Craps Strategy Guide
Ever been in a casino and heard a crowd of enthusiastic gamblers cheering each other on? It’s likely coming from the craps table. The energy of a craps table is nothing short of infectious and why it's widely considered the most social and engaging game on any casino floor - virtual or otherwise. But before you jump into the action as a beginner or a seasoned player, it's essential to have a strategy in place to navigate the high-energy and rolling emotions of the game.
Table of Content:
- Understanding the Basics
- Types of Bets in Craps
- Beginner Strategies
- Advanced Strategies
- Craps Strategy FAQs
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most popular strategies that players swear by. You’ll get to know the Pass Line Bet, a classic choice for its favourable odds, the Iron Cross Strategy, which is perfect for covering more winning outcomes, and the 3-Point Molly Strategy, which offers a more balanced betting approach.
Ready to get rolling? Read on.
Understanding the Basics
The History of Craps
Craps boasts a rich history that traces back to ancient times, though its exact origins are debated. Some trace it to Roman soldiers, while others link it to the English dice game, Krabs, or a European game called Hazard. Despite the debate, it's widely agreed that craps made its way to America through French settlers in the 19th century where it gained popularity in American casinos and evolved into the game we know today.
The Basic Rules of Craps
At first, craps might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. At its core, craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls.
Craps begins with the Come-Out Roll, where the shooter rolls two dice to establish the 'point' of the game. The goal of the shooter is to roll the point number again before a seven appears. If the shooter hits the point, they roll again, starting a new Come-Out Roll and resetting the game. If a seven is rolled before the point, it's a 'seven out,' and the dice pass to the next shooter.
With these basics in mind, let’s explore the various types of bets you can make in craps and how they can impact your game strategy.
Types of Bets in Craps
Pass Line and Don’t Pass Bets
The Pass Line bet is central to the game of craps. If you are there for the Come Out Roll, this is the point where the puck is OFF, no point has been established, and it’s a clean table eager for a shooter to establish a point and get things started.
Players place their bets on the Pass Line hoping to see a 7 or 11 on the Come Out Roll, which results in an immediate win. Rolling a 2, 3, or 12 is known as "craps” - an instant loss. If any other number is rolled, it establishes the point, and the puck is flipped to ON. The shooter must then roll this point number again before rolling a 7 to win. Rolling a 7 before hitting the point means a loss for Pass Line and Come Line bets. In this case, bets on the Don’t Pass or Don’t Come lines win, but more on that later.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
A Come Bet is similar to a Pass Line bet in that you are for the shooter, but you are coming in with the game already in progress, not unlike an in-game sports bet made after the game has started. Unlike a Pass Line bet, where a 7 results in a ‘seven out’ and the dice pass to the next shooter, a 7 on the Come Line is a winning roll. If a number other than 7 or 11 is rolled, that number becomes your personal point, separate from the shooter's Pass Line point.
The Come line gives you the same chance as a new shooter coming out had originally, which is why it exists, for you would not walk in and bet on an established point that was tough to hit and subject yourself to a far more likely 7 out scenario.
In craps, it doesn’t matter when you ‘come in’ and place your bet; betting on the Come Line allows you to bet on a new point, providing a better opportunity compared to betting on the shooter’s established point.
Place Bets
Once the point is established, players can place bets on any number other than 7, or ask the croupier to do so for them. Any number rolled before a 7 results in a win for the numbers that hit. You can leave your bet up or take it off as it hits, effectively pressing it or cashing it out in anticipation the roll will end. Most craps bets are on the assumption a prolonged series of rolls and numbers will be hit before a 7 ends the shooter’s roll.
There are different odds on each of the numbers as it relates to their likelihood of coming up. A 10 or a 4 is harder to roll than a 6 or 8 as there are less dice combinations that make the number. As a result, a 10 or 4 pays 2:1, while a 6 or 8 pays 6:5.
Field Bets
A bet on the field, or Field Bet, covers a basket of numbers that will win your bet if the number in that basket hits on the next roll. If not, the bet is lost. The Field includes: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
Similar to the Field Bet that gives you a basket, or range, of numbers, the Big 6 and Big 8 are the same for just those two numbers. However, the combinations of dice rolls that make up 6 and 8 are greater than the combinations that make any of those other numbers - making these bets more favourable.
