Craps Table Bets

Understanding the Craps odds and bets that you can place is vital to ensuring you don't lose all your money or embarrass yourself in a live game.

You might hear people shouting all types of lingo and vernacular terms such as 'Horn Bets' or 'Lay 10' which often confuse or put off even the biggest casino degenerates.

Thankfully, the rules of Craps are actually quite simple even if it takes time to learn the jargon. Make sure to read all information on this page, before You play craps for money.

Craps Table Odds Of Winning

We can predict the odds of any particular number coming up on a roll and why the craps rules are made how you will see.

For example: the odds for you to roll a 4 on your next roll are 11 to 1.

Overall, the pass line bet is definitely one of the best bets on the craps table with a house edge of 1.41%. In addition, adding odds onto this wager is without a doubt the best way to extend your gambling bankroll. The pass line is simply one of the best ways to try and win big. #1: The Don't Pass Bar. The Field betting areas is a big section on the craps table. A bet placed on the field wins if the next roll is a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11. If the next roll is a 3, 4, 9 or 11 you win even money. If a 2 or a 12 is rolled you win 2 to 1. There are four possible hardways bets (2-2, 3-3, 4-4 and 5-5). $5000 is the practical maximum betting limit at the craps tables in Vegas. Several casinos offer a maximum bet of $5000, and we've listed them below, along with what kind of multiple the free odds bets offer. 3-4-5X odds is something a little different from what was discussed earlier. Another hotel just off of Fremont Street, the fairly newly remodeled Downtown Grand, has $5 games, and it's craps tables offer the Fire Bet. Of course, the world famous craps joint, the Cal downtown, is a must stop for any craps. Understand the house edge. The house edge is the casino's average profit on any bet. For the basic Pass Line bet the house edge is 1.41. Try a free odds bet during the Pass Line Bet. Once the ‘point' has been established you can do what is called ‘ taking the odds'.

You can figure this out by taking the number of ways a four can be made with two dice (with a one and a three, a pair of twos, or a three and a 1) compared to the number of combinations that two dice can make, which is 36.

So we have a 3 in 36 chance, or 1 in 12 chance that a 4 will come up on any given roll. To express these odds as ‘against', you would say the odds against rolling a four are 11 to 1 (think of it as 11 non 4's to one 4 for a total of 12 rolls). The calculation we've just done determines the ‘true odds' of rolling a 4.

As many of you may know, the casino doesn't like to pay back its players with ‘true odds', it prefers to alter them.

Craps rules, like so many other casino game rules, pay back odds which guarantee the house a profit in the long run. Say for instance you were to place a bet on ‘any sevens', meaning you're betting that the next roll will be a seven.

The odds against hitting a seven on the next roll are 5 to 1 (you can calculate that out the same way we did for 4), which means that if you bet one dollar and win, you deserve to win 5 bucks, but the casinos only pay you 4.

Most bets in most games at the casino have been altered in this way. In fact, this is exactly the phenomenon that gives the casino a house edge in many situations.

We've covered all the major types of bets and odds you receive here.

Understanding Craps Odds

For instance, odds can be related either as 2-1 or 2 to 1, where a 1 credit bet returns 2 credits. In other words, 2 to 1 odds returns the original 1 credit bet and a 1 credit profit.

The Best Craps Bets

The best bets in craps are the pass line bet, taking the odds, the don't pass bar, the come bet, and placing the 6 or the 8. Let's look at each:

Pass Line

This is the most basic and popular of bets when playing Craps. It has one of the lowest house edges (1.41%) and it is very simple to place. Betting on the pass line bet or betting 'with the dice' is the most common bet in craps and you will see many players or shooters choosing it.

A pass line bet requires you to place chips on the 'Pass Line' section of the table. If the shooter's come out roll is a 7 or 11, you win even money (1:1). However, if the come out roll is 2,3 or 12 (craps) you lose.

If any other number is rolled (4,5,6,8,9 or 10) it's called the point. The shooter continues to throw the dice until he/she roles a 7 or the Point. If the point is rolled first, you win even money. If the 7 is rolled first you lose your bet.

Interestingly, in a game of Crapless Craps, the ability to lose a Pass Line bet to craps on a come out roll is removed – hence the name 'crapless' craps. This improves your odds of winning by removing the house edge and increasing your expected value.

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Don't Pass Line

You can also bet on the 'Don't Pass' line, which is basically when you are betting or laying the shooter on his first roll. This is simply the opposite of the pass line bet and is also known as betting against the dice.

To make this bet place your chips in the narrower section just beyond the pass line labelled don't pass.

If the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 (Craps) than you win straight away (1:1 even money). If a 7 or 11 is rolled before the Point is scored you lose. A 12 is considered a Push (draw) and normally you can relinquish this bet.

