The First Four is the official kickoff to March Madness, but for many bettors and casual fans, it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of the tournament.
Are these play-in games? Do the winners actually have a chance to make a run? And most importantly—should you bet on them?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is the First Four?
The First Four consists of four play-in games held before the official First Round of the NCAA Tournament. These games determine the final four teams to join the field of 64.
The First Four was introduced in 2011, expanding the tournament from 64 to 68 teams. It serves two purposes:
- Bubble Teams Battle for a Spot – The last four at-large teams (usually from power conferences) play for a spot in the main draw.
- Low Seeds Fight for Position – The four lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers (small-conference champions) play to decide which teams will be true No. 16 seeds.
These games are played on the Tuesday and Wednesday after Selection Sunday, always in Dayton, Ohio—the tournament’s traditional launch site.
Who Plays in the First Four?
There are two distinct types of First Four matchups:
- At-Large Play-In Games: These involve the last four teams that barely made the cut. The winners advance as No. 11 or No. 12 seeds into the main bracket.
- 16-Seed Play-In Games: These involve the four lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers (small conference winners). The winners advance as No. 16 seeds to face a No. 1 seed in the First Round.
Examples from past tournaments:
- 2023: No. 11 Pittsburgh defeated No. 11 Mississippi State and went on to win another game.
- 2022: No. 11 Notre Dame won its First Four game and reached the Round of 32.
- 2018: No. 11 Syracuse started in the First Four and made it to the Sweet 16.
Does the First Four Matter for Brackets?
Yes. Since the First Four started in 2011, at least one First Four team has won a First Round game in 10 of the last 12 tournaments.
Notable First Four runs:
- UCLA (2021) – Entered as a No. 11 seed in the First Four and made a Final Four run.
- VCU (2011) – Won their First Four game and advanced to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed.
How to Bet on the First Four
From a betting perspective, the First Four offers strong value because:
- Lines Are Softer Than the First Round – Oddsmakers don’t always have as much data on these teams, creating opportunities for sharp bettors.
- Underdogs Can Be Dangerous – If you’re betting the spread, keep in mind that lower-ranked automatic qualifiers tend to play with an edge.
- First Half Unders Are Historically Profitable – Nerves, new environments, and slower starts have made First Four first-half unders a strong betting trend.
First Four Betting Trends to Know
- First Four winners often cover in the First Round – No. 11 seeds from the First Four have a strong track record of upsets.
- Favorites perform well in the 16-seed matchups – Small-conference champs rarely pull upsets within the First Four itself.
- Bet the under in close at-large matchups – Teams tend to start slow, knowing their season is on the line.
Should You Bet on the First Four?
The First Four may not get the same hype as the Round of 64, but smart bettors know there’s value in these early games. Whether you’re looking for underdogs, live betting angles, or sharp totals plays, the First Four is where the tournament really begins.
