Roll out the red carpet into the thrilling world of craps! This isn’t just about throwing dice and hoping for the best, it’s about playing smart. While no strategy can guarantee a win in a game of chance, these 10 strategies can help you maximize your fun and make your bankroll last longer.
1. The “Pass Line” Strategy: The Friendly First Bet
Think of this as the classic, most welcoming bet in craps. You’re betting with the shooter, which makes you a team player! You place your chips on the Pass Line before the come out roll. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, you win. If it’s a 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number becomes the point. The goal? The shooter rolls that point number again before a 7. This is the simplest strategy with the lowest house edge, making it perfect for beginners.
2. The “Don’t Pass” Strategy: The Lone Wolf
Feeling a little rebellious? This strategy is the exact opposite of the Pass Line. You’re betting against the shooter, which might not win you any popularity contests, but it can be effective. You place your chips on the Don’t Pass Line before the come out roll. You win if a 2 or 3 is rolled, and lose on a 7 or 11. A 12 is a “push,” meaning no one wins or loses. Your goal here is for the shooter to roll a 7 before the point number is hit again.
3. The “Come” and “Don’t Come” Strategies: A Bet After the Point
These are similar to the previous two but are used after the point has been established.
- The Come Bet: You’re betting that the next roll will be a 7 or 11. If it is, you win. A 2, 3, or 12 loses. Any other number becomes a new point for your bet.
- The Don’t Come Bet: Like the Don’t Pass, you’re betting against the next roll. You win if a 7 is rolled before your number comes up.
4. The “Craps Odds” Strategy: The Smart Bet
This is where you get to put your brain to work! The Craps Odds bet is a secondary bet you can make after the point has been established. You’re betting against the shooter and other players by “laying the odds,” predicting the shooter will roll a 7 before hitting the point. The best part? The payout odds are favorable, and the house has no edge on this bet!
5. The “Press” Strategy: Capitalizing on a Hot Streak
Got a winning streak? Don’t let it fizzle out! The Press Strategy is all about increasing your bets after a win to maximize your profits.
- Pressing one unit: Increase your bet by the amount you just won.
- Pressing two units: Double your previous bet and then some.
- Pressing to the max: Go all in and bet the table’s maximum limit.
6. The “6/8” Strategy: The Most Likely Winners
Statistically, 6 and 8 are the most frequently rolled numbers after 7. This strategy leverages that fact by betting on the Pass Line and then placing bets on the 6 and 8. It’s a low-risk strategy that can be profitable over time, as you’re betting on the most common outcomes.
7. The “Iron Cross” Strategy: Covering All the Bases
Ready to get creative? The Iron Cross is an advanced strategy that’s a combination of a Field Bet and a Place Bet. You’re essentially betting on every number except a 7. If the shooter rolls anything other than a 7, you win! But beware, if a 7 is rolled, you lose it all.
8. The “3 Point Molly” Strategy: A Trio of Bets
This strategy is a bit more complex, but it’s still accessible for all skill levels. You make three bets at once: a Pass Line bet, a Come bet, and a Place Bet on the number 5. This is a low-risk strategy with a very low house edge, offering multiple ways to win on a single round.
9. Know When to Walk Away: The Ultimate Strategy
This might be the most important strategy of all. It’s about knowing your limits and not getting carried away. Set a win goal before you start playing, and stick to it. If you’ve had a good run and hit your goal, it’s time to cash out and celebrate your winnings.
10. Money Management: The Craps Player’s Golden Rule
Before you even step up to the table, have a budget in mind. Losing streaks are a part of any game, and chasing losses is the quickest way to empty your bank account. Stick to your strategy and your budget, and you’ll enjoy the game far more in the long run.
Now that you’ve got these strategies in your arsenal, are you ready to roll the dice and see where your luck takes you?