It will determine what limit you need to find.
If you have a $500 bankroll, a $5 game will be fine.
Just stick to the Pass Line for $5 with 3/4/5x odds, and just play that ONE BET.
If a shooter makes a point, double your line bet to $10 with 3/4/5x
If the shooter makes the SECOND point, step up to $15 with 3/4/5x
If the shooter makes a THIRD point, step up to $20 with 3/4/5x
Personally, if it gets to four points-more, I would just cap it at $25 with 3/4/5x odds for the rest of that shooters points.
If you JUST stick to that ONE bet, with $500, you should be fine. Hopefully, you'll catch a couple decent shooters and make a couple hundred bucks.
Quote: akd1217You've all been there, and I will be following footsteps in less than a month. I am interested in playing craps, but have never before tried. I understand the basics, but is it necessary to understand every type of bet? I won't lie, my bankroll will probably be half as much as most of you use in one session, as we are wanting to take in more of Vegas on our first trip than gambling. :) Wondered if you had any advice as to a solid strategy for a beginner player. Is it viable to only play PL? Do I play odds or no? Come bets? I realize this is always depending on the person, but I want other's opinions. Low roller or not, it would always be nice to walk away with more than I started with and I simply want the best chance of doing that. Thanks!
P/L with odds.......If you are not going to bet odds there is really no point in playing craps.........Then any additional bets should be determined by your bankroll......You could go with 1,2,3 come bets with odds.....or P/L bet will odds and place the 6,8 or buy the 4,10
#2 As the others are recommending, make the simple bets only and avoid the sucker bets. Putting your money where it says "Pass" is as simple as putting it on the Red in Roulette. Wait for a new shooter, though, or learn to look at the puck and wait for "off".
#3 Play an online free game to get the hang of it.
Quote: akd1217Low roller or not, it would always be nice to walk away with more than I started with and I simply want the best chance of doing that. Thanks!
I've given a lot of thought to breaking in a new Craps player since I am trying to do that. A low roller just betting the pass line has a good shot at what you want. Did you know that you have a better than even shot at winning or breaking even if you bet the pass line and limit your exposure? The possible outcomes of 2 bets are weighted very close to 25% =2 wins, 25% =2 losses, 50% = one win one loss [breaking even]. So that is a 75% chance of winning or breaking even. Dwheatley here recently figured out that this effect holds true for more betting with an even number of bets up to 70 bets, with the chances dwindling down of course. There arent that many bets resolved on the pass line for the shooter in one hour, not even close at a busy table.
Well, when you do it long enough you just make more bets per hour than the pass line bet. But a newbie has a shot at this.
Not just "No" but "HELL NO!"Quote: akd1217... but is it necessary to understand every type of bet?
It's perfectly fine to just play the pass line.
My suggested strategy is to just play the pass line, with 1x or 2x odds, plus 1 or 2 come bets with odds or 1 or 2 place bets. If you really wanna get crazy, throw a dollar on each hardway every once in a while.
As a newbie, do not be concerned with the junk in the middle. FYI: I got the phrase "Junk in the middle" from a Vegas stickman.
Hardways are in the middle, and some consider them to qualify as 'junk.' However, the other junk has much higher house edge, and are only one roll bets. Hardways stay up longer.
If you want the dealers to help you, tip them. Do this by giving them a couple bucks when you first step up, and/or by putting down a $1 pass line bet for them when you first bet as well as occasionally thereafter - along with a buck or two for odds.
The most important thing a newbie can learn is the relationship between where he stands and where his chips are placed. Except for the junk inthe middle where the boxes are too small, there is a specific position for each bet for each person. Mind you, the dealer is moving your chips into position for these bets, but knowing where they are reduces questions like "What bets have I got up?"
Note: There's a reason that most of the junk in the middle doesn't have boxes big enough. A) As one-roll bets, the dealers can more easily remember who bet what. B) As high house edge bets, not too many people bet them, again making it easier for the dealers to remember, as well as reducing the need for space.
