All You Need to Know About Craps Bets
Introduction to Craps Bets
Craps is an exhilarating dice-based game that has fascinated gamblers for decades. One of the most crucial aspects of the game is understanding the variety of bets available. Betting in craps can be intricate, but with some insight, you can navigate the complexities with ease. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, knowing the different types of craps bets is essential for maximizing your experience and potential winnings.
The Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is arguably the most popular and straightforward bet in craps. This wager is made before the come-out roll. If the initial roll (come-out roll) is a 7 or 11, the Pass Line bet wins. If the roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line bet loses. Any other number rolled becomes the "point," and for the bet to win, the shooter must roll that point number again before rolling a 7. The Pass Line bet is considered a fundamental bet with a low house edge.
Don't Pass Line Bet
Contrary to the Pass Line bet, the Don't Pass Line bet is a bet against the shooter. This means that you are essentially betting that the shooter will fail to make their point. If the come-out roll is a 2 or 3, the Don't Pass Line bet wins. A roll of 12 results in a push, while a roll of 7 or 11 means the bet loses. Once a point is established, the Don't Pass bet wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before hitting the point number again. This bet also has a relatively low house edge, similar to the Pass Line bet.
Come Bets and Don't Come Bets
Come bets are similar to Pass Line bets but can be made after the come-out roll. When you make a Come bet, the next roll becomes your come-out roll. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, the Come bet wins. If a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled, it loses. Any other number rolled becomes your point, and you win if that point is rolled before a 7. Conversely, the Don't Come bet is placed after the come-out roll and mirrors the Don't Pass bet. It wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled and loses on a 7 or 11. If a point is established, you win if a 7 is rolled before the point number.
Odds Bets
After a point is established, players can place an Odds bet, which is an additional wager on the Pass, Don't Pass, Come, or Don't Come bets. The key advantage of Odds bets is that they have no house edge since they pay true odds. If you place an Odds bet behind your initial bet and the point is hit, you win based on the true odds of rolling that number before a 7. Understanding the true odds and placing Odds bets can significantly improve your winning strategy in craps.
Place Bets
Place bets involve betting on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) being rolled before a 7. You don't have to wait for a point to be established to make a Place bet. The payout varies depending on the number you choose to bet on, with lower numbers typically having higher payouts due to their higher probability of occurring. For instance, placing a bet on 4 or 10 pays out higher compared to placing a bet on 6 or 8. Knowing the different payouts associated with each number can help you make more informed betting decisions.
Field Bets
The Field bet is a one-roll bet where you wager that the next dice roll will result in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. This bet is settled in just one roll. If any of the mentioned numbers appear, you win. The payoff for the Field bet often varies from one casino to another; typically, rolling a 2 or a 12 pays double. The Field bet is popular among players who enjoy quick and frequent betting results, but it's important to remember that it comes with a higher house edge.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are single-roll bets placed in the center of the craps table. These bets include wagers like Any Craps (2, 3, or 12), Any 7, or specific numbers such as Hardways. Hardways are bets placed on doubles (e.g., 4-4 for an 8) coming before a 7. Proposition bets can offer high payouts but often come with a much higher house edge. These bets are more suitable for players looking for excitement and willing to take on additional risk. Due to the high house edge, they are generally not recommended for beginners looking to optimize their betting strategy.
Big 6 and Big 8 Bets
Big 6 and Big 8 bets are wagers that 6 or 8 will be rolled before a 7. While these bets might seem straightforward and appealing to new players, they carry a higher house edge compared to Place bets on the same numbers. Therefore, experienced players usually avoid Big 6 and Big 8 bets in favor of Place bets, which offer better odds. Understanding where the house edge lies can help enhance your overall craps betting strategy, allowing you to make more strategic and informed decisions at the table.
Buy and Lay Bets
Buy and Lay bets are another set of wagers that allow players to bet on specific numbers. With Buy bets, players pay a commission to get true odds on their bet. They win if the specified number is rolled before a 7. Lay bets are the opposite, allowing players to bet against a certain number. These bets come with a commission as well. Lay bets win if a 7 is rolled before the specified number. Both types of bets can be useful for players who prefer tailored and strategic betting approaches, given the true odds and potential higher payouts.
Betting on Hardways
Hardways bets involve wagering that doubles of a number (e.g., two 4s for an 8) will be rolled before a 7 or other combination that makes the same total. Hardways bets are available for 4, 6, 8, and 10. These bets offer higher payouts but come with increased risk and a higher house edge. Hardways are favored by players looking for a more thrilling experience and bigger payoffs. Understanding when to bet on Hardways can add an element of excitement and potential reward to your overall craps strategy.
Conclusion
Craps offers a myriad of betting options that cater to various playing styles and levels of risk tolerance. From the basic Pass Line and Don't Pass bets to the intricate Hardways and Proposition bets, each type of wager has its own rules, payouts, and house edge. Understanding these bets and strategically choosing which ones to place can significantly impact your craps experience and potential success. Whether you are seeking the simplicity of Pass Line bets or the excitement of Proposition bets, a well-rounded grasp of the game's betting options is essential for any craps enthusiast.
