Craps is a fast-paced and thrilling game where the outcome of each dice roll can be both exciting and unpredictable. While the game is largely based on luck, there are certain betting strategies you can use to maximize your chances of winning. By understanding the different types of bets and choosing the right strategies, you can reduce the house edge and increase your odds of success. In this guide, we’ll explore the best craps betting strategies to help you play smarter and improve your chances of walking away a winner.
Understanding the House Edge
Before diving into specific betting strategies, it’s important to understand the concept of the house edge. The house edge is the casino’s built-in advantage, and each type of bet in craps comes with its own house edge. Some bets, like the pass line and don’t pass line, offer a low house edge, while others, like proposition bets, have a much higher house edge. To maximize your winnings, it’s crucial to focus on bets that offer the best odds and lowest house edge.
The Pass Line and Come Bets Strategy
One of the most basic and effective strategies in craps is focusing on the pass line and come bets. These bets are simple to understand and have a relatively low house edge, making them perfect for beginners. The pass line bet is made before the come-out roll, and you’re betting that the shooter will roll a seven or eleven to win the round. If any other number is rolled, that becomes the “point,” and your goal is to roll that number again before a seven is rolled.
The come bet works similarly, but it can be placed after the come-out roll. When you place a come bet, you’re betting that the next roll will be a seven or eleven. If a point number is rolled, your come bet will move to that number, and you’ll be aiming to roll it again before a seven appears.
Both of these bets offer a low house edge, around 1.41%, which makes them excellent choices for players looking to maximize their chances of winning without taking on too much risk.
The Don’t Pass and Don’t Come Bets Strategy
For players who prefer to bet against the shooter, the don’t pass and don’t come bets are viable strategies. These bets are essentially the opposite of the pass line and come bets. When you place a don’t pass bet, you’re betting that the shooter will lose. A loss occurs if a two or three is rolled on the come-out roll, and a win happens if a seven or eleven is rolled. If any other number is rolled, that becomes the point, and you’ll need to bet that the shooter will roll a seven before hitting the point number again.
Similarly, the don’t come bet works like the don’t pass bet, but it’s placed after the come-out roll. Both the don’t pass and don’t come bets offer a lower house edge than most other bets, making them excellent choices for players who are comfortable with betting against the shooter.
Using the Odds Bet to Maximize Payouts
One of the best strategies for maximizing your winnings in craps is to take advantage of the odds bet. This is a unique bet in that it has no house edge, meaning the casino does not take a cut from your wager. After a point is established on a pass line or come bet, you have the option to place an additional odds bet. The odds bet pays out at true odds, which are determined by the point number. For example, if the point is four or ten, the odds bet will pay 2:1, while if the point is five or nine, it will pay 3:2. If the point is six or eight, the odds bet will pay 6:5.
By placing odds bets, you increase your potential payout without increasing the house edge, making it one of the most profitable moves in craps. The more you can bet on the odds, the higher your potential winnings, so it’s always worth taking advantage of this opportunity when available.
Avoiding Proposition Bets and High-Risk Wagers
While craps offers a wide variety of betting options, many of the more exotic bets, like proposition bets, come with a much higher house edge and should be avoided if you’re looking to maximize your winnings. Proposition bets are bets on specific outcomes of the dice roll, such as betting on a hard 8 or a specific combination of dice. These bets often have very high house edges, sometimes exceeding 10%, making them poor choices for players who want to minimize risk.
Instead of placing high-risk proposition bets, focus on the pass line, don’t pass, come, don’t come, and odds bets, all of which offer better odds and a lower house edge.
Final Tips for Success in Craps
To make the most out of your craps experience, always set a budget and stick to it. Craps can be an exciting game, but it’s important to manage your bankroll effectively to avoid excessive losses. Additionally, take your time to learn the rules and strategies, and avoid chasing losses by making reckless bets.
By sticking to the best bets, such as pass line, don’t pass, come, don’t come, and utilizing the odds bet, you’ll increase your chances of success in craps. With practice, patience, and smart betting, you can enjoy this thrilling game while improving your odds of winning.