Craps has a reputation as one of the more intimidating casino games for newcomers, but it’s easier than first impressions would have us think. Plus, it’s one of the most player-friendly games out there, if you know what you’re doing! With this craps strategy and tips guide, we provide players with all the tools they’ll need to best understand how to play.
Take a few minutes, and you could soon count yourself among the millions of worldwide craps fans.
Craps Betting Strategies
Pass Line / Don’t Pass Line
Of all the bets in craps, the Pass Line offers the best odds. With a house edge of just over 1.4%, aiming for the Pass Line can be a great target. Extending this idea is the Don’t Pass strategy. With this, players bet against the shooter who has a Pass bet.
You’re betting on a player’s bad luck here, so don’t be surprised if the shooter doesn’t love you for doing this!
The Come and Don’t Come Craps Strategy
The Come Bet in craps offers the same odds as a Pass Line bet, it just occurs at a later point in the game. Similarly, players can also Don’t Come bet against other players for great 1.40 odds and a probable loss of friendship opportunities.
Placing 6 and 8
With this strategy, the player sets their own numbers. The safest bets in this regard are on 6 and 8, as these land the most often after number 7. Just remember to bet in multiples of $6 if you choose this route, as these generate more pay than others. It might seem odd, but a win on $6 will pay $7, whereas a win on $5 will only reward $5!
Field Bets
With the one roll Field Bet, the player will win if the shooter lands a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. With a house edge of 2.78%, this is a riskier bet, but it can also reward some larger payouts.
A winning field bet will reward a 2:1 payout if the shooter rolls a 2 or a 12. On the other winning numbers, the player is rewarded with a 1:1 payout.
Odds Bets
A real wildcard in craps, odds bets come with a 0% house edge. With this strategy, players can bet on numbers in the 4-10 range, 7 excluded. Odds Bets payout according to the odds, as the name suggests. These operate by the following rules:
- Betting on 4 and 10 rewards 2 to 1
- Betting on 5 and 9 rewards 3 to 2
- Betting on 6 and 8 rewards 6 to 5
Since 4 and 10are the least likely, the rewards are larger, but they’re also the riskiest, so player beware.
If you want more in-depth info on all of the different bets available for the world’s favourite dice game then head over to our Craps Odds, Betting & Payouts article.
Top 3 Craps Tips
1. Manage Your Bankroll
Managing a bankroll means different things for different players, so you need to decide your goal before you hit the tables. If you want to keep playing for as long as possible, stick with safer bets like the Pass and Come types.
Others, like 6 and 8, have less flexible optimal bet amounts, so they might be best avoided. Remember to stay calm, and that odds are always random.
2. Know Your Objective
The overall objective in craps is to correctly predict how the dice will land. Unless the dice are faulty, which doesn’t really happen in modern casinos, this will be entirely up to chance. This means it’s up to the player to guess where lady luck will lie and to make smart bets to maximise their chances.
3. Choose the Right Strategy
Like with so many online casino games, there isn’t really just one correct strategy. What’s right is the one that feels the best for you, that you have the most faith in. As long as you know what you’re doing, and understand that luck can be fickle, there aren’t many wrong choices.
Getting overwhelmed can be a problem in any game, so if you’re at all unsure about whether you know how to play, remember you can watch others first to see how they do. Build your confidence, and you’ll be less likely to make mistakes.
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