Craps is an exciting and fast-paced dice game played in casinos worldwide. Understanding how to approach the game with a smart craps strategy can improve your chances of winning. This article breaks down useful strategies for beginners, highlights important terms, and offers tips to keep in mind when playing craps.
What is Craps?
Before diving into a craps strategy, it’s essential to understand the game. In craps, players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice. The game consists of several betting rounds, with the first being the “come-out roll.” Depending on the outcome of this roll, the game either moves to the next round or ends. Players can bet on a variety of outcomes such as the dice rolling a specific number or a combination of numbers.
Why Have a Craps Strategy?
Craps may seem like a game of pure luck, but using a craps strategy can significantly influence your gameplay. It’s not about guaranteeing a win, but about reducing the house edge and making better betting choices. By following a strategy, you can make informed decisions rather than relying on chance alone.
Basic Craps Strategy for Beginners
If you’re just getting started with craps, it’s best to focus on strategies that keep your bets simple. Here are some key strategies to help you get a feel for the game.
1. Bet on the Pass Line
The Pass Line bet is one of the simplest and most popular bets in craps. If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, you win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number rolled becomes the “point,” and you need the point number to be rolled again before a 7 to win.
- Why it’s a good strategy: The Pass Line bet has one of the lowest house edges (around 1.41%).
- Tips: Stick with this bet until you’re more comfortable with the game.
2. Use the Come Bet
The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line bet but can be placed after the point has been established. If you roll a 7 or 11, you win; if you roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number becomes your “come point,” and you must roll it again before a 7 to win.
- Why it’s a good strategy: This bet also has a low house edge, and it allows you to keep betting as the round progresses.
- Tips: The Come Bet is perfect for players who want to continue betting without complicated strategies.
3. Place Bets on the 6 and 8
If you’re looking for a slightly higher return without taking excessive risks, consider placing bets on the 6 or 8. The odds of rolling a 6 or 8 are favorable, and these numbers are often rolled more frequently than others.
- Why it’s a good strategy: The house edge on these bets is just 1.52%, making them a good choice.
- Tips: Place a bet of $6 or $8 on each number to maximize your potential payout.
Advanced Craps Strategy: Maximizing Your Odds
Once you’re comfortable with basic bets, you can explore more advanced strategies. These bets offer a bit more risk but also higher rewards.
1. The Odds Bet
After placing a Pass Line or Come Bet, you can make an Odds Bet. This is an additional bet placed after the point is established. The beauty of this bet is that it has no house edge. The payout is simply based on the odds of the point being rolled before a 7.
- Why it’s a good strategy: Since it has no house edge, the odds bet is one of the best you can make in craps.
- Tips: Always take full advantage of the odds bet if the casino allows it.
2. Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bet
The Don’t Pass and Don’t Come bets are the opposite of the Pass and Come bets. Here, you’re betting that the shooter will roll a 2, 3, or 12 (on the come-out roll) or that a 7 will be rolled before the point number.
- Why it’s a good strategy: These bets offer a slightly lower house edge than the Pass Line and Come Bets, making them more favorable for experienced players.
- Tips: These bets may not be as popular at the table, but they can be effective if used wisely.
Key Points to Remember in Craps Strategy
| Strategy | House Edge | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line Bet | 1.41% | Low | Beginners |
| Come Bet | 1.41% | Low | Continuing Players |
| Place Bets on 6 or 8 | 1.52% | Low to Medium | Intermediate Players |
| Odds Bet | 0% | Low (if allowed) | Advanced Players |
| Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bet | 1.36% | Medium | Experienced Players |
FAQs
For beginners, the Pass Line bet is the most straightforward and offers a good chance of winning with a low house edge. Once comfortable, you can add Come Bets and Place Bets on 6 or 8.
Yes, a solid craps strategy can improve your chances of winning. Although craps is a game of chance, making smart bets with a low house edge will maximize your potential over time.
The odds of winning on the Pass Line are approximately 49.29%, which is very favorable compared to many other bets on the craps table.
Conclusion
Using a craps strategy doesn’t guarantee a win, but it does improve your chances by minimizing risk and making smarter decisions. Start with simple bets like the Pass Line and gradually build your strategy as you gain experience. With patience and practice, you’ll become a more confident craps player, and your chances of success will increase.