Craps is a game of chance, but if you stop and think about the mathematical properties behind those dice you’re throwing, you can begin to understand Craps odds. Basically, you have two dice, each with six sides. Those two dice have 36 possible number combinations that can make up 11 different numbers (2 to 12). The thing is, some totals are more likely to come up because they can be made in more ways. For instance, there’s only one way to roll a 2; you have to roll two 1s. However, there are four ways to roll a 5: 1-4, 4-1, 2-3, and 3-2. The number 7, which of course is particularly meaningful in Craps, can be made the most number of ways. There are six different combinations that actually work, so you can potentially throw a 7 more often than other numbers. Here's the breakdown: you're most likely to throw a 7, then a 6 or 8, then a 5 or 9, then 4 or 10, then 3 or 11, and finally the 2 and 12 (each of which can only be made in one way). If you've established a Point, you want to know how likely you are to roll that point again before rolling a 7. Given the math above, here are the odds: - Rolling a 4 – 2 to 1
- Rolling a 5 – 3 to 2
- Rolling a 6 – 6 to 5
- Rolling a 8 – 6 to 5
- Rolling a 9 – 3 to 2
- Rolling a 10 – 2 to 1
Now, certain bets give you far better Craps odds than others. Since there are so many bets, you'll have to pay attention. The Pass/Don't Pass is a good bet to make, and a common one. It pays even money, with only a 1.41 percent edge for the house. Likewise, the Come/Don't Come Bet is generally a recommended bet because it also pays out even money and maintains that relatively low 1.41 percent house edge. Place Bets can be made on the following points: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10. Experts recommend going with the 6 and 8—which have a house edge of 1.51 percent—and avoiding the others, which have a significantly higher house edge. Just remember that Craps odds vary for Place Bets. Field Bets are one-roll bets placed on the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. If the shooter rolls one of these numbers right after you make a Field Bet, you win. You generally get even money for all numbers except 2 and 12. The 2 pays at 2 to 1, and the 12 usually pays at 3 to 1. Despite appearances, your Craps odds for Field Bets are not so good because the qualifying numbers have a lower chance of coming up. You stand to profit handsomely from Proposition Bets, but be aware that the Craps odds for these are really in the casino’s favor. The Big 6 and Big 8 Bets pay even money, but the house edge is again on the house’s side. But remember: you can always simply put a Place bet on 6 and 8. |
