Master Beginner Craps Strategy: Winning at Craps with a Smart Approach
Are you ready to truly understand the craps table? This guide complements the video above. It dives deeper into essential beginner craps strategy. Smart betting choices are key for success.
Craps can seem complex at first glance. However, core principles are simple to learn. Beginner craps strategy focuses on bets with better odds. A strategic approach is often rewarded.
Understanding Core Craps Bets for Beginners
Many bet types are available in craps. But some are much better for new players. These fundamental craps bets form the basis of solid strategy. They should be mastered first.
The Pass Line Bet: Your Starting Point
The Pass Line bet is a cornerstone of craps. It is made before the “come out” roll. Winning is achieved if a 7 or 11 is rolled. A 2, 3, or 12 means a loss. Any other number becomes the “point.”
If a point is established, the bet stays. The goal is to roll the point again. Rolling a 7 before the point results in a loss. This bet features a low house edge of 1.41%. Therefore, it is highly recommended for beginner craps players.
Don’t Pass Bar Bet: The Opposite Strategy
The Don’t Pass Bar bet works inversely. A player wins if a 2 or 3 is rolled. A 7 or 11 on the come out roll means a loss. A 12 results in a push, or a tie.
If a point is established, a 7 before the point wins. The house edge is 1.36%, slightly lower. This option is also good for a beginner craps strategy.
Come and Don’t Come Bets: Expanding Your Reach
Come bets are placed after a point is established. They function like Pass Line bets for subsequent rolls. The same rules for 7s and 11s apply. A new “come point” is set for these bets.
Don’t Come bets mirror the Don’t Pass Line. They are placed after the point. A 2 or 3 wins. A 7 or 11 loses. These bets add more action to the table.
Key Craps Strategy: Maximizing Your Chances
A sound beginner craps strategy focuses on favorable bets. These bets offer lower house edges. Wise players prioritize these options.
The Power of Odds Bets
Odds bets are placed behind Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bets. They are paid at true odds. This means the house has no edge on these bets. This is a significant advantage.
Taking full odds is a smart move. It effectively lowers the overall house edge. Maximum odds are often allowed. For example, some casinos allow 3x, 4x, 5x odds. This maximizes your advantage when playing craps.
Place Bets: Strategic Number Selection
Place bets are direct wagers on numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. A player wins if the number is rolled before a 7. These bets stay on the table until removed or resolved.
The numbers 6 and 8 are rolled most frequently after 7. Their payout is 7:6. The house edge is 1.52%, which is quite reasonable. Placing 6 to win and placing 8 to win are solid choices. Numbers 5 and 9 pay 7:5. The house edge is 4%, higher than 6 and 8. The transcript shows maximum bet values of $1200 for Place 6 to Win and Place 8 to Win. This indicates these are popular, substantial bets.
Field Bet: A Quick, Volatile Option
The Field bet is a single-roll wager. It pays if 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 is rolled. Numbers 2 and 12 often pay double. A 5, 6, 7, or 8 means a loss.
Despite appearing simple, the Field bet has a house edge of 2.78% or more. This is higher than Pass/Come bets with odds. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for a sustained beginner craps strategy. The maximum bet limit mentioned is $1000.
Craps Betting: Managing Your Bankroll for Success
The video title mentions “winning at Craps with just $10”. This likely refers to a minimum bet. Effective bankroll management is crucial. This helps ensure sustained play.
Even with low minimums, a larger bankroll is wise. For example, if the minimum bet is $10, a $100-$200 bankroll is suggested. This allows for several rounds of play. It also absorbs small losses. Always play within your financial limits. The high maximum bets seen in the video ($1000-$1200) highlight the range of possible stakes. However, a beginner craps player should start small.
Advanced Craps Bets: When to Explore Further
As you gain experience, other bets can be explored. These often have higher house edges. They should be approached with caution.
Hardways: High Risk, High Reward
Hardway bets are wagers on rolling specific pairs of dice. For example, “Hard 8” means two 4s. They only win if the specific pair is rolled. Any other combination of the number, or a 7, loses.
Hardways have a higher house edge, around 9-11%. They pay out more handsomely but are less probable. For instance, Hard 4 or Hard 10 pays 7:1. Hard 6 or Hard 8 pays 9:1. The maximum bet seen in the video for these is $500. This is a more volatile part of playing craps.
One-Roll Bets: The High House Edge Zone
Bets like “Yo Eleven” (11), “Two” (snake eyes), “Three,” and “Twelve” are one-roll wagers. They pay very high amounts. However, the probability of hitting them is low.
The house edge on these bets can exceed 10%. They are primarily for entertainment. They should be avoided in a disciplined beginner craps strategy. The video showed maximum bets of $500 for these risky wagers. Smart players understand these odds.
Mastering beginner craps strategy involves understanding the dice. It also means making intelligent betting decisions. Prioritize bets with a low house edge. These include Pass/Come with Odds and Place 6/8. This approach will maximize your chances. It makes playing craps more enjoyable and potentially profitable.