If any other number is rolled (4,5,6,7,8,9 or 10) this is established on the point number. After this happens you'll win your money back if a 7 is rolled before the Point number, and lose if a 7 comes first.

Taking the Odds

After the point has been established, you can make an additional bet known as Taking the Odds or Pass Odds. You are betting on the Point number being rolled before a 7. The pay out odds are normally displayed on the Casino craps table.

The odds vary for different numbers based on the likelihood of them being rolled.

Normally, the payouts are as follows:

• 4 pays 2:1
• 5 pays 3:2
• 6 pays 8 pays 6:5
• 9 pays 3:2
• 10 pays 2:1

The odds bet is the best bet you can make in the game of craps, because the house has no built-in advantage. Free odds bets are paid back at true odds, so when you're making these bets the casino has no house edge whatsoever, it's an even game!

Come Bet

This is similar to a Pass Line bet, but it is made after the point has been established (dealer button is ON). The next roll then becomes the Come Out roll for your bet and establishes your Point. The payout depends on the Point:

• 7 or 11 pays 1:1 (also known as a Natural)
• 2, 3, or 12 you lose your money (also known as Craps)
• If neither of the above is rolled then (4,5,6,8,9 or 10) becomes the point for your bet. If a 7 comes before your point is rolled again you lose. If your point is won however your payout depends on the Point.

Come Bet Payouts:

Taking the Odds

This is similar to the Come Bet and has the same odds above (Come Odds). You can place this bet only after the point has been established. If the 7 is rolled before the point, you lose.

Laying the Odds

Opposite of Taking the Odds. This is a Don't Pass Line bet which can be made only after the point has been established. If a 7 is rolled before the point, you win.

Laying the Odds Payout:

Don't Come Bet

Oppose of Come Bet. This is similar to a Don't Pass Line bet, but it is made after the Come Out roll. To make this bet all you need to do is to put your chips in the area labeled 'Don't Come' on the layout. You lose on a 7 or 11, and win on a 2 or 3. 12 is a 'stand-off.'

Here you win if 7 rolls before your 'come-point' is repeated, and lose if the 'come-point' is made before a 7 is rolled.

Place Bets

You can bet on specific point numbers. If your number is rolled before a 7, you win. If a 7 comes before your point number, you lose. You're paid out according to the table below.

Place Bets Payout:

Placing the 6 or 8

Don't Come Bet

Oppose of Come Bet. This is similar to a Don't Pass Line bet, but it is made after the Come Out roll. To make this bet all you need to do is to put your chips in the area labeled 'Don't Come' on the layout. You lose on a 7 or 11, and win on a 2 or 3. 12 is a 'stand-off.'

Here you win if 7 rolls before your 'come-point' is repeated, and lose if the 'come-point' is made before a 7 is rolled.

Place Bets

You can bet on specific point numbers. If your number is rolled before a 7, you win. If a 7 comes before your point number, you lose. You're paid out according to the table below.

Place Bets Payout:

Placing the 6 or 8

When you make a place bet you bet that one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 will be hit before a 7 is hit. You can make a place bet any time by throwing your chips on the table while telling the dealer ‘I want to place the 6' or whatever number you want to place your bet for.

So, if the number you bet on is rolled before a 7 you win and you are paid as follows: 4 or 10 placed – 9:5 odds, 5 or 9 placed – 7:5 odds, 6 or 8 placed – 7:6 odds.

As you can see the best for you is to place a bet on 6 or 8, because these bets have the best odds and also they have a good chance of hitting.

If you get the feeling like you want to place the 4 or 10, you should buy them instead, because although there is a Vig (a fee for winning bets) on these numbers, the edge comes out in your favor, however slightly.

However, the pass line bet is still the best one with the best odds and in the long run you should stick with it.

Although you can technically place a place bet at any time, it is impossible for it to come into effect until the shooters point is set, therefore it is more acceptable to ask for this bet after the come out roll is over.

Craps table

Bets with Poor Craps Odds

Big 6/Big 8 Bet

This is a Bet on a Big 6 or Big 8, put down after the point has been established. If a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7, you win (1:1). This is a bet that you should not play because you can Place a bet on 6 or 8 and receive better odds.

Field Bets

Kind of what the name suggests, field bets are open to everyone who bets on the next number rolled. To place one you simple throw your chips into the table (as little chips as possible) and tell the stick man what you want. The payout for field bets:

• 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 all payout 1:1
• 2 pays 2:1
• 12 pays out either 2:1 or 3:1 (depending on the casino)

Proposition Bets

Placed before any throw. The house edge on all of these bets are over 11%. Therefore, you should not bet these very often or you should hedge your bets when you do so.