You should understand the concept of a Come/DontCome bet, particularly the Come bet. Although on your first session you might not make any of those bets for awhile.
You should understand the concept of Taking Odds and Laying Odds as well as that the bet is a "fair" bet in the sense that it gives you no edge over the house and gives the house no edge over you. This is rare in a casino. Usually a casino only offers you the short end of the stick.
You should understand that instead of letting the dice "select" your point number, you can choose a particular point number by making a PLACE Bet, but that in granting you that choice, the casino is making you pay for that privilege by a lower payout. You should probably realize that placing the six and eight is often a low house edge bet, but placing the other numbers is done at a high cost to the player.
Anything the stickman keeps yapping about is likely to be a bad bet. So if he calls out things like Hardways or C-and-E or whatever, he is trying to get you to make high house edge bets.
Starting off with just the PassLine is fine (odds as soon as you can is good). Adding a Come Bet or Two is good if you can follow what is happening and know where your money is. If its confusing to you, wait a bit.
Don't get distracted by all the chatter about Hop bets, Hardway bets, Center bets, Sucker bets, or whatever.
Hope this helps......
Quote: akd1217First, ty to everyone for the advice. What I understand, is to play the PL, with odds bc it is the best bet, maybe some come bets along the way once I get the hang of it. I am slightly confused tho, and these may be some bonehead sort of questions, but here goes. :) I understand the odds bet is of no house advantage, but only bc I read it. lol Can someone explain how this is so?
Because the odds bet pays off at true odds.
Quote: akd1217Or is this so bc of the payouts?
Yes-see above.
Quote: akd1217Also, don't you have to lay odds bets in the multiples of the payouts?
Yes to get paid correctly and not get short changed(rounded down)
Quote: akd1217Shouldn't I have some sort of idea of how likely a number is to be rolled b4 placing ne sort of come bet?
What do you mean? A come bet is a new come-out roll for that bet, so you don't have any idea what number will appear. Obviously the 7 is the most rolled number, 6/8 in 2nd place and so on.
Quote: akd1217Place bets sound decent also, bc they give u a choice, but if the payouts are worse, shouldn't I stick with come bets instead?
They're only worse in the fact that they DON'T pay off at true odds(which increases the house edge) but as noted above your odds bets do pay off at true odds on the PL. So, I guess in a way, you pay a premium for being able to place the numbers you want and not let the dice pick them for you.
Yes and no.Quote: akd1217I understand the odds bet is of no house advantage, but only bc I read it. lol Can someone explain how this is so? I am understanding it to be sort of a second bet on the PL, after a point is established, but if it is tied to the PL, wouldn't it have the same HE as the PL?
Some mathemeticians will discuss them as a combined bet. But in that case, the odds actually reduces the overall odds of the combined bet. When thought of as seperate wagers, the odds have no edge.
The math is simple.
For example, odds on a 6 (or 8) pays $6 for every $5. In 36 combinations of two dice, there are five ways to roll a 6 (or 8), and six ways to roll a 7. So paying 6:5 is "true odds". Similarly for 6:4 (often labeled as 3:2) for the 5 or 9, and 6:3 (labeled 2:1) for the 4 or 10.
The phrase "Lay Odds" typically refers to odds on a Don't Pass or Don't Come bet. Yes, in those cases, you need to use multiples of the regular bet's payout unit.Quote: akd1217Also, don't you have to lay odds bets in the multiples of the payouts? It seems so confusing to have to remember the payouts and lay odds accordingly, or am I making too much out of it?
When putting odds on a Pass or Come bet, the thing to remember is "Odds are even on odds." You'll hear the stickman announce that often when the point is 5 or 9. As catchy as it is, it confuses newbies. Simply put, because of the 3:2 payout on the two points that are odd numbers (5 and 9), the Odds on those numbers need to be an even amount.
I.E. If you has $5 in Odds on a point of 5, the 3:2 payout should be $7.50. Unless the casino is using quarters (very few do), they'll round down to $7. So put an extra $1 on it to collect $9 if it hits.
