Craps Strategy: Best Odds & Minimum House Edge Bets

Craps is one of the most thrilling games in any casino, with fast-paced action and high chances of large payouts. To do so, luck is not enough. A strong craps strategy is a basic requirement to make decisions and see what lies behind dice rolls while keeping in mind odds, number combinations and how to minimize the house edge. Campeonbet’s guide, which is tailored-made for Nigerian players, effectively offers players a straightforward explanation of proven strategies applied through examples to improve their chances at the craps table and maximize their gaming experience.

Key Craps Terminology Explained

To build an effective craps strategy, it’s important to understand the basic terminology around the game:

• Pass Line: The most important bet in craps. This is a bet that the shooter will win by rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, or by making their point before rolling a 7.
• Don’t Pass: The opposite of Pass Line. A bet that the shooter will lose.
• Point: The number established on the come-out roll (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10).
• Free Odds Bet: An additional bet placed after a point is established that pays true odds.
• Come Bet: Similar to a Pass Line bet but made after the point is established.
• Place Bet: A bet that a specific number will be rolled before a 7.
• House Edge: The mathematical advantage the casino has over players.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Before diving into the basic strategies, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the way the game is played. 

Craps is played in rounds and players place their bets on the outcome of rolled dice. The standard way the game flows is the following:

1. Shooter: The designated player makes a “come-out” roll.
2. Pass line bets win: If 7 or 11 appears, then this bet wins immediately.
3. Pass line bets lose: If 2, 3, or 12 appears, Pass Line bets lose immediately.
4. The point: Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) becomes the “point.”
5. The shooter continues rolling the dice until either the point number reappears (Pass Line wins) or a 7 appears (Pass Line loses)

The Importance of House Edge in Craps

When it comes to craps games, the House Edge is essential for smart betting. The house edge is the percentage of each bet the casino holds over the player on each type of bet. It’s the single most important factor in evaluating which bets constitute a good craps strategy. The lower the house edge, the better your chances of winning in the long term.

In craps, house edges vary dramatically—from under 1% for the best bets to over 16% for the worst. This range makes craps unique, as informed players can stick to low house edge bets while uninformed players might be attracted to sucker bets with terrible odds.

Comparing House Edges of Common Bets

As displayed above, the best craps strategy focuses on bets with a house edge under 2%, whereas Pass Line and Don’t Pass bets backed with Free Odds.

So, knowing the house edge is essential for playing craps strategically. It can turn the game into a challenge by training your skills in probability and planning.

Optimal Craps Strategies for Players

Now that the importance of house edge is set, let’s break down the most effective betting strategies that maximize players’ chances of success at the craps table.

Pass Line and Come Bets

The Pass Line bet is the most popular bet in craps. With a low house edge of 1.41%, it’s one of the most player-friendly bets. Once the point is set, players can enhance their position by taking the free odds bet, which has no house edge and pays out true odds.

Similarly, come bets function just like pass line bets but can be placed any time after the come-out roll. They allow you to establish multiple numbers, increasing action without sacrificing odds.

To implement this strategy:

1. Place your bet on the Pass Line before the come-out roll
2. If a point is established, back your Pass Line bet with the maximum free odds bet you can afford
3. Wait for the shooter to either hit the point (you win) or roll a 7 (you lose)
4. Repeat with each new shooter

Don’t Pass and Don’t Come Bets

For those who prefer betting against the odds, don’t pass and don’t come bets offer slightly better odds with a 1.36% house edge. This bet essentially puts you in the position of “the house,” as you’re betting against the shooter. The strategy is the following:

1. Place your bet on the Don’t Pass line before the come-out roll
2. You win if the come-out roll is 2 or 3, and push (tie) on 12 in most casinos
3. You lose if the come-out roll is 7 or 11
4. If a point is established, you win if a 7 comes before the point, and lose if the point comes first
5. Back your Don’t Pass bet with a maximum free odds bet for the lowest possible house edge

Utilizing Free Odds Bets

The free odds bet is the only true even-money bet in the casino, with zero house edge. Once a point is set, the player can place a free odds bet behind their original bet. This bet is unique because it pays true odds with no house edge, making it the most valuable wager on the table. This is how to place them:

1. Make your initial Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet.
2. Once a point is established, place the maximum allowed odds bet behind your original bet.
3. Most casinos offer 3x-4x-5x odds (3x on points of 4 and 10, 4x on 5 and 9, and 5x on 6 and 8 whereas some others offer even higher odds, which further reduces the overall house edge.

By maximizing your odds bets, you can reduce the overall house edge on your Pass Line bet to as low as 0.8%, making it one of the best bets in the entire casino.