Proposition Bets
The bets above are examples of “Prop” bets. If that is, the bets don’t stay up past a single roll of the dice. You have one chance to hit the number, similar to playing a single hand of blackjack, it’s a win or lose in a one-instance type of bet.
Beginner Strategies
Starting with the Pass Line Bet
All craps games start with the Come Out roll. As a beginner, placing a Pass Line bet is a great way to start. Bet on the Pass Line before the Come Out roll; if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win. If a point (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is established, your bet wins if that point is rolled again before a 7. Adding odds behind your Pass Line bet can further improve your chances, making this a simple strategy for newcomers to try.
Utilizing the Odds Bet
After you establish a point, on, say, the 6 or 8 as an example, you can make an additional bet to ‘back up’ your established point and true up the odds closer to even versus the seven by paying 6 to win 5 behind your original bet.
Lay Bets
Like in sports, in British terms primarily, you ‘back’ a team or ‘lay’ money against the team. In craps, it’s the same idea. You are betting on something NOT happening versus happening.
Bankroll Management
Craps can eat a bankroll fast if the shooter is taking a long roll and money from the Come Line is constantly being moved to a new point to hit. A single 7 rolled kills all those bets, and wins, that could take time to establish! So, manage your bankroll wisely and don’t get riled up by the emotions of the table, virtual or otherwise. Just like any other gambling adventure, set a budget and do your best to stick to it, by not chasing losses with big bets or overstaying your ‘financial’ welcome at the table.
Keeping it Simple: Avoiding Proposition Bets
As prop bets are immediate win or lose bets, they are for a more advanced player who understands their nature. Craps newbies should stick to Pass Line bets revolving around the success of a shooter’s roll hitting the established point before a seven ends the roll.
Advanced Strategies
The Iron Cross Strategy
The Iron Cross maximizes coverage on a single roll, betting every number except 7. It combines a Field Bet with additional bets on 5, 6, and 8. But, if a 7 is rolled, all bets are lost and this one-roll wonder is a total loss. In any case, it’s a popular strategy that involves a whole lot of risk.
The 3-Point Molly Strategy
The 3-Point Molly Strategy spreads a bet across three key points to maximize coverage. It involves placing a bet on the Pass Line, then adding on 6 and 8 once the point is established. If any of these numbers hit, you win, however, if a 7 is rolled, all active bets are lost. This strategy helps spread risk across different outcomes for a balanced betting structure.
The Don't Pass Strategy
Using the Don't Pass Strategy means betting against the shooter’s success. A bet is placed on the Don't Pass line, which wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and loses on a 7 or 11. If a point is established, you’re betting that the shooter won’t roll that point number before rolling a 7. This strategy offers a lower house edge , and is a popular choice for those who like to bet against the shooter’s success.
Craps Strategy FAQs
What is the most successful craps strategy?
With so many on offer, choosing the right craps strategy often comes down to personal preference and your risk tolerance. However, for most gamblers seeking the lowest house edge, the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets are popular choices. Simple, straightforward, and offering some of the best odds in the game, these strategies help you keep your bets focused while maximizing your chances of winning.
What is the 3 4 5 rule in craps?
The 3-4-5 rule in craps is a handy guide for placing odds bets. It lets you bet up to three times your Pass Line wager if the point is 4 or 10, up to four times if it’s 5 or 9, and up to five times if it’s 6 or 8. This strategy helps you capitalize on the better odds while keeping your gameplay both balanced and pretty exciting.
What is the 5 6 8 field strategy in craps?
The 5-6-8 Field Strategy involves betting on the Field and the numbers 5, 6, and 8. Place a Field bet to cover numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12, with higher payouts on 2 and 12. Simultaneously, bet on 5, 6, and 8, as they have a higher probability of hitting. This combo maximizes your coverage, boosting your chances of winning.
What is the best way to win at the craps table?
The best way to win at the craps table is to focus on bets with the lowest house edge. Stick to the Pass Line bet and take the odds behind it, as this combo offers some of the best odds in the casino. Avoid complex bets with high house edges, like the proposition bets. Also, manage your bankroll wisely - emotions can run high at a craps table. So, stay focused, folks!