The Best Bet in Craps: A Strategic Guide for Beginners and Experts

Craps is one of the most exciting casino games, offering a variety of betting options with different odds and house edges. While some bets are riskier than others, knowing the best bet in craps can significantly improve your chances of winning. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will break down the top craps bets, strategies, and mathematical approaches to help you make smarter decisions at the table.

Understanding the Basics of Craps

Before diving into the best bets, it's essential to understand how craps works. The game revolves around rolling two dice, with players betting on the outcome. The shooter (the person rolling the dice) aims to establish a "point" number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) by rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 on the come-out roll. If a 7 or 11 is rolled, pass line bets win, while rolling a 2, 3, or 12 results in a loss for pass line bets. Once a point is established, the shooter continues rolling until they either hit the point again (winning pass line bets) or roll a 7 (losing pass line bets).

The Pass Line Bet: The Best Bet for Beginners

The pass line bet is widely regarded as the best bet in craps for beginners due to its low house edge of just 1.41%. This bet wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11 and loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12. If a point is established, the bet wins if the shooter rolls the point again before a 7. The simplicity and favorable odds make it an excellent starting point for new players.

The Don’t Pass Bet: A Slightly Better House Edge

For players looking for an even lower house edge (1.36%), the don’t pass bet is a solid alternative. This bet is essentially the opposite of the pass line—it wins if the come-out roll is 2 or 3 (12 is a push in most casinos) and loses on 7 or 11. Once a point is set, the don’t pass bet wins if a 7 rolls before the point number. While this bet has a slight advantage, it’s often avoided by superstitious players since you’re betting against the shooter.

The Odds Bet: The Only True Fair Bet in Craps

One of the most powerful tools in craps is the free odds bet, which has a 0% house edge. After placing a pass line or don’t pass bet, players can "take odds" or "lay odds" by betting additional money behind their original bet. The payout depends on the point number—for example, a point of 6 or 8 pays 6:5, while a point of 5 or 9 pays 3:2. Since the casino has no advantage here, maximizing your odds bet is a key strategy for reducing the overall house edge.

The Come and Don’t Come Bets: Extending Your Strategy

Similar to the pass and don’t pass bets, the come and don’t come bets allow players to place additional wagers after the point is established. The come bet follows the same rules as the pass line, while the don’t come mirrors the don’t pass. Both bets also allow for free odds, making them valuable for players looking to capitalize on hot streaks or hedge their positions.

Place Bets: Targeting Specific Numbers

Place bets allow players to wager on specific numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) to be rolled before a 7. While these bets have a higher house edge than pass line bets (ranging from 4% to 6.67%), they offer more flexibility. The best place bets are on 6 and 8, which have a house edge of just 1.52% and pay 7:6. Many experienced players focus on these numbers for consistent payouts.

The Field Bet: High Risk, Quick Payouts

The field bet is a one-roll wager that wins if the next roll is 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12. While it offers quick payouts (usually 1:1 or 2:1 for 2 and 12), the house edge is high (5.56%). This bet is best used sparingly, as the long-term odds are not favorable.

Proposition Bets: Fun but Risky

Proposition bets (like "Any 7," "Hardways," or "Horn Bets") are high-risk, high-reward wagers with house edges ranging from 9.09% to 16.67%. While they can lead to big payouts, they’re generally considered poor long-term bets. Beginners should avoid these unless playing for fun.

The $200 Craps Strategy: A Balanced Approach

A popular strategy for players with a $200 bankroll involves combining pass line bets with odds and place bets on 6 and 8. Start with a $5 pass line bet, then take 3x-4x-5x odds (depending on casino limits). Allocate $30 each on place bets for 6 and 8. This strategy balances risk and reward while leveraging the best bets in craps.

Craps Odds Chart: Understanding Payouts and Probabilities

A craps odds chart is a valuable tool for visualizing payouts and probabilities. For example:

• Pass Line: 1.41% house edge

• Don’t Pass: 1.36% house edge

• Place 6/8: 1.52% house edge

• Field Bet: 5.56% house edge
  Knowing these numbers helps players make informed decisions.

Conclusion

The best bet in craps depends on your risk tolerance and strategy. For beginners, the pass line bet with maximum odds is the smartest choice, offering the lowest house edge. More advanced players may prefer don’t pass bets or a combination of place bets on 6 and 8. Avoid high-risk proposition bets, and always manage your bankroll wisely. By understanding the math behind craps and sticking to the best bets, you can maximize your chances of winning and enjoy the game responsibly.