Strategic Use of Place Bets on 6 and 8

Beyond the Pass Line and Don’t Pass options, placing 6 and 8 bets offers excellent value. These numbers are statistically the most frequently rolled (besides 7) and offer a reasonable house edge of 1.52%. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Wait until after a point is established
2. Place equal bets on both 6 and 8
3. These bets win if your number is rolled before a 7
4. They pay 7:6 odds (bet $6 to win $7)
5. You can add these bets to your Pass Line strategy or use them independently

Calculating Payouts and Probabilities

Understanding the math behind the place 6 and 8 strategy:

• Number 6 can be rolled 5 ways out of 36 possible dice combinations (probability: 5/36 = 13.89%)
• Number 8 can be rolled 5 ways out of 36 possible combinations (probability: 5/36 = 13.89%)
• Number 7 can be rolled 6 ways out of 36 possible combinations (probability: 6/36 = 16.67%)
• Payout on Place 6 or 8: 7:6 (bet $6 to win $7)

This makes Place 6 and 8 bets nearly as good as Pass Line bets, with the advantage that you can remove them at any time (unlike Pass Line bets, which must ride until resolution).

Advanced Betting Techniques

For more seasoned players, the following techniques offer greater flexibility and control when used correctly.

Lay Bets and Buy Bets Explained

Lay bets let you bet that a 7 will appear before a specific number, also at true odds with a commission. Buy bets allow you to bet that a specific number will be rolled before a 7, paying at true odds but requiring a 5% commission. 

For example:

• Lay bet on 4: You bet $20 to win $10 (minus commission)
• Buy bet on 4: Pays 2:1 (minus commission)

These bets can be useful in specific situations but require careful bankroll management to ensure they remain profitable.

Bankroll Management Tips

What needs to be clarified is the fact that even if the best craps strategy applied, proper bankroll management is essential. Here are some tips for you to consider:

1. Set a win/loss limit: You should know when to walk away. 
2. Determine your base betting unit (usually 1% of your bankroll)
3. Stick to your predetermined betting patterns
4. Set win goals and loss limits (e.g., quit after 50% gain or 50% loss)
5. Track your results to refine your approach
6. Avoid chasing losses

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Craps

Even with a solid understanding of the game and its strategy, players can fall into common traps that hurt their chances at the table.Knowing what not to do is just as crucial as understanding the best bets to make. To maximize your success with craps strategy, avoid these costly errors:

1. Playing proposition bets: The center of the table features tempting one-roll bets with house edges exceeding 10%. No matter how “due” you think a number is, these bets will drain your bankroll.
2. Betting the “Big 6” or “Big 8”: These bets pay even money but have a 9.09% house edge. Instead, place bets on 6 and 8 pay better odds.
3. Believing in patterns: Dice have no memory. Previous rolls do not influence future outcomes.
4. Ignoring the odds bet: Not taking full advantage of the free odds bet is leaving money on the table.
5. Playing without a clear strategy: Randomly placing bets based on hunches guarantees long-term losses.
6. Chasing losses: Increasing your bets to recover losses usually leads to even bigger losses.

Conclusion: Maximizing Success at the Craps Table

Winning at craps isn’t just about lucky dice rolls. It’s about putting into practice your maths skills, logic, and discipline. By understanding the craps table layout, knowing which bets to make and which to avoid you can give yourself the best chance for long-term success. 

By focusing on low house edge bets like Pass Line with odds, Don’t Pass with odds, and Place 6 and 8, you position yourself for the best possible outcome. Remember:

1. Always take maximum free odds bets when available
2. Consider the don’t pass approach for slightly better odds
3. Utilize Place 6 and 8 bets for steady action with good odds
4. Avoid proposition bets and other sucker bets
5. Manage your bankroll carefully

While no strategy guarantees winnings (casinos always maintain a mathematical edge), these approaches minimize losses and extend your playing time, increasing your chances of hitting a hot streak. Now that you’re armed with the right knowledge and strategy, you are ready to step foot on Campeonbet’s casino table with confidence. Craps may be a game of chance, but with the right approach, you can tilt the odds just slightly in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is craps a game of skill?

While craps is fundamentally a game of chance, skilled players who understand probabilities and house edges can significantly reduce the casino’s advantage compared to uninformed players.

What bet pays the most in craps?

The highest payout is on the “2” or “12” proposition bets, which pay 30:1. However, these bets have a massive house edge and should be avoided despite their attractive payouts.

What is the hardest number to roll in craps?

Statistically, 2 and 12 are the hardest numbers to roll, each with only one possible combination out of 36 (1-1 for 2, and 6-6 for 12), giving each a 2.78% probability.

What is the riskiest bet in craps?

The “Any 7” bet (betting that the next roll will be a 7) is considered the riskiest with a massive 16.67% house edge. This makes it one of the worst bets in any casino game.

What is the Arnold craps strategy?

The Arnold Strategy (named after gambling author Arnold Snyder) involves combining Pass Line bets with maximal odds and strategic Place bets on 6 and 8, removing them after two hits. It’s a relatively conservative approach focused on minimizing the house edge.

What is the most profitable craps strategy?

Mathematically, the most profitable approach is betting Don’t Pass with maximum odds, combined with selective Place bets on 6 and 8 that you remove after one or two hits. This strategy gives you the lowest overall house edge.

What is 1:1 across in craps?

“1:1 across” typically refers to making Place bets of equal amounts on all the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). This is generally not recommended as the higher house edge on 4 and 10 drags down the overall expected return