The Complete Guide to Craps Bets
The Basics of Craps Betting
Craps is a dice game where players wager on the outcomes of the roll, a series of rolls, or a pair of dice. The game offers a wide variety of bets, each with its odds and rules. To start with, understanding the two primary phases of the game—the Come Out Roll and the Point—will help you grasp why specific bets are placed. In the Come Out Roll, specific outcomes such as 7 or 11 categorize as 'natural' and win immediately, while 2, 3, or 12 indicate a 'craps' roll resulting in a loss for the Pass Line bet. If another number surfaces, that number becomes the 'Point,' leading the game into its second phase. Players continue to roll until they shoot a 7 or hit the Point again. Knowing these basics about craps betting forms the foundation upon which you will choose your strategies and place your bets throughout this engaging casino game.
The Pass Line Bet Explained
The Pass Line Bet is one of the most popular and straightforward wagers in craps, typically a great entry point for beginners. To put it simply, you place this bet before the Come Out roll. When betting on the Pass Line, you're essentially rooting for the shooter to roll a natural (7 or 11) or to hit the Point number before rolling a 7. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. Players win even money, which means your winnings equal the bet amount if successful. It's important for newcomers to focus on this bet, as it comes with a relatively low house edge of 1.41%. Understanding the mechanics and likelihoods of the Pass Line Bet is essential for building broader craps strategies.
An Insight into the Don't Pass Bet
The Don't Pass Bet, interestingly, is the converse of the Pass Line Bet, and popular among those who fancy going against the grain. This bet involves betting that the shooter will lose, essentially. On the Come Out Roll, a 2 or 3 rolled means a win for those betting Don't Pass, while a 7 or 11 results in a loss. Rolling a 12 is a push, meaning your bet is neither won nor lost. After the Point is established, those on the Don't Pass side hope for a 7 before the Point is hit. The advantage of this bet is its slightly lower house edge, standing at about 1.36%, making it appealing to players focusing on statistical advantages. However, it often feels counterintuitive, as it requires one to bet against the collective crowd.
The Come Bet and Its Dynamics
The Come Bet is similar to the Pass Line Bet but can be placed at any time after the Point is established, offering greater flexibility in gameplay. Once placed, the next roll determines the fate of the bet. Much like the Pass Line, rolling a 7 or 11 wins immediately, while a 2, 3, or 12 means you lose. If any other number lands, that number becomes the Come Point, and players will need that number again before a 7 to win. This bet essentially creates a new game within the current round, mirroring the Pass Line process. The house edge remains the same, and it becomes an exciting strategic element for seasoned players trying to leverage multiple points. This adds an extra layer of excitement and depth to the game.
The Strategy Behind the Don't Come Bet
True to its name, the Don't Come Bet is the counter-strategy to the Come Bet and caters to players who believe in the success of playing 'the dark side.' Placed after the Point is determined, the Don't Come Bet involves rooting for a 2 or 3 on the roll, pushing on a 12, and losing with a 7 or 11. After a number becomes the Come Point, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled and loses if that number is hit again first. The house edge on this bet also sits at an attractive low of roughly 1.36%, giving it strategic merit for those focused on reducing risk. Regularly incorporating this bet can form a comprehensive betting strategy in craps, challenging both your foresight and flexibility.
Understanding Odds Bets in Craps
Odds Bets in craps provide a unique chance to wager without a house edge, making them a valuable addition to any player's strategy. These bets are placed as a supplementary wager to your Pass Line, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come Bets after a point has been established. Since they have no house advantage, they offer true odds, representing the unbiased probabilities of the dice outcomes. The size of Odds Bets varies depending on the casino but is generally allowed up to a certain multiple of the initial bet. The potential returns from limiting the house edge can be significant when skillfully integrated into other betting strategies. By using Odds Bets wisely, players can significantly enhance their overall potential winnings.
Proposition Bets: High Risk and High Reward
Proposition Bets reside at the opposite end of the betting spectrum from Odds Bets, presenting high stakes and high potential rewards. These single-roll bets focus on predicting specific outcomes with exacting odds, drawing both adventurous and experienced players. Examples include betting on any Craps (2, 3, or 12), or Any Seven, each offering substantial pay-offs that reflect the low probability of occurrence. Despite their allure, these bets carry a considerably higher house edge—often exceeding 10%—making them riskier ventures. Seasoned players often advise against relying heavily on Proposition Bets but acknowledge their thrill for injecting excitement into the game. Utilizing these tactically, in conjunction with more conservative bets, can offer an exhilarating side to your craps strategy.