You can bet on any number as follows:

• Betting on the next throwbeing a 2, 3 or 12 (Craps)
• Any Seven: Betting on the next throw being a 7
• Eleven: Betting on the next throw being an 11
• Horn Bet: Betting on the next number being a 2, 3, 11, or 12. The payout is determined by the number rolled

Proposition bets are those placed in the middle of the table layout, and those bets never have a good house edge. You should make these bets only for fun and to make your game more exciting.

So, here they are:

• With the 'any seven' bet you're betting the shooter will hit a 7 on the next roll. It has a horrible house edge of 16.67%. Never make this bet.
• With the 'snake eyes' bet you're betting the shooter will throw a two on the next roll.
• With the 'yo eleven' bet you're betting the shooter will hit an 11 on the next roll.
• With the 'any craps' bet you're betting the shooter will throw a 2, 3, or 12 on the next roll. It holds a house edge of over 11%
• With the 'any three' bet you're betting the shooter will throw a 3 on the next roll.
• With the 'midnight' bet you're betting the shooter will throw a 12 on the next roll.
• With the 'horn' bet you're combining the snake eyes, 3, yo 11, and midnight bets.

Hardway Bets

A Hardway Bet is also made regarding the outcome of the next die throw. A Hardway roll occurs when doubles are thrown with an outcome of 4, 6, 8 or 10.

For example: rolling a pair of threes would produce a 'hard 6'. An Easy roll is produced when the same outcome is achieved, but without rolling doubles.

For the previous example, rolling a 4 and a 2 would produce an 'easy 6'. For a Hardway Bet to win, the shooter must roll a double with an outcome of 4, 6, 8 or 10. The wager loses if either a 7 or any Easy number is rolled.

The Lay Bet

The lay bet is almost similar with the don't pass and don't come bets, because with this bet your are playing against the dice. You can make this bet at any time in the game and it can be placed on 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10. A lay bet wins when 7 rolls before the number.

7 is more likely to come up than any other number so the casino requires you to wager more than you could win. This bet also requires a commission of 5% on average. If the bet is on 4 or 10 you get 1:2 odds, on 5 or 9 2:3 odds, on six or 8 5:6 odds.

The Buy Bet

When you choose this bet it means that you will buy numbers instead of placing them.

The numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 can all be bought but there are only two numbers that really make buy bets worthwhile and those numbers are 4 and 10 because they pay off better than the other numbers. You win if the buy number comes up before a 7 is rolled.

The odds are higher for a buy bet. 2:1 on a 4 or 10 buy, 3:2 for a 5 or 9, or 6:5 for a 6 or 8. Player pays 5% 'vigorish' to get true odds on all numbers.

Depending on how much you bet, buying a bet can make you more money in the end even after accounting for the ‘vig'. The odds are only in your favor on a buy bet for a 4 or 10, so stick with the place bet on any others.

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I'm writing a series of blog posts about casino games and the good and bad strategies for playing those games.

Craps is one of my favorite casino games, so I've been looking forward to writing this one.

And the beautiful thing about craps is that it's a game of pure chance. The best strategy is just to choose the bets with the lowest edge for the house and have fun.

But I'll have some things to say about some of the strategies and systems that other writers promote, too.

They're mostly bad craps strategies.

Here's the Only Craps Strategy You Need

When you're dealing with an entirely random game – like craps – the only strategy that matters is choosing the bets with the lowest house edge and having fun.

I'll have something to say about shooters and whether they have control over the outcomes later in this post, but for now, let's just agree that games like craps are purely chance.

In other games that are entirely random, like slot machines, you don't even really need to decide which bet to place. It's chosen for you before you sit down.

When playing craps for real money, you have a handful of good bets you can make, but most of the bets on the table are bad. Just skip the bad bets, and you're all set.

The Bests Bets at the Craps Table

The best bets at the craps table are the pass line bet and the don't pass bet.

The come and don't come bets are also great wagers.

I always advise casino gamblers to try to limit their gambling to games where the house edge is lower than 2% — preferably 1.5% or lower.

The house edge for the pass and come bets is the same, 1.41%, which means they qualify.

The house edge for the don't pass and don't come bets is even lower, 1.36%, but the 0.05% isn't worth worrying about. Most people prefer to root for the shooter to succeed.

The other bet to think about at the craps table is the odds bet. This is a bet you can only place after making one of the 4 bets I already mentioned and when the shooter has set a point.

This is one of the only bets in the casino that has no house edge. It's a break-even bet, but it can be expensive.

It can also drive the effective house edge on the money you have in action down to almost nothing.

Here's how that works.

How the Odds Bet Changes the House Edge for the Better

If you're betting on the pass line and the shooter sets a point, you can expect to lose $1.41 for every $100 you bet. That's on average and in the long run.

If you're playing at a casino that only allows you to place an odds bet at 1X the size of your pass line bet, you can put another $100 into action.

