Craps is an exciting casino dice game that has been around for centuries. Whether you are a new player or have some experience with the game, it is important to familiarize yourself with different betting strategies to improve your chances of winning. In this article, we will discuss some popular craps betting strategies and provide tips for both new and experienced players.
The Pass Line Bet
The pass line bet is one of the most basic and popular bets in craps. It is placed before the come out roll and wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the bet loses. When any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point number, and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win. The pass line bet has a low house edge, making it a good choice for both new and experienced players.
The Don’t Pass Bet
The don’t pass bet is the opposite of the pass line bet. It wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and loses if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11. If a 12 is rolled, it results in a push. When the point number is established, the don’t pass bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point number is rolled again. The don’t pass bet also has a low house edge, but it is not as popular as the pass line bet among players due to its association with betting against the shooter.
Place Bets
Place bets allow players to bet on specific numbers. These bets win if the chosen number is rolled before a 7 is rolled. Players can place bets on any of the point numbers, which are 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. The payouts for place bets vary depending on the number chosen, with higher payouts for numbers that are harder to roll. Place bets offer higher payouts than the pass line or don’t pass bets, but they also have a higher house edge.
Come and Don’t Come Bets
The come and don’t come bets are similar to the pass line and don’t pass bets, but they can be placed after the come out roll. These bets are made by placing chips on the come or don’t come area of the craps table. The bets win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 after they have been placed. They lose if the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12. When any other number is rolled, that number becomes the point number for the come or don’t come bet. The come and don’t come bets offer the same low house edge as the pass line and don’t pass bets, making them a popular choice among players.
The Odds Bet
The odds bet is a supplemental bet that can be made in addition to the pass line, don’t pass, come, and don’t come bets. It is placed behind the original bet and pays true odds, meaning there is no house edge. The odds bet can only be made after a point number has been established. By making an odds bet, players can increase their overall payout and lower the house edge. However, most casinos limit the amount that can be bet on the odds, so it is important to check the table limits before placing this bet.
Hedging Bets
Hedging bets is a strategy used by experienced craps players to minimize overall risk. It involves placing bets on opposite outcomes, such as placing a pass line bet and a don’t pass bet at the same time. By hedging bets, players can reduce potential losses but also limit their potential winnings. This strategy requires careful calculation and knowledge of the game, making it more suitable for experienced players.
Conclusion
Craps offers a variety of betting options, and each strategy has its pros and cons. Whether you are a new player or have some experience with the game, it is important to choose a strategy that suits your playing style and risk tolerance. The pass line, don’t pass, come, and don’t come bets offer low house edges and are suitable for both new and experienced players. Place bets and the odds bet provide higher payouts but also come with higher house edges. Lastly, hedging bets can be a useful strategy for experienced players looking to minimize overall risk. Good luck at the craps table!
