touched the live score and added it to the list of advice on betting on various formats of Dota 2 matches for a reason, in our opinion.

Livescore in Dota 2 allows for reducing the influence of pre-match data to the minimum level. Generally speaking, it can replace almost all recommendations.

Since Dota 2 is a flexible game where the situation on a map changes rapidly. It is not a fact that the nominal favorite of the match will be playing aggressively and be able to beat the outsider, especially when it comes to premium-class tournaments.

Considering the live score in betting, we receive comprehensive information about the current situation, which makes it easier to choose your favorite. With its help, you can bet on risky wagers, increasing your chances of success.

However, we recommend this type of betting to experienced players and people who know Dota. To analyze the situation accurately, it is not enough to just take a peek at the table and graphs for differences in gold and experience: you will need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of drafts, precisely evaluate their peak timings, and be good in the balance of drafts.