---
title: "1st, 2nd, 3rd, Starter, Special, and Consolation Prizes Explained"
description: "Understand the common 4D prize rows, why Starter and Special labels vary, and how ticket coverage controls whether a row qualifies."
slug: 4d-prize-tiers-explained
locale: en
category: basics
published_at: 2026-08-22
reviewed_at: 2026-08-22
reading_minutes: 5
canonical_url: "https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/4d-prize-tiers-explained"
markdown_url: "https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/4d-prize-tiers-explained.md"
sources:
  - label: Da Ma Cai - How to Play 1+3D
    url: "https://www.damacai.com.my/how-to-play/"
    official: true
  - label: Sports Toto - Prize Information
    url: "https://www.sportstoto.com.my/how_to_play_prize.asp"
    official: true
  - label: Singapore Pools - Latest 4D Results
    url: "https://www.singaporepools.com.sg/en/product/pages/4d_results.aspx"
    official: true
related_guides:
  - slug: how-to-read-4d-results
    title: How to Read a 4D Result Board Without Missing a Prize
    url: "https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/how-to-read-4d-results"
    markdown_url: "https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/how-to-read-4d-results.md"
  - slug: big-vs-small-4d-bets
    title: "Big vs Small 4D Bets: Which Prize Rows Count?"
    url: "https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/big-vs-small-4d-bets"
    markdown_url: "https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/big-vs-small-4d-bets.md"
---

# 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Starter, Special, and Consolation Prizes Explained

A standard 4D result board publishes exactly 23 winning four-digit numbers each draw. These numbers are divided into three distinct vertical tiers with differing payout amounts and qualification rules.

Spotting your number on the board is only the first step. Understanding which tier it landed in and whether your ticket bet type covers that tier determines your actual payout.

## The Top 3 Prizes: Ranked hierarchy

The top of the board features three individually ranked numbers: 1st Prize (Top prize), 2nd Prize, and 3rd Prize. Each rank carries a distinct payout.

Both Big and Small bet types cover the Top 3 prizes. However, Small bets pay significantly higher amounts on these top positions because Small bets forfeit coverage on all secondary and consolation prizes.

## Special vs Starter: The secondary prize tier

Directly below the Top 3 are ten secondary prize numbers. Magnum, Sports Toto, Sabah 88, Sandakan 4D, and Sarawak CashSweep label this group "Special", while Da Ma Cai and Singapore Pools label it "Starter".

All ten numbers in this tier are equal in rank and payout. This tier is only covered by Big bets (or Da Ma Cai ABC bets). If you purchased a Small bet (or Da Ma Cai A bet), a number appearing in the Special or Starter tier yields no payout.

## Consolation Prizes: The bottom tier

The bottom section contains ten "Consolation" prize numbers. Like the Special tier, all ten Consolation numbers share equal rank and identical payout amounts.

Consolation prizes are only eligible for Big bets. They offer a modest return (e.g., RM60 on a RM1 Big bet in Malaysia, or $60 on a $1 Big bet in Singapore) designed to soften near-misses.

- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Prize: 3 individually ranked numbers (covered by both Big and Small).
- Special / Starter: 10 equal secondary numbers (covered by Big only).
- Consolation: 10 equal bottom-tier numbers (covered by Big only).

## Key points

- A complete standard 4D board contains 23 winning positions across three tiers.
- Top 3 prizes have distinct, descending payouts covered by both Big and Small bets.
- Special and Starter refer to the same 10-number secondary tier across different operators.
- Consolation contains 10 numbers and is only covered by Big bets.
- Always verify whether your ticket bet type (Big vs Small) covers the tier where your number appeared.

## Sources and further reading

Exact prize payouts and tier descriptions are established by each licensed operator. Check official game rules for specific prize tables.

- [Da Ma Cai - How to Play 1+3D](https://www.damacai.com.my/how-to-play/) (Official operator)
- [Sports Toto - Prize Information](https://www.sportstoto.com.my/how_to_play_prize.asp) (Official operator)
- [Singapore Pools - Latest 4D Results](https://www.singaporepools.com.sg/en/product/pages/4d_results.aspx) (Official operator)

## Related guides

- [How to Read a 4D Result Board Without Missing a Prize](https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/how-to-read-4d-results.md)
- [Big vs Small 4D Bets: Which Prize Rows Count?](https://4dresult.asia/en/blog/big-vs-small-4d-bets.md)

---

Operator rules, schedules, payouts, and claim procedures can change. Confirm any ticket or possible win with the issuing operator.