Your expected loss remains $1.41, though, which effectively cuts the house edge in half, from 1.41% to 0.71%.

If you're able to bet 2X your original bet on the odds bet, you can lower that even further to 0.36%. (You have $300 in action, but your expected loss is still only $1.41.)

The more you're able to bet on the odds bet, the lower the house edge for all the money you have in action becomes.

It's clear why betting on the pass line and taking the most odds that you can is an effective strategy. With the odds bet, you can get the house edge in craps lower than 0.5% at least some of the time at the table, making it an even better game than blackjack.

And what's more, you don't have to memorize basic strategy to get the low house edge at craps.

You just need a big enough casino bankroll to make the right bets, and you need enough sense to avoid the bad bets at the table – of which there are many.

Any Strategy that Involves Placing ANY Other Bets at the Craps Table Is a BAD Craps Strategy

There's a reason gambling experts measure bets according to their house edge. That's because it's the single best indicator of how good or bad a bet is.

The house edge is a statistical estimate of how much money you'll lose as a percentage of your original bet over the long run.

If the house edge is 1.41%, the casino expects to win an average of $1.41 every time you bet $100.

If the house edge is 16.66%, the casino expects to win an average of $16.66 every time you bet $100.

Which bet looks like the better bet for the casino?

And which one looks like the better bet for the gambler?

It shouldn't be hard to make the distinction.

Craps Table Layout With Bonus Bets

Even the best of the bad bets on the craps table are inferior to the 1.41% or 1.36% you can get from the pass, don't pass, come, and don't come bets.

And trust me on this:

You can have PLENTY of fun sticking with the basic bets at the craps table.

Betting Systems Where You Raise and Lower the Size of Your Bets Are Bad Strategies

The classic example of this kind of betting system is the Martingale System, where you double the size of your bets after each loss. When you do this repeatedly, you eventually win back the money you've lost along with a profit of one unit.

The problem with a system like the Martingale is that you'll eventually run into a big enough losing streak that it will wipe out all those small profits and then some.

Most people underestimate how quickly a bet's size gets when doubling after every loss.

They also overestimate how likely they are to avoid long losing streaks.

If you double a $5 bet once, that's $10.

But if you run into a losing streak of 8 bets in a row, you're looking at having to bet $640 to make up for your losses.

Also, every roll of the dice is an independent event. The odds don't change based on how many times you've won or lost in a row.

You might think the probability of losing that 8^th bet is lower than the likelihood of losing the first one, but the truth is that the dice have no memory. They have the same 6 sides, no matter how many times you've lost in a row.

Each bet in craps is an independent event, and any betting system will assume that the odds are changing based on how many times in a row you've won or lost.

Money Management Strategies Don't Hurt Anything, but They Won't Improve Your Odds of Winning, Either

Money management strategies involve having strict gambling discipline about how much of your bankroll you're willing to risk before quitting the game. They also require you to stop when you've won an arbitrary amount of money.

Money management techniques are often used in conjunction with betting systems.

Here's an example of a money management strategy in craps:

You decide your bankroll for the session is $250, and you're playing for $5 per roll of the dice.

Your stop-loss limit is $100, so, if your bankroll drops to $150, you must quit the craps session and go do something else.

Your win goal is $250, so once your bankroll gets up to $500, you must quit the game and go do something else.

This kind of strategy might increase your chances of walking away from the game a winner.

Craps Table Bets Explained

But that's only because a lot of gamblers will just keep playing until they've lost their entire stake. They just don't generally have a lot of sense about that sort of thing.

The Jury's Out on Dice Setting or Dice Control

I've seen multiple reputable gambling writers express interest and some belief that some craps shooters can influence the probability of specific outcomes. I'm skeptical – in the extreme – but I'll give it an appropriate amount of credence.

The idea is that you hold the dice a specific way – 'setting' the dice – then throw with a minimum amount of force – just enough to hit the back wall and eliminate most of the rolling action.

A controlled shooting expert doesn't have to be perfect. Instead, they're trying to be like someone who's playing darts. They improve the probability enough to change the negative expectation on a bet to a positive expectation.

You can buy books and videos explaining how to get an edge at craps this way, but I can't imagine the amount of practice and record-keeping required to have any confidence in your ability to change the odds.

Imagine if you spent 1000 hours trying to learn how to control the dice and coming up short. Maybe you just don't have the knack for it.

That doesn't sound like a good deal to me.

I'd rather learn to count cards in blackjack.

Conclusion

Those are the best and the worst of the strategies I know of for playing craps in the casino. I know plenty of people who would disagree with every recommendation I've made, but the math behind the game doesn't lie.

The best strategy is to stick with the bets with the lowest house edge and have as much fun as you can.