Strategies in Craps
Craps is a game of chance, meaning the outcome of the dice rolls is completely random. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t tip the scales in your favor.
By implementing a solid strategy in craps, you can better manage your bankroll and avoid major losses. Most strategies in craps focus on which bets to place and which to avoid. While you can never beat the casino long-term, you can have fun playing craps if you learn how to be efficient with your money.
Classic Regression Strategy
The goal of a classic regression craps strategy is to earn a profit with just a single hit. To achieve this, wait until the shooter establishes a point and then place your bet. After the point has been determined, place two units on both the 6 and the 8. After a single hit, go down one unit on both the 6 and 8. The key to this strategy is to hit a 6 or 8 before 7 shows.
Remember, craps are all about odds, and 6 and 8 are decent bets. While there are ten different combinations to create a 6 and 8, there are only six combinations to create a seven.
Pass and Come, With Odds Strategy
One of the best craps strategies involves the pass line, as it has a low house edge of just 1.41%. It can be even more efficient with free odds as this declines the house edge further. The object of this strategy is to place a large percentage of your bet in the free odds. Only place the table’s minimum on the pass or come bet, then put the rest in odds.
While this craps strategy has a low house edge, having multiple numbers all with odds working at once puts a lot of money at risk. It’s important to be aware of your bankroll and only bet money that you are willing to lose.
Anything but Seven Strategy
With anything but the 'seven strategy', the goal is to win with any rolled number except for 7. First, wait until the shooter has established a point and then place your bet. Once the point has been determined, place two units on 5, 6, and 8. Then place one unit on the field. If the shooter is able to keep the dice for at least three rolls, you can make a decent profit.
If a 2 or a 12 is thrown, a player can earn even more. After three rolls, remove all of your wagers to avoid losing everything you’ve earned. What makes this strategy effective is that the average shooter typically rolls the dice about 4 to 6 times before throwing a 7.
The 1-3-2-6 Craps Strategy
The 1-3-2-6 strategy in craps is one of the best strategies for low rollers who prefer to play the pass line. With this system, a player can establish limits for wins and losses and then use these limits to play without risking their entire bankroll. To use this strategy, follow the sequence, first betting one unit and then increasing your second bet to three units. Following the sequence, you take away one unit to make your third bet two units.
If you are able to hit all of your bets, you will have accumulated a total of 12 units. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will win each time. However, the system is set up so that even if you win the first three bets and lose on the fourth, you would still break even.
Don’t Pass and Don’t Come, With Odds
The don’t pass and don’t come strategy is essentially the opposite of the pass and come strategy previously mentioned. This system has a house edge of 1.36%, which is slightly better than the pass and come, which has a house edge of 1.41%. Just like the pass and come with odds, the don’t pass and don’t come with odds involves putting a large percentage of your bet into the odds. Bet the table minimum at don’t pass and don’t come.
While this strategy gives you a low house edge, the total wagers involved can become fairly substantial. Be sure to manage your bankroll, and do not bet more than you can afford to lose.
Floor and Ceiling Strategy
Knowing when to walk away seems simple but can be a tough action to take, especially when you’re on a winning streak. However, wise gamblers know when to take their winnings and leave the table or accept their losses and try again another day. Craps players should adopt a winnings goal of 30% of their starting bankroll for the session. For example, if you join a craps table with $200, leave when you are about $60 ahead. If you are gambling with a small amount of money, you may have to settle for smaller wins.
The same concept applies to losses at the craps table. If you have lost 30% of your bankroll, you are going to have difficulty recovering. It may be better to accept defeat before you deplete your bankroll.
The 5-Count Strategy
The 5-count craps strategy is a simple system designed for players who want to minimize their losses. With this strategy, you do not place any bets until the shooter has made five successful rolls of the dice. What exactly is a successful roll? On the come-out, the shooter must hit a point number for the 5-count to start. Therefore, if the shooter rolls a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on their first roll, the count is at 1. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, do not start the count.
On the second, third, and fourth count, any number that is rolled is included. However, on the fifth roll, the shooter must roll a point number for the count to be completed. If the shooter sevens out at any time, the count is terminated.
Using Strategies in Craps
What craps strategy is best? This depends on your individual bankroll and your preferences. Ideally, you want to use a strategy that involves bets that have a very low house edge and will give you the best odds of winning. Also, ensure that you are playing at an online casino that is licensed and offers a safe and fair gaming environment. This gives players the best chance of winning at craps.
