The Basic Rules of Craps
Before we delve into the strategies, it's essential to understand the basic rules of craps. The game involves a "shooter," who rolls two dice. The objective is to predict the outcome of the roll. Bets are placed on various aspects of the dice outcome, including sums, specific numbers, or a series of rolls.
The game usually starts with a "come-out" roll. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the "Pass Line" bets win. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the "Pass Line" bets lose. Any other number establishes the "point," and the objective then becomes for the shooter to roll the point again before rolling a 7.
The House Edge
Every game in the casino has a built-in advantage for the house, known as the house edge. In craps, the house edge can vary significantly depending on the type of bet you make. For instance, betting on a single number like 12 has a high house edge, while more general bets like the Pass Line have a lower house edge. Therefore, part of a solid craps strategy involves understanding these odds and making bets that give you a better chance of winning.
Best Craps Strategies
1. The Pass Line and Come Bets
The Pass Line and Come Bets are often considered the foundation of any good craps strategy, especially for beginners. These are among the simplest bets to place and understand, making them an ideal starting point for newcomers to the game. The house edge on both of these bets is relatively low, sitting around 1.41%, which makes them some of the safer bets in craps. Here's how they work: At the beginning of a new game, you place a bet on the Pass Line. If the initial roll (the "come-out roll") is a 7 or 11, you win; if it's a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number establishes the "point." After the point is established, you can make a Come Bet, which is essentially like starting a new Pass Line bet but doesn't have to wait for a new game to start. Both the Pass Line and Come Bets pay even money, making them not just low-risk but also straightforward to calculate in terms of potential winnings. These are go-to bets for many craps players, offering a nice balance of risk and reward.
2. Don't Pass and Don't Come Bets
The Don't Pass and Don't Come bets are the contrarian siblings to the Pass Line and Come bets in craps. Instead of betting on the shooter to win, you're essentially wagering that they'll lose. The house edge is slightly lower for these bets, around 1.36%, making them an equally viable strategy for those willing to go against the grain. Here's how it goes down: If you place a Don't Pass bet, you're hoping for a 2 or 3 on the come-out roll, rather than the 7 or 11 that Pass Line betters are rooting for. If a 12 is rolled, it's typically a push, meaning you neither win nor lose. After the point is established, you can then place a Don't Come bet, essentially wagering against the shooter hitting their point before they roll a 7. While these bets can be statistically smart, they're often frowned upon at the craps table, as you're betting against the majority. If you don't mind some stink eyes from other players, though, they can be part of a robust craps strategy.
3. The 6 and 8 Strategy
The 6 and 8 Strategy in craps focuses on placing bets on the numbers 6 and 8, which are, statistically speaking, the most likely numbers to be rolled aside from 7. In this strategy, you place even bets on these numbers after the come-out roll has established a point. The idea is to exploit the relatively frequent occurrence of these numbers, as they can be rolled in five different ways each, offering better odds compared to other numbers. The house edge on these bets is around 1.52%, which is slightly higher than the Pass Line and Come bets but still one of the lower edges you'll find at the craps table. If the shooter rolls a 6 or 8 before hitting a 7, you win. The payouts are usually 7 to 6, so it's advisable to bet in multiples of 6 to maximize your potential winnings. For players looking for a straightforward strategy that doesn't require extensive knowledge of various bets and odds, the 6 and 8 Strategy offers an easy-to-follow game plan with decent odds.
4. The Iron Cross
The Iron Cross strategy in craps is a bit more complex and aims to take advantage of multiple numbers being rolled. When employing this strategy, you place bets on the 5, 6, and 8, as well as a Field bet, which covers the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The idea is to cover as many outcomes as possible, excluding the number 7, which is the most commonly rolled number and would make you lose all your bets. While the strategy increases your chances of winning on any single roll, it's worth noting that the house edge varies for each of these bets, making the overall house edge higher than some other strategies. Specifically, the Field bet has a house edge that can range from 2.77% to 5.56%, depending on the specific rules of the craps table you're playing at. As a result, the Iron Cross is often seen as a more aggressive strategy, offering high excitement but also higher risk. It's popular among players who are looking for action and are comfortable with the somewhat higher house edge involved.
Bankroll Management
Good craps strategy isn't just about understanding the game; it's also about managing your money. Setting a budget and sticking to it is crucial. It's also smart to set a winning limit; once you reach it, it's a good idea to walk away.
Know When to Walk Away
A key aspect of any gambling strategy is knowing when to quit. Chasing losses is a common mistake; if you find yourself in a losing streak, it's often best to take a break or try another game.
Conclusion
Craps is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. However, understanding the best craps strategies can improve your chances and add to the excitement of the game. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, these strategies can offer a framework for making smarter bets, managing your bankroll, and getting the most out of your craps experience. So, next time you hear the cheers from the craps table, you’ll be ready to join in and roll the dice with confidence.