Is it making sense?
Quote: akd1217I understand the odds bet is of no house advantage, but only bc I read it. lol Can someone explain how this is so?
Apparently it is derived from street craps and players making side bets and knowing what the fair odds are. The house wanting to control everything, they started booking them, but in this circumstance couldnt get away with a house edge. To keep from booking a total loser they tie it to a bet with a house edge. At least that is the best explanation I've heard.
Quote:I am understanding it to be sort of a second bet on the PL, after a point is established, but if it is tied to the PL, wouldn't it have the same HE as the PL?
Close. The bet has a whole has the same Expected Value, but a lower HE. If at a $5 table, wanting to bet $10 at a time, you are better off putting $5 on the line and $5 in odds, than in putting the whole sawbuck on the line. Edit: it has been pointed out many times that if you exceed your comfort level with the $10, but are thinking you must get better odds, your thinking is skewed because you can't change the EV.
Quote:Shouldn't I have some sort of idea of how likely a number is to be rolled b4 placing ne sort of come bet?
A come bet is the same as a line bet, except that it is placed while the shooter is trying to make his point and you maybe don't have a line bet or just want the action of separate bets at line odds. You won't know what number you are going for in advance anymore than if the come bet will resolve on one roll of 2,3,12, or 7, 11. If you practice with an online free game this will become clear.
Quote:Place bets sound decent also, bc they give u a choice, but if the payouts are worse, shouldn't I stick with come bets instead?
The payouts go from "ok" to "not so hot" on place bets. Generally only the 6 and 8 are considered worth much play. I avoid all of them for the most part. You can get all the action you can handle with come bets.
As for the come bets, I think I was a little confused, but think I have it now. A come is similar to a PL, correct? You place the come and from there, it is like a come out roll where u win, lose, or est a point. From there, after an est point, you can place an odds bet with your come. When exactly are u able to place your come bet, after the PL point is established, and ne time in between dice rolls? Do the "odds are even on odds" pertain to come bet odds also? When a point is est on a come bet, does the dealer move your bet himself?
I do truly thank you for you patience in me asking these crazy questions. lol I really wish to understand what I don't so I can better enjoy myself while gambling, and possibly make a buck or 2. ;)
But keep in mind that the more in odds out there on the felt, the more $$ is still subjected to a (possible) loss and of course a (possible) win. This increases variance. Variance is good when it's positive and not so good when it's negative. You have to have a decent size bankroll to stay in the game with those fluctuations, so don't underfund yourself for the bets you plan to make.
Quote: akd1217Also, let me be sure, the odds bet has no HE on its own, but since the casinos pair it with the PL bet, essentially the PL bet HE goes a lot lower bc your guaranteed a true payout on the odds?
HE lower, EV the same.
I can tell from some of your continued confusion: you absolutely must practice with some free online game like is available in this site.
The odds multiplier means the maximum odds, although you can go slightly over the maximum to make things easier. You can always ask what the maximums are. Different casinos may do that a little differently, so don't feel bad if you're not sure.
Yes, come bets are exactly like a pass line bet, but established when the shooter is not shooting a "come out roll". Yeah, that's another confusing thing. "Come out rolls" refer to pass line bets. Non come out rolls are when you can make a Come bet.
And the dealer will move your come bet to the appropriate position in the number boxes. You then give him chips for the odds, and he'll put it on top, at a slight offset.
Place bets are a little different in that they go directly to a slightly different position in the number box, and pay slightly different.
Quote: akd1217Why does the practice game allow me to place a PL bet after the come out roll?
Are you sure you're not adding to your pass line bet? That's probably what you're doing. You can do that, however it is not advisable, because once you get past the come out roll and you are on the pass line(with a pass line number established), the odds of losing increases. Your best shot of winning on the pass line is on the come out roll(7-11).
Quote: akd1217Also, can u increase your PL bet after the point is est?
Yes, but see above. That's why it's advisable to add whatever you'd want to add to the pass line bet to the odds side(there is no house edge, as many of us have tried to explain).
