Ace the Craps Table: 5 Winning Strategies Using Simple Math for Betting Smart

April 29, 2023 –

Ready to dive into the exhilarating world of craps? Don’t let the seemingly complex table and loud excitement intimidate you. Armed with a little mathematical knowledge and smart betting strategies, you can join the fun and even come out ahead.

Math and Craps: Two Peas in a Pod

Before you dismiss this section as boring, hear us out. The secret to mastering craps lies in understanding the math behind it. Trust us, it’s easier than you think. For a more comprehensive understanding, check out this easy-to-understand guide on probability.

Craps is a game of probability, and each roll of the dice can result in one of 36 different outcomes. While the dice are always random, over time, certain outcomes become more likely than others. These probabilities are the heart of smart betting in craps.

The House Edge and You

Craps are unique among casino games in that some bets have a house edge of zero, meaning the casino has no advantage. However, other bets can have a house edge of up to 16.67%. A deeper understanding of the house edge concept can significantly improve your betting strategy.

The house edge is a mathematical expectation of how much money the casino expects to win per bet over the long run. Understanding the house edge is a key element of smart betting in craps.

Smart Betting Starts with Good Bets

Now that you’re familiar with the math behind craps, let’s move on to the bets. Here are some bets that have a low house edge and are a smart place to start:

1. Pass Line/Come Bet: These bets have a house edge of 1.41% and are the most common bets in craps. They win when the come-out roll is 7 or 11 and lose when it’s 2, 3, or 12. Any other number becomes the “point,” and the bet wins if the point is rolled again before a 7.

2. Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Bet: Slightly better than the pass line bet, these bets have a house edge of 1.36%. They are essentially the opposite of pass line bets. They lose on a 7 or 11 and win on a 2 or 3 (12 is a push). If a point is established, the bet wins if a 7 is rolled before the point.

3. Odds Bet: This is where craps shine. An odds bet can be made after a point has been established, and it has a house edge of zero! The catch? You can only make an odds bet if you’ve made a pass, don’t pass, come, or don’t come bet. The payout depends on the point number, with odds being true and fair.

Bets to Avoid

Just as there are smart bets, there are also bets that should be avoided in craps:

1. Big 6/Big 8: These bets pay even money when a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7. However, they carry a high house edge of 9.09%.

2. Any 7: This bet has an astronomical house edge of 16.67%. It pays 4:1 if the shooter rolls a 7 on the next roll, but the high house edge makes it a poor choice.

3. Hardways: These bets win if the shooter rolls a pair to make 4, 6, 8, or 10 (like two 2s for a 4) and lose if they roll a 7 or any other combination of the number. The house edge ranges from 9.09% to 11.11%.

Conclusion

Craps can be an exciting and rewarding game if played wisely. Understanding the math behind the game and making smart bets can significantly improve your chances of winning. By sticking to the bets with the lowest house edge and avoiding the tempting but riskier bets, you can maximize your playtime and potential winnings.

Related Article:

Responsible Gambling: 10 Ways to Set Limits and Stay in Control