Craps can seem like a fast-paced and complicated game when you first approach the table, but at its heart, it’s built on understanding a few core types of bets. Knowing these bets and the odds associated with them is key to enjoying and potentially winning at this exciting casino game. This guide will walk you through some of the most common craps bets you’ll encounter.
Understanding Craps Bets
Craps offers a variety of betting options, each with its own set of rules and payouts. Here’s a breakdown of some popular bets:
Odds Bets
Once a point is established on the come-out roll (the first roll) or a come point on a subsequent roll, you have the opportunity to place an odds bet. This is essentially a side bet that the point will be made before a 7 is rolled. The payouts for odds bets vary depending on the point:
- Points of 4 and 10: Pay 2 to 1
- Points of 5 and 9: Pay 3 to 2
- Points of 6 and 8: Pay 6 to 5
Conversely, if you’re betting “don’t pass” or “don’t come,” you’re betting that a 7 will be rolled before the point. In this case, you would “lay the odds” to win, which means you risk more than you stand to win.
Place Bets
After the point has been made, you can make place bets on the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. A place bet is a wager that one of these numbers will be rolled before a 7. The payouts for place bets are as follows:
- Numbers 4 and 10: Pay 9 to 5
- Numbers 5 and 9: Pay 7 to 5
- Numbers 6 and 8: Pay 7 to 6
A significant advantage of place bets is their flexibility. You can place or remove a place bet at any time before the next dice roll.
Field Bets
Field bets are one-roll bets, meaning they are decided on the very next roll of the dice. When you place a field bet, you are betting that one of the following numbers will be rolled: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. The payouts vary depending on the number rolled:
- Numbers 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11: Pay even money (1 to 1)
- Number 2: Pays 2 to 1
- Number 12: Pays 3 to 1
You lose a field bet if the shooter rolls a 5, 6, 7, or 8.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets, often found in the center of the craps table, are also one-roll bets. These are wagers on specific outcomes of the next roll. Common proposition bets include:
| Bet | Payout |
|---|---|
| Any Craps (2, 3, or 12) | 8 to 1 |
| Aces (2) or Twelve (12) | 31 to 1 |
| Ace-Deuce (3) or Eleven (11) | 16 to 1 |
| Seven (7) | 5 to 1 |
These bets often come with higher payouts but also carry a higher house edge.
Hardways Bets
Hardways bets are multi-roll bets that the shooter will roll a specific number as a pair (e.g., 4-4 for a hard 8) before rolling a 7 or the “easy way” (e.g., 5-3 or 6-2 for an easy 8).
| Bet | Payout |
|---|---|
| Hard Four or Ten | 8 to 1 |
| Hard Six or Eight | 10 to 1 |
If a 7 is rolled or the number is rolled “easy” before the hard way hits, you lose your hardways bet.
Hop Bets
Hop bets are another type of one-roll bet, but even more specific than proposition bets. With hop bets, you are betting on the exact combination of numbers you think will appear on the next roll of the dice.
For example, if you believe the next roll will be a 6 and a 3, you would ask the dealer for a “6 and 3 hopping.” Hop bets can have high payouts, typically either 31 to 1 or 16 to 1, depending on the specific combination you choose.
Conclusion
Understanding these fundamental craps bets is your first step to participating in the game. While there are many other types of bets available at a craps table, mastering these basics will give you a solid foundation to start playing and enjoying the excitement of craps. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your limits.
