Basic Craps Strategy Guide for 2024 – Craps Strategy for Beginners
Understanding craps strategy is crucial, as it’s one of the more intricate casino games to master. Still, never fear: it’s easier than ever to learn and play craps, which is now conveniently available at online casinos.
Different betting systems are used in craps, so what works best for you might not be the same for someone else. We’ll explain popular strategies and give tips on how you can try them for free at top online casinos.
Basic Rules of Craps
Before jumping into strategies, it’s helpful to review the basic rules. Craps is played with two dice, each having six faces numbered 1 to 6. In an online game, you are the shooter who rolls the dice after placing your bets.
The first roll of the dice is called the Come-Out roll. A total of 7 or 11 on this roll wins the Pass Line Bet, while a total of 2, 3, or 12 loses. If the total is any other number, that number becomes the Point.
Once the Point is set, you must roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win the Pass Line Bet. If you roll a 7 before the Point, you lose the bet.
Types of Craps Bets
To use a craps betting strategy effectively, you need to know the different types of bets. All standard craps tables feature these bets, though some versions might offer additional side bets.
- Pass Line Bet: You win if the Come-Out roll totals 7 or 11, or by rolling the Point.
- Don’t Pass Bet: You win if the Come-Out roll is 2, 3, or 12, or if a 7 is rolled before the Point.
- Come Bet: Similar to the Pass Line Bet but placed after the Point is set. You win if the next roll is 7 or 11 and lose if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
- Don’t Come Bet: Similar to the Don’t Pass Bet but placed after the Point is set. You win if the next roll is 2 or 3 and lose if it’s 7 or 11.
- Odds Bet: An additional bet placed behind the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, and Don’t Come bets, paying out at true odds with no house edge.
- Place Bet: A bet on a specific number being rolled before a 7.
- Field Bet: A one-roll bet on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
- Proposition Bet: A one-roll bet placed in the center of the craps table with high payouts and a high house edge.
Finding a Winning Basic Craps Strategy for Beginners
There are several betting systems you might consider. The following are designed for beginners but can also work for more experienced players.
The Pass Line Bets
Sometimes, simplicity is best. With the Pass Line Bet strategy, you place this bet on every round.
If the Come-Out roll is a 7 or 11, you win. If it’s 2, 3, or 12, you lose. Any other number becomes the Point, and you need to roll that number again before rolling a 7 to win.
Pro Tip: The Pass Line Bet strategy is popular because it’s easy to follow and has a house edge as low as 1.41%. Winning this bet pays evenly, making it a great choice for new and low-risk players.
The Don’t Pass Bets
If you’ve used the Pass Line Bet strategy and want to try something new, consider the Don’t Pass Bet. With this bet, you win with a Come-Out roll of 2 or 3 and lose with 7 or 11.
A roll of 12 results in a push. If any other number is rolled, you win by rolling a 7 before the Point.
Pro Tip: The Don’t Pass Bet is considered one of the best strategies as it has a lower house edge than the Pass Line Bet, with a house edge of 1.36%. Payouts are even.
Come Bets and Don’t Come Bets
Once the Point is set, you can place Come Bets or Don’t Come Bets. To win a Come Bet, your second roll must be a 7 or 11. To win a Don’t Come Bet, your second roll must be a 2 or 3.
Pro Tip: Come Bets have a house edge of 1.41%, while Don’t Come Bets offer slightly better odds with a house edge of 1.36%. Both bets pay evenly.
Best Craps Betting Strategy for Intermediate-Level Players
Once you’ve got the hang of placing Pass Line Bets, Come Bets, and their opposites, you might want to explore a more advanced craps strategy.
Odds Bets
Odds bets are a fantastic mathematical strategy in craps because they have no house edge, meaning they pay out true odds. After the Point is established, you can place these bets behind the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, Come, or Don’t Come bets. They depend on the shooter rolling a seven before rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10.
This strategy offers various potential payouts. For instance, a Pass Line Odds Bet on a 4 or 10 pays 2:1, while the same bet on a 6 or 8 pays 6:5.
6 and 8 Craps Betting Strategy
The 6 and 8 strategy is a popular and straightforward approach that focuses on these two numbers. After 7, 6 and 8 are the most likely results of any roll. This system is favored by those looking for low-risk bets with relatively frequent wins.
Start by deciding on a unit wager for each number, like $6. Place a bet on both numbers so that you’ll win 7:6 if the number is rolled before a 7. While some use a Martingale or Fibonacci sequence to adjust their bets after a win or loss, most stick to their unit bets.
