Are you tired of playing craps without knowing how to maximize your winnings? Do you want to learn the secrets of the game and increase your chances of walking away with a big win? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about craps odds and provide you with expert tips on how to make informed betting decisions.
What are Craps Odds?
Craps is a popular casino game played with two six-sided dice. The objective of the game is simple: predict the outcome of the roll by placing bets on various numbers or combinations of numbers. But what makes craps so exciting is the odds – the probability of winning or losing a bet.
In craps, there are three types of odds:
- True Odds : These are the actual probabilities of winning or losing a bet based on the number of possible outcomes.
- House Edge : This is the built-in advantage that casinos have over players. It’s the difference between true odds and the payout offered by the casino.
- Expected Value (EV) : This is a measure of how much money you can expect to win or lose in the long run.
How to Calculate Craps Odds
Calculating craps odds can be complex, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Determine the number of possible outcomes : For example, if you’re betting on a single number (e.g., 7), there are six possible outcomes: 1-6, 2-5, 3-4, etc.
- Calculate the true odds : Divide the number of winning outcomes by the total number of possible outcomes. For example, if you’re betting on a 7 and there are six possible outcomes, the true odds are 6/36 = 1:6.
- Determine the payout : Check the craps table for the payout offered by the casino. In this case, the payout is typically 4:5 or 2:3.
- Calculate the house edge : Subtract the payout from the true odds to determine the house edge. For example, if the payout is 4:5 and the true odds are 1:6, the house edge is 0.83% (1 – 4/5).
Understanding Craps Odds Tables
Craps odds tables can be overwhelming, but once you understand them, they’re actually quite straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of what each column means:
- Number : The number being bet on.
- Payout : The payout offered by the casino for that particular bet.
- True Odds : The actual probability of winning or losing that bet.
- House Edge : The built-in advantage that casinos have over players.
Craps Betting Strategies
Now that you know how to calculate craps odds, it’s time to learn some betting strategies. Here are a few expert tips:
The Pass Line Bet
This is one of the most popular bets in craps. To make a pass line bet, simply place your chips on the “pass line” area of the table.
- Why it works : The pass line bet has a low house edge (1.4%) and offers a high payout (even money).
- When to use it : Use this bet when you’re feeling confident about the shooter’s next roll.
The Don’t Pass Bet
This is the opposite of the pass line bet. To make a don’t pass bet, place your chips on the “don’t pass” area of the table.
- Why it works : The don’t pass bet also has a low house edge (1.4%) and offers a high payout (even money).
- When to use it : Use this bet when you’re feeling uncertain about the shooter’s next roll.
The Come Bet
This is another popular bet in craps. To make a come bet, place your chips on the “come” area of the table.
- Why it works : The come bet has a low house edge (1.4%) and offers a high payout (even money).
- When to use it : Use this bet when you’re feeling confident about the shooter’s next roll.
The Place Bet
This is a type of bet that allows you to place chips on specific numbers (e.g., 4, 5, 6, etc.).
- Why it works : The place bet has a higher house edge than other bets (1.4-3.8%), but offers a high payout (even money).
- When to use it : Use this bet when you’re feeling confident about the shooter’s next roll and want to take on more risk.
The Proposition Bet
This is a type of bet that allows you to place chips on specific outcomes (e.g., 2-3, 7-11, etc.).
- Why it works : The proposition bet has a higher house edge than other bets (5.1-16.7%), but offers a high payout (varies).
- When to use it : Use this bet when you’re feeling uncertain about the shooter’s next roll and want to take on more risk.
Craps Odds Cheat Sheet
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you remember the odds for each bet:
| Bet | Payout | True Odds | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass Line | 4:5 | 1:2 | 1.4% |
| Don’t Pass | 4:5 | 1:2 | 1.4% |
| Come | 4:5 | 1:2 | 1.4% |
| Place (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) | Even Money | 1:3-1:20 | 1.4-3.8% |
| Proposition (Hardways, Field, Any 7, etc.) | Varies | 1:2-1:30 | 5.1-16.7% |
Conclusion
Craps odds can seem daunting at first, but once you understand them, they’re actually quite straightforward. By learning how to calculate craps odds and using expert betting strategies, you can maximize your winnings and have more fun playing the game.
Remember, always bet responsibly and within your means. Don’t chase losses or bet more than you can afford to lose. With practice and patience, you’ll become a craps pro in no time!
Final Tips
- Practice makes perfect : The more you play craps, the better you’ll understand the game and the odds.
- Manage your bankroll : Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Don’t get emotional : Craps is a game of chance – don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Make informed betting decisions based on the odds.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a craps master!
