Craps is one of the most exciting casino games, but it can feel complicated if you don’t know the best way to bet. The key to winning—or at least losing less—is to use bets with the lowest house advantage and manage your money carefully. Let’s break down the best craps strategies in simple terms.
1. Stick to Pass Line and Come Bets
The simplest and smartest bets in craps are the Pass Line and Come bets.
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Pass Line Bet: Place this bet when a new shooter starts rolling (come-out roll). You win if they roll a 7 or 11 and lose on 2, 3, or 12. Once a “point” is set (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), you win if the shooter rolls that number again before a 7.
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Come Bet: Works like the Pass Line but can be placed after the point is set. It’s a way to bet on new numbers while the shooter keeps rolling.
These bets have a low house edge, which means the casino has less advantage over you compared to other bets.
2. Always Add Odds Bets
Once a point is set, the Pass Line or Come bet is slightly against you. This is where Odds Bets come in.
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Odds bets have no house advantage—you are paid at true odds.
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For example, if the point is 4, you are less likely to win than the 7. But the casino pays 2-to-1 if you win this bet.
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Many casinos allow you to back your Pass Line or Come bet with 2x or 3x your original bet. This improves your overall chances of making money when you win.
Tip: Always use full odds if your bankroll allows it.
3. Use the 6-8 Strategy for Faster Wins
After you’re comfortable with Pass Line and Come bets, you can speed up the game with Place bets on 6 and 8.
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These numbers come up more often than 4, 5, 9, or 10.
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Place bets win if your number rolls before a 7.
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This strategy helps you have more numbers working at once, increasing your chances of winning during a long roll.
Tip: Keep your bets proportional. For example, at a $10 table, place $18–$24 on 6 or 8.
4. Don’t Pass and Don’t Come Bets (Optional)
If you want the lowest house edge, consider betting “wrong way” with Don’t Pass and Don’t Come.
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Don’t Pass wins when the shooter loses and loses when the shooter wins.
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Don’t Come works similarly but after a point is set.
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The math shows these bets are slightly better than betting with the shooter.
Warning: This is less social, because most players cheer for the shooter.
5. Keep Your Money in Check
No strategy will beat the casino in the long run. The goal is to minimize losses while maximizing enjoyment:
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Buy in with a reasonable amount (e.g., 15–20 times the table minimum).
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Stick to low-house-edge bets: Pass Line, Come, Odds, 6/8 Place bets.
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Avoid high-risk bets like Prop, Field, or Big 6/8 bets—they may seem fun, but the house always wins.
Conclusion
The best mathematical craps strategy is simple:
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Pass Line + Come bets
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Always back with Odds
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Add Place bets on 6 and 8
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Optionally, Don’t Pass / Don’t Come for a lower house edge
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Manage your bankroll wisely
By following these steps, you reduce the house advantage and make your craps session more fun and profitable. Remember, no strategy guarantees a win—but using smart bets gives you the best chance at success.
FAQ
What is the best way to play craps mathematically?
The best mathematical approach is to focus on bets with the lowest house edge: Pass Line, Come bets, and Odds bets. You can also add Place bets on 6 and 8 to increase your chances. Avoid high-risk bets like Prop or Field bets.
What is the most successful craps strategy?
The most successful strategy is a combination of Pass Line/Come bets with full Odds, plus Place bets on 6 and 8. This method balances risk and reward and uses the math behind the game to your advantage.
What is the 6-8 craps strategy?
The 6-8 strategy focuses on placing bets directly on the numbers 6 and 8. These numbers appear more often than 4, 5, 9, or 10. This strategy helps you build multiple numbers at once and can lead to more frequent wins during long rolls.
How can I win bets mathematically in craps?
You can’t guarantee wins, but you can improve your odds by sticking to low-house-edge bets, using full Odds bets, and managing your bankroll wisely. Avoid risky bets and focus on strategies that maximize your chances while minimizing losses.
