Craps is a popular casino game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to the Crusades, and it has evolved over time to become one of the most beloved games in modern casinos. However, for beginners, craps may seem like an intimidating game with its complex betting options and fast-paced gameplay. One of the key elements of understanding and winning at craps is knowing the odds of each bet and how they work in your favor or against you.
In this article, we will delve into the world of craps odds and explain everything you need to know to become a master of the game. From the basics of craps to advanced strategies and tips, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s roll the dice and get started on our journey to unravel the mysteries of craps odds.
The Basics of Craps
Before we dive into the odds, let’s quickly go over the basic rules of craps. If you’re already familiar with the game, feel free to skip ahead to the next section. Craps is played with two dice, and the objective of the game is to correctly predict the outcome of the roll. The player who rolls the dice is known as the “shooter,” and the other players around the table can take turns being the shooter in a clockwise direction.
The game starts with a “come-out” roll, where the shooter must roll a 7 or 11 to win (known as a “natural”) or a 2, 3, or 12 to lose (known as “craps”). If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), it becomes the “point.” The shooter must then continue rolling the dice until they either roll the point number again to win or roll a 7 to lose. This process is known as “making your point” or “sevening out.”
Players can place bets on the outcome of each roll, and there are many different types of bets available in craps. These bets can be placed before the come-out roll or during the game, depending on the type of bet. Now that we have a basic understanding of how the game works, let’s move on to the odds.
Understanding the Odds in Craps
Craps is known for its large variety of betting options, and each bet has its own odds of winning. It’s essential to understand these odds to make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning at the game. In general, the higher the chance of winning, the lower the payout, and vice versa. But there are some exceptions to this rule, and we will explore them in detail in the following sections.
Pass Line Odds
The most common and straightforward bet in craps is the Pass Line bet. This bet is placed before the come-out roll and pays even money (1:1) if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and loses if they roll a 2, 3, or 12. If any other number is rolled, it becomes the point, and the shooter must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.
The odds of winning a Pass Line bet are 8:4 or 2:1, meaning you have a 66.67% chance of winning. The house edge for this bet is relatively low, only 1.41%, making it a popular choice among players. However, the Pass Line bet also has an additional option known as the Odds bet, which can be placed after the point is established.
The Odds bet has no house edge and pays true odds, meaning the payout is equal to the probability of winning. For example, if the point is 4 or 10, the payout will be 2:1; if the point is 5 or 9, the payout will be 3:2, and if the point is 6 or 8, the payout will be 6:5. The amount you can bet on the Odds bet may vary from casino to casino, but generally, it can be up to three times the amount of your Pass Line bet.
Don’t Pass Line Odds
The Don’t Pass Line bet is the opposite of the Pass Line bet, where you bet against the shooter’s success. This bet wins if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and loses if they roll a 7 or 11 (known as “crapping out”). If a 12 is rolled, it’s a push, meaning neither side wins or loses. However, if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, the bet becomes a “lay” bet, and the player must lay the odds.
The odds of winning a Don’t Pass Line bet are 8:3 or 1:2, meaning you have a 66.67% chance of winning. The house edge for this bet is also low, only 1.36%, making it another popular choice among players. Like the Pass Line bet, the Don’t Pass Line bet also has an additional option known as the Lay Odds bet, which can be placed after the point is established.
The Lay Odds bet has no house edge and pays true odds, but the payout is reversed compared to the Odds bet in Pass Line bets. For example, if the point is 4 or 10, the payout will be 1:2; if the point is 5 or 9, the payout will be 2:3, and if the point is 6 or 8, the payout will be 5:6. The amount you can bet on the Lay Odds bet may also vary from casino to casino but is usually limited to two or three times the amount of your Don’t Pass Line bet.
Come/Don’t Come Bets and Odds
The Come and Don’t Come bets are similar to the Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, respectively, but they can only be placed after the point is established. These bets work in the same way as their counterparts, with the exception that they can be placed during the game instead of before the come-out roll.
The odds of winning a Come bet are the same as the Pass Line bet, and the odds of winning a Don’t Come bet are the same as the Don’t Pass Line bet. Similarly, the Come Odds and Don’t Come Odds bets also have the same probability of winning and payouts as the Pass Line Odds and Don’t Pass Line Odds bets, respectively.
Place Bets
Place bets are made on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) and pay if that number is rolled before a 7. The odds of winning a Place bet on 6 or 8 are 5:6, meaning you have a 45% chance of winning. The house edge for this bet is 1.52%. For Place bets on 5 or 9, the odds are 4:5 (44.44% chance of winning), and the house edge is 4%. And for Place bets on 4 or 10, the odds are 2:3 (44.44% chance of winning), and the house edge is 6.67%.
Field Bet
The Field bet is a one-roll bet where you bet on the outcome of the next roll. If the roll results in a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12, you win. The odds of winning this bet vary depending on the number rolled. For example, the odds for rolling a 2 or 12 are 1:7, and the payout is usually 2:1. The odds for rolling a 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11 are 1:4, and the payout is usually 1:1. The house edge for this bet is 2.78%, making it a popular choice among players looking for a quick win.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are one-roll bets that offer high payouts but have low odds of winning. These bets are placed in the center of the craps table and can be made at any time during the game. Some examples of proposition bets include Any Craps (rolls 2, 3, or 12), Any Seven (rolls a 7), Any Eleven (rolls an 11), and Hardways (rolls a specific pair before a 7).