Advanced Craps Strategy
If you’re interested in more advanced craps strategies, here are a few options you might want to explore.
Iron Cross Craps Strategy
Also known as the Field Bet Strategy, this method aims to cover most possible outcomes on the table, allowing you to win on nearly every roll, except when a 7 comes up.
To get started, place bets on 5, 6, and 8. Additionally, place a Field Bet covering 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
- Rolls of 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12: You win the Field Bet.
- Rolls of 5, 6, or 8: You win the respective Place Bet but lose the Field Bet. However, the win from the Place Bet should cover the Field Bet loss, leaving you with a small profit.
This strategy is best suited for casual play, as it’s not sustainable in the long run due to the high likelihood of rolling a 7.
$200 Craps Strategy
The $200 craps strategy is a conservative approach aimed at minimizing risk and stretching your bankroll. It’s designed around a $200 bankroll and focuses on low house edge bets like Pass Line and Don’t Pass with odds.
To use this strategy, split your bankroll into smaller units, such as $10 or $20. Place a unit bet on the Pass Line.
After the Come-Out roll, if a Point is established, take maximum odds behind your Pass Line bet. For example, if 3x odds are allowed, place an additional 3x unit wager behind the Pass Line.
Alternatively, you can place a unit wager on the Don’t Pass Line and take maximum odds behind this bet if a Point is established.
Press and Pull Craps Strategy
The Press and Pull strategy is a progressive betting method designed to maximize profits during winning streaks. It involves increasing, or pressing, your bets after each win and then pulling back your profits once you hit a set target.
This approach works well with Place Bets, especially on numbers 6 and 8 due to their favorable odds. Start by placing a bet on your chosen numbers. If you win, add your winnings to the original bet instead of collecting them.
Continue this process until you reach your profit target. If you lose a bet, revert to your original wager.
Pro Tip: Before you start, decide how much you aim to win. Set a realistic goal, such as 50% or 100% of your initial wager.
Bubble Craps Strategy
Bubble Craps is a variation available at some top offshore casinos in the US. The dice are rolled with the press of a button, similar to other online games. You can use a basic craps strategy for this game.
In some cases, you can hedge your bets to cover potential losses by betting on both the Pass Line and Don’t Pass. The Iron Cross strategy can also be applied to Bubble Craps. This version usually has lower minimum bet limits, allowing you to play more rounds before depleting your bankroll.
Handy Tips for Implementing a Winning Craps Strategy
Just like real money slots and other casino games, every round of online craps relies on luck and a random number generator. This means that even the best mathematical craps strategy cannot guarantee a positive result or a profit. However, by following these tips, you can avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a better gaming experience.
- Understand the Rules: Before considering any strategy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the game and its rules.
- Practice with Free Craps: Many top sites and casino apps offer free virtual tables where you can test different strategies without risking any money.
- Stick to Low House Edge Bets: Conserve your bankroll and practice responsible gambling by focusing on low house edge bets, such as Pass Line or Don’t Pass.
- Avoid High-Risk Bets: Steer clear of Proposition Bets and other high-risk bets to increase your chances of winning, as these bets have low odds.
- Manage Your Bankroll Responsibly: Set a budget with money you can afford to lose before you start playing craps and stick to it for safer gambling.
Is There a Single Best Craps Strategy for Everyone?
No, there isn’t a single best craps betting strategy that works for everyone. The right betting system depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and gameplay style.
Generally, sticking to bets with low house edges, such as the Pass Line, Don’t Pass, and Don’t Come, and taking odds bets is often the best approach. Using a craps strategy can help you manage your bankroll and decide what and how much to bet on, but it won’t guarantee a win or profit.
Read Other Helpful Gambling Guides
You can learn more about gambling strategies and how to play other popular casino games through the following guides:
- Baccarat Strategy – Find out which baccarat bet is best according to mathematical strategies.
- Blackjack Strategy – The best strategies for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Gambler’s Fallacy – Avoiding this common misconception can help you place better bets.
- Roulette Odds and Payouts – Learn which roulette variant is best and how to place the lowest-risk bets.
- James Bond Roulette Strategy – Explore a secretive betting system exclusively available on roulette.
- Slots Tips and Tricks – Discover how to win at slots by following these helpful tips.
- How to Play Video Poker – Popular and simple strategies that you can use to win more often.
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