When it comes to playing craps, there’s nothing more exciting than placing your bets and watching the dice roll. It’s a game of chance that can bring in big rewards, but it’s important to keep in mind that not all bets are created equal. In fact, some bets can be downright dangerous for your bankroll!
So, before you start rolling the dice, let’s take a closer look at some of the craps options that you should avoid like the plague. These are the kinds of bets that will have you reaching for your wallet in no time, whether you’re playing at a live table or in the comfort of your own home.
And speaking of live tables, there are also certain etiquette protocols and procedures that every craps player should know. These are the unspoken rules of the game that can make or break your experience at the table.
So, if you’re ready to learn what not to do at the craps table and how to play like a pro, then let’s get started!
1 – Avoid Betting on Big 6 or Big 8 like the Plague Let’s face it, the Big 6 and Big 8 bets are the craps equivalent of a bad haircut – they look tempting at first, but you end up regretting them in the end.
If you’re not familiar with these bets, they’re located in the corners of most craps tables and are marked with a big numeral 6 and a big numeral 8. Essentially, they’re similar to place bets on 6 or 8, but they pay out less. Big 6 and Big 8 pay even money, while placing 6 or 8 pays 7-6 odds.
While some players may choose the Big bets because they require smaller wagers, it’s important to keep in mind that these bets come with a higher house edge. To take advantage of the odds, you need to bet in multiples of $6 when placing 6 or 8, but you can make bets in multiples of R5 for Big 6 and Big 8.
But let’s say you and I make 11 bets each, with you betting R5 on Big 6 and me betting R6 to place 6. You would put R55 at risk, while I risk $66.
On average, the shooter will roll a 7 six times and a 6 five times out of every 11 decisions. If a 7 comes before a 6, we both lose. On a 6, you get your R5 bets back and earn $5 in winnings, which is a total of R50 for five wins. Since you wagered R55, your average loss for the sequence is R5.
On the other hand, for each of my five wins, I keep my R6 bet and earn R7 in winnings, which totals to R65. I’ve wagered R66, which is R11 more than you, but my average loss is only R1, or R4 less than your average loss. The house edge on my place bets is 1.52%, while for your Big bets, it’s a whopping 9.09%.
So, if you want to keep your bankroll intact, it’s best to avoid the Big 6 and Big 8 bets altogether and go for the safer option of placing 6 or 8, even if it means betting a little more. Trust us, your wallet will thank you later.
2 – Stay Away from Hardways and Keep Your Bankroll Safe If you’re looking to keep your craps game going for longer, it’s best to steer clear of hardways – trust us, your wallet will thank you for it.
For those who are new to the game, hardways are combinations where both dice show the same number. You can place hardway bets on 4, 6, 8, or 10. The idea is to roll your number the hard way before rolling a 7 or your number the easy way. For example, if you place a bet on hard 6, you’ll win if the shooter rolls 3-3, but lose on any 7, 4-2, or 5-1.
Some players may be drawn to hardways because of the bigger payoffs, with hard 6 or 8 paying 9-1 and hard 4 or 10 paying 7-1. But don’t be fooled – these bigger payoffs come with huge house edges. In South Africa, where real money craps is popular, the house has a 9.09% advantage on 6 or 8 and an 11.11% edge on 4 or 10.
To put that into perspective, the pass line bet comes with a house edge of only 1.41%, while placing 6 or 8 has a 1.52% edge. So, if you’re in it for the long haul and want to keep your bankroll safe, it’s best to avoid the hardways altogether.
Trust us, there are better bets to make at the craps table that will give you a better chance of winning. So, save your money and stick to the safer options – your wallet will thank you in the end.
4 – Be Careful with Place Bets and Consider Buying the Number When it comes to place bets in craps, it’s important to choose wisely – otherwise, you could end up losing a lot more than you bargained for.
While the house edge on placing 6 or 8 is only 1.52%, the edges on other place numbers can be much higher, with edges of 4% on 5 or 9 and 6.67% on 4 or 10. So, if you’re looking to keep your bankroll intact, it’s best to avoid making place bets on these numbers.