Quote: akd1217wouldn't I increase my bets when a point is established that has a higher chance of being rolled?
First off dice have no memory of previous numbers rolled..so....
The only time you're in the drivers seat is when you've got a don't point established. Playing the dont's or wrong way, the killer is the come out roll, if you establish a point on the don't side you are at an advantage, however it is no guarantee of a win. Those established don't bets can be picked off one after another, which sucks!
Added an edit: to say that, that's why the pass line is a contract bet, it is not allowable to take that bet down (or back) after the come out roll-the only advantage, as slim as it is, is on the come out roll for the pass line player. While it is allowable to take down(or back) your don't pass bet once it moves to a point(this is a very bad move-to take it down after the point is established).
Second: For arguments sake, assume you meant a 4. The odds on a 4 pay more than a 6. Since it's true odds, in the end, it's all the same.
Third: YES, you CAN place or increase a pass line bet at any time. You can't reduce it though. But because the odds are now against you, placing or increasing a Pass bet after the point is established is not something that most people will want to do.
I must say, everyone was absolutely right about practing to fully see how it all works, and it has been helping me tremendously. Looking back, my questions, especially the last one, have been a bit silly. But, I've read craps is a game that newbies have a hard time wrapping their head around at first, so thanks for talking me through what seemed confusing to me. We are headed to Vegas in about 2 weeks, and am very excited to play casino blackjack and craps both for the first time. Wish me luck!
One last piece of advice:
Craps tends to be fast and furious, with a language all it's own. It is the only game where you can throw money, announce some archaic sounding statement, and it's a bet.
If possible, play at a less crowded table, and tell the dealers you are new. And tip. This will prompt them to help you out and explain things that they might not otherwise bother to explain.
Try not to have a brain fart at the tables. It's OK to have the other kind. Most casinos have great ventilation systems.
And good luck!
Quote: akd1217You've all been there, and I will be following footsteps in less than a month. I am interested in playing craps, but have never before tried. I understand the basics, but is it necessary to understand every type of bet? I won't lie, my bankroll will probably be half as much as most of you use in one session, as we are wanting to take in more of Vegas on our first trip than gambling. :) Wondered if you had any advice as to a solid strategy for a beginner player. Is it viable to only play PL? Do I play odds or no? Come bets? I realize this is always depending on the person, but I want other's opinions. Low roller or not, it would always be nice to walk away with more than I started with and I simply want the best chance of doing that. Thanks!
Bet minimum on Pass line & minimum on Don't Pass along with 1.00 chip on TWELVE. after a number is established put MAX ODDS behind your pass line bet.
Don't worry about any other bets on the table.
If you are just learning the game and want to play it simple with either pass line or don't pass... I would play the dont pass. Im confident you will see more crap outs than points made. Just getting past the initial come out roll is the challenge. You can protect yourself with a small yo bet in case an 11 is thrown.
Quote: WatchMeWinPass line is not the best bet. This is a fallacy. Yes, the odds are true odds and the best odds in the game, but if the probability of that bet winning is low, then what good is the true odds payout? not very.
If you are just learning the game and want to play it simple with either pass line or don't pass... I would play the dont pass. Im confident you will see more crap outs than points made. Just getting past the initial come out roll is the challenge. You can protect yourself with a small yo bet in case an 11 is thrown.
Yeah, yo bets are the key to making money at craps.
What's your 3 team teaser for tonight?
Quote: LaymedownHouse edge, easy numbers, hard ways, yo elevens, DI's, it all boils down to preference. what you like to bet/play. Every casino game has a best bet but doesn't mean that people will play it.
Come on, the best bet are the aces and the midnights, especially when the payouts are 30 for 1.
Especially when you know a 2 or 12 are coming!
Quote: LaymedownBet minimum on Pass line & minimum on Don't Pass along with 1.00 chip on TWELVE. after a number is established put MAX ODDS behind your pass line bet.
Don't worry about any other bets on the table.
7 year old thread. Really??