The odds of winning these bets vary from 1:1 to 30:1, and the house edge can range from 2.78% to 16.67%. While these bets may seem enticing with their large payouts, they are not recommended for long-term play, as the odds are not in your favor.
Craps Odds Comparison Table
To summarize the odds of each bet we’ve discussed so far, we’ve created a comparison table below. This table shows the probability of winning, payouts, and house edge for the most common bets in craps.
| Bet | Probability of Winning | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 66.67% | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Pass Line Odds | Varies by point number | True odds | 0 |
| Don’t Pass Line | 66.67% | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Don’t Pass Odds | Varies by point number | True odds | 0 |
| Come | 66.67% | 1:1 | 1.41% |
| Come Odds | Varies by point number | True odds | 0 |
| Don’t Come | 66.67% | 1:1 | 1.36% |
| Don’t Come Odds | Varies by point number | True odds | 0 |
| Place Bets (6, 8) | 45% | 7:6 | 1.52% |
| Place Bets (5, 9) | 44.44% | 7:5 | 4% |
| Place Bets (4, 10) | 44.44% | 9:5 | 6.67% |
| Field Bet | 16.67% – 44.44% | Varies | 2.78% |
| Proposition Bets | 1.35% – 33.33% | Varies | 2.78% – 16.67% |
Craps Strategy and Tips for Winning
Now that we understand the odds of each bet, let’s move on to some strategies and tips that can help increase our chances of winning at craps.
Stick to the Low House Edge Bets
As we’ve seen in the previous section, some bets have a lower house edge than others. These are usually the more straightforward bets, such as the Pass Line bet, Don’t Pass Line bet, and Come/Don’t Come bets. These bets may not offer the highest payouts, but they have a higher probability of winning and can give you a steady stream of small wins.
On the other hand, proposition bets and certain Place bets have a high house edge and low odds of winning. While they may seem tempting, it’s best to avoid these bets if you want to play for a longer duration and have better chances of coming out ahead.
Take Advantage of Odds Bets
As mentioned earlier, the Pass Line Odds and Don’t Pass Odds bets have no house edge and offer true odds payouts. This makes them the best bets in craps, and players should take advantage of them whenever possible. The Come Odds and Don’t Come Odds bets also have low house edges, making them good options for increasing your chances of winning.
Manage Your Bankroll
Managing your bankroll is crucial in any casino game, and craps is no exception. It’s essential to set a budget and stick to it, even if you’re on a winning streak. Additionally, it’s best to avoid chasing your losses and trying to recoup them by betting larger amounts. This can quickly lead to overspending and ruin the gaming experience.
Understand the Table Etiquette
Craps is a social game, and understanding the table etiquette can make the game more enjoyable for yourself and others around you. Some basic rules to keep in mind include:
- Always handle the dice with one hand and do not switch hands while rolling.
- Do not throw the dice too hard or too high, as this can cause them to bounce off the table and result in a “no roll.”
- Place your bets quickly and efficiently to avoid slowing down the game.
- Keep your hands off the table when the shooter is about to roll.
- Do not touch other players’ chips or winnings.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any casino game, practicing and gaining experience is essential to improve your skills. Many online casinos offer free craps games that can be played for fun, and this is a great way to learn the game without risking any money. Additionally, it’s a good idea to observe experienced players at a live casino and learn from their strategies and techniques.
Common Misconceptions about Craps Odds
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding craps odds, which can lead to misunderstandings and poor betting decisions. Here, we will debunk some of the most common beliefs about craps odds.
The House Always Has the Advantage
While it’s true that the house always has an edge in casino games, this does not mean that players cannot win. As we’ve seen in the previous section, some bets have a lower house edge than others, and understanding these bets and implementing proper strategies can give players an advantage over the house.
You Can Predict the Outcome of the Roll
Some players believe that they can predict the outcome of the roll based on patterns or previous rolls. However, craps is a game of chance, and each roll is independent of the previous one. The dice do not have “memory,” and there is no way to predict the outcome of the next roll.
Betting against the Shooter is Bad Luck
Another common belief is that betting against the shooter (Don’t Pass Line or Don’t Come) is considered bad luck and frowned upon by other players. While there may be some superstitions surrounding this bet, it is just as valid as betting for the shooter. It’s important to remember that craps is a game of chance, and each bet has its own probability of winning.
Conclusion
Craps is a fascinating game that offers players a variety of betting options and the potential for big wins. Understanding the odds of each bet is crucial in making informed decisions and increasing your chances of winning. By sticking to low house edge bets, taking advantage of odds bets, managing your bankroll, and practicing, you can become a master of craps odds.
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you gain a better understanding of the odds in craps and given you the tools to improve your craps gameplay. Remember to always gamble responsibly and have fun while playing this exciting and unpredictable casino game.
