The Best and Worst Bets to Make on a Game of Craps
Craps ranks among the most popular and exciting games in casinos. It has really an impact on players with its fast-paced action, but it can confuse beginners due to its many different types of bets. With so many betting options to choose from, it’s essential to know which ones to make and which ones to skip if you want to boost your odds of winning. This article will look at the best and worst bets in craps to help you improve your chances at the table.
The Pass Line Bet
The Pass Line bet is really the most basic and probably the most popular in craps which is why it is recommended for newcomers. The Pass Line bet is the type of bet that you make when you are certain that the shooter will win and he can only win by rolling a 7 or 11 in the come-out roll. If the shooter rolls the dice and gets a 2, 3 or 12 you are out of luck. Any other number which is rolled then becomes the point and to win the shooter must get that point before getting a seven.
The Pass Line bet really holds an advantage of the house that stands at 1.41% it is one of the best options in the game, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most played creatures. It is also important to understand that the payouts for craps on this bet are quite simple, most of the time even money, something that makes this bet ideal for virtually any player regardless of their level of experience. Due to its ease of play, good probability and a definite payout, it is recommended for anyone who wants to play safely at the craps table.
The Don’t Pass Bet
The Don’t Pass bet is the exact opposite of the Pass Line bet. Here, you are laying the odds against the shooter. If the come-out roll is 2 or 3 then you win and if it is 7 or 11 then you lose. A roll of 12 results in a push which essentially means that no one wins and the player gets his or her bet back. If any other number is the point then you want a seven to come up before the point number comes up.
There are, however, some variations that have a slightly lower house edge of 1.36% the Don’t Pass bet is recommended for those willing to bet against the shooter. Just like the Pass Line bet, the odds for craps on the Don’t Pass bet are also 1:1 which means that there is no complicated payout structure. However, one should also mention that taking the “Don’t Pass” line can make you a rather unpopular person at the table since most people tend to cheer for the shooter.
Odds Bets: The Best Bet in the House
After setting a point, you can then place an Odds bet behind your Pass Line or Don’t Pass bet. This is one of the best bets that a player can make in craps because, unlike other bets, it does not offer the casino any edge since the payout is the true odds of the dice. For instance, if the point is four or ten then the odds are two to one and this means that if the shooter hits the point, then the player will be able to get his money doubled.
The Field Bet: A Risky Proposition
The Field bet is a simpler bet to place that can be made in just a single roll leading it to be popular. You are placing your money on the fact that the next roll will be 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12. If any of these numbers comes up you are the winner; if a five, six, seven or eight comes up you are the loser. The payout differs with 2 and 12 paying twice or thrice the amount staked depending on the casino that you are playing in.
Still, the Field bet might sound quite tempting and this is what is crucial to know, it has a house edge that is about 5.56%. It is a gamble and the chances are stacked against you; even though you might occasionally come out as a winner, this is not a profitable proposition in the long run. To the Field, bet is better to stay away unless you’re seeking a fast and rather risky ride.
Proposition Bets: The Worst Bets on the Table
Proposition bets or “prop bets” are one of the most entertaining but risky bets out there in craps. These bets are placed in the center of the table and other bets include the next roll of a certain number, for instance, 2, 3, 7,11 or 12.
For the house edge on prop bets, it can go up to 16.67% which makes them some of the poorest options that you can choose. The winnings are really good but the chances of getting them are slim and this is a sure way of depleting the bankroll. They should be left to the big spenders who are willing to take a big risk.
Conclusion
Craps offers various betting options each with its odds and payouts. To succeed, you really need to understand which bets give you the best chance of winning and which ones to skip. The Pass Line, Don’t Pass and Odds bets are your best choices, as they give you a good return for your risk. However, you should stay away from Field bets, proposition bets and some place bets because the house has a bigger edge on these. By sticking to the smarter bets, you’ll boost your chances of winning at craps.