If you really want to bet on these numbers, you have the option of buying the number instead by paying a 5% commission on top of your bet. This will give you a chance to win at true odds, but it doesn’t help with the already low house edges on 6, 8, 5, or 9. It does, however, lower the edge on 4 or 12 to 4.76%, but even that is still not in prime range.
However, there is an opportunity to lower the edges on 5, 9, 4, or 10 when the dealer takes the commission only on winning bets. Under those conditions, the edges drop to 2% on 5 or 9 and 1.67% on 4 or 10. While these are not the best bets on the table, they’re in playable range and can be a good option if you’re looking to mix up your bets.
So, if you’re looking to make a place bet in craps, it’s important to consider the odds and the potential house edge before placing your bet. By choosing wisely and being strategic, you can maximize your chances of winning and keep your bankroll intact in the long run.
5 – Don’t Chase Your Losses in Craps – It’s a Recipe for Disaster In the world of craps, it’s important to remember that past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The dice have no memory, and there’s nothing in a losing streak that would make a winning streak any more likely.
While it may be tempting to increase your bets during a losing streak in the hopes of turning things around, this strategy doesn’t hold up in the long run. The house is always the favorite on every betting sequence, and sticking to the best bets will increase your chances of winning streaks. However, no matter what’s gone before, you’re more likely to lose than win.
If you find yourself in the midst of a cold streak, chasing your losses by making bigger bets can turn a bad session into a complete disaster. While it may be tempting to try and win back what you’ve lost, it’s important to remember that bigger bets don’t increase your chances of winning. In fact, they can do just the opposite – leaving you with even less money in your pocket.
So, instead of chasing your losses, it’s best to take a step back and reevaluate your strategy. Stick to your betting plan and don’t let emotions cloud your judgement. By staying disciplined and playing smart, you’ll increase your chances of having a winning session and keeping your bankroll intact.
6 – Always Follow Proper Etiquette and Protocol When Handling Money in Live Craps Games If you’re playing craps in a live game at a casino, it’s important to be aware of proper etiquette and protocol when handling your money. One common mistake that players make is handing money directly to the dealers, but this is actually against casino rules.
Instead, casinos prefer that money be placed on the table where it can be easily seen by security. To exchange your money for chips, simply place your money on the table and tell the dealer what you want. The dealer will then give you your chips and take your money.
Following proper etiquette and protocol not only helps to ensure a smooth and efficient game, but it also shows respect for the casino and its employees. So, the next time you’re playing craps at a live game, be sure to handle your money properly and always follow the casino’s rules and procedures.
7 – Always Be Mindful of Other Players and Crew During Live Craps Games In live craps games, it’s important to be aware of your actions and how they may impact other players and the crew. One key rule to follow is to never impede play once the shooter has the dice.
This means that your hands should never be over the table, as this can prevent other players from making their bets or potentially cause a no-roll. You should also avoid putting down additional bets or interfering with the flow of the game in any way.
By being respectful and mindful of other players and the crew, you can help to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game for everyone involved. So, whether you’re a seasoned craps player or a newcomer to the game, remember to always be considerate of those around you and follow the rules and protocols of the casino.
8 – Always Be Mindful of Superstitions and Etiquette During Live Craps Games If you’re playing craps in a live game at a casino, it’s important to be aware of the many superstitions and unwritten rules that govern the game. One of these rules is to never say the word “seven” out loud, as it’s considered bad luck by many superstitious players.
While it may seem like a small thing, violating this rule can be a major faux pas that could potentially offend other players at the table. Even non-superstitious players may find it rude and disrespectful to ignore this basic tradition of craps play.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to reference the number 7, it’s best to use a euphemism or nickname instead. Some players may refer to 7 as “El Diablo” or “Big Red”, but the key is to be mindful of the atmosphere and respect the traditions of the game.
By being aware of these superstitions and following proper etiquette, you can help to create a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved. So, the next time you’re playing craps in a live game, remember to be mindful of your actions and the impact they may have on those around you.
