Craps Strategies
Craps is a game of chance, so dice results are completely random. Still, thoughtful betting choices can help you manage your play.
A thoughtful craps plan can help you manage your bankroll and limit losses. Most craps systems focus on which bets to make and which to avoid. You can’t beat the casino over the long term, but understanding how to use your money efficiently can make the game more enjoyable.
Classic Regression Strategy
Classic regression relies on the possibility of making a profit after a single hit. Wait for the shooter to establish a point, then place your wagers. Once the point is set, bet two units on both the 6 and 8. After a hit, reduce each 6 and 8 wager by one unit. This approach depends on a 6 or 8 appearing before a 7.
Craps is heavily influenced by the odds, and 6 and 8 are still reasonable numbers to consider. There are ten combinations that can make a 6 or 8, compared with only six combinations that make a seven.
Pass and Come, With Odds Strategy
The pass line is at the heart of a widely used craps approach, with a house edge of just 1.41%. Adding free odds can make the wager more efficient by reducing the house edge further. Keep only the table minimum on your pass or come bet and put the larger share of your stake on free odds.
Although this approach has a low house edge, having odds working on several numbers at once can put a considerable amount of money at risk. Keep an eye on your bankroll and only wager money you can afford to lose.
Anything but Seven Strategy
With the ‘anything but the seven’ strategy, you’re aiming to win if any number other than 7 appears. First, wait for the shooter to establish a point before betting. Once the point is set, wager two units on 5, 6 and 8, then put one unit on the field. If the shooter keeps the dice for at least three rolls, you may make a decent profit.
If a 2 or 12 is rolled, you can earn an extra return. After three rolls, take all your bets down so you don’t give back everything you’ve won. The reasoning is that an average shooter typically rolls about 4 to 6 times before rolling a 7.
The 1-3-2-6 Craps Strategy
For low rollers who prefer the pass line, the 1-3-2-6 strategy is presented as one of the stronger craps systems. It lets you set limits on wins and losses, helping you avoid putting your whole bankroll at risk. Follow the sequence: bet one unit first, raise your second bet to three units, then subtract one unit so your third bet is two units.
If all your bets succeed, you’ll have accumulated 12 units. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll win each time. The system is designed so that winning the first three bets and losing the fourth still leaves you at break-even.
Don’t Pass and Don’t Come, With Odds
The don’t pass and don’t come approach is the reverse of the pass and come method above. Its house edge is 1.36%, slightly lower than the 1.41% cited for pass and come. As with pass and come with odds, this system puts a large share of the stake on odds; use only the table minimum for don’t pass and don’t come.
Even with a low house edge, the combined wagers in this approach can add up quickly. Manage your bankroll carefully and don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
Floor and Ceiling Strategy
Leaving at the right time sounds easy, but it can be tough during a winning streak. Sensible gamblers know when to collect their winnings and leave, or accept a loss and come back another day. Craps players can set a session target of 30% of their starting bankroll. For example, if you sit down with $200, leave when you’re about $60 ahead. With a small bankroll, a more modest win may be realistic.
The same principle applies to losses. Once you’ve lost 30% of your bankroll, recovering may be difficult, so it could be wiser to accept the loss before your remaining funds run out.
The 5-Count Strategy
The 5-count craps strategy aims to limit losses by asking players to wait before betting. Don’t place a wager until the shooter has made five successful rolls. What counts as a successful roll? On the come-out, the shooter must roll a point number to start the 5-count. So, if the first roll is 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, set the count at 1. If it’s 2, 3, 7, 11 or 12, don’t start counting.
On the second, third and fourth counts, include every number rolled. On the fifth roll, however, the shooter must roll a point number to finish the count. A seven-out at any point ends the count.
Using Strategies in Craps
The craps strategy that suits you best depends on your bankroll and preferences. In general, look for an approach built around bets with a very low house edge, while remembering that no system guarantees a win. Choose an online casino that is licensed and offers a safe, fair gaming environment, but check the relevant jurisdiction rather than assuming these conditions. These features may support more informed craps play, but they can’t ensure a winning result.
