As one of the most popular casino table games globally, it’s no surprise that many people seek winning strategies for craps.
In this article, we delve into the intriguing game of craps, exploring its history and key bet types. More importantly, we discuss some of the most popular strategies used by craps players.
About Craps
Before exploring various strategies for this popular casino game, it’s important to understand its basics. The craps table is typically one of the most vibrant and noisy areas in a casino. With players actively involved in shooting the dice, craps is more interactive than many other games. The unique language and atmosphere surrounding the game add to its distinctiveness.
The history of craps is extensive, tracing back to a 12th-century dice game called Hazard. European aristocrats discovered Hazard in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to a surge in its popularity and rule variations that began to resemble modern-day craps.
When craps arrived in the USA, particularly in the Mississippi steamboat casinos, further simplifications and additional betting options were introduced. John H. Winn significantly influenced the evolution of craps by introducing the concept of betting with or against the shooter, which helped to reduce cheating.
Key Bet Types
Craps offers dozens of betting options, each with its own payouts and house edge. However, the main bets to focus on are:
*Pass
*Don’t Pass
*Come
*Don’t Come
These bets are crucial for successful craps strategies due to their low house edge. The lower the house edge, the less likely you are to deplete your bankroll.
The Pass and Come bets have an edge of just 1.41%, while Don’t Come and Don’t Pass are even lower at 1.36%. These are not only the most player-friendly wagers in craps but also among the best bets in the entire casino.
Simple Playing Strategies
Now that you’re familiar with the various craps bets and their payouts, let’s look at some basic playing strategies. A great starting point is the simple Pass Line and Come betting strategy, thanks to its low house edge. This strategy is perfect for beginners due to its simplicity.
Just place your bet: if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you receive an even money payout. The house edge is just 1.36%, allowing you to play for a long time without significant losses.
Using this basic strategy means you don’t have to worry about complex rules, giving you the freedom to socialize and learn more about the game. A comparable tactic is to use the Don’t Come or Don’t Pass bets.
This approach is similar in that it’s easy to manage and has a 1-to-1 payout. However, there are two subtle differences. First, the house edge is even more favorable at just 1.36%. Second, you’re betting against the shooter, which might not be popular in a land-based casino setting.
Advanced Craps Strategies
If you’re interested in more advanced craps strategies, there are several effective options to explore. Here are a few tactics:
Press and Pull
This popular strategy involves place bets. The idea is to bet until you win four times, then remove your profits. For example, if you place a bet on 8, which pays 6 to 5 odds, and bet $5, you’ll win $11, giving you a $6 profit.
Continue by placing $10 on the next bet, and if you win, you’ll receive $22. Remove $2 and place the remaining $20 as the next bet. After four consecutive wins, pull everything and bank the profits.
6/8 Strategy
The 6/8 progressive betting strategy focuses on the numbers 6 and 8, which are the next most likely to be rolled after 7. Start by placing a bet of one unit ($5, for example). If you win, remove only the profits and leave the original bet in play. If you lose, double the bet size and repeat.
It’s crucial to set an upper limit that you’re willing to lose and stick to it. If you reach this limit, walk away from the table to prevent losses from escalating.
Three-Point Molly
This strategy requires a substantial bankroll and is not recommended for beginners. However, it can significantly reduce the house edge to below 0.5%. Here’s how it works:
1.Bet the Pass Line with one unit: Win with a 7 or 11 and take the profit. Lose with 2, 3, or 12 and try again. For any other result, move on.
2.Bet on the point at maximum odds: 3x for 4 and 10, 4x for 5 and 9, and 5x for 6 and 8.
3.Look for another point by betting the Pass Line: After a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, your bet becomes a Come bet. Bet the number again at max odds.
4.Repeat to find a third point: Bet it at max odds. Once you have three points, you’re set.
5.If the shooter rolls any of your numbers, you’re in for a big payout. If the shooter rolls a 7, you lose all bets. However, this strategy gives you the best chance of success due to the significantly reduced house edge.
Money Management Tip
Effective money management is crucial when playing craps or any other casino game. Keep your gambling bankroll separate from your daily expenses and break it into equal units to avoid chasing losses. This helps you track your winning and losing sessions more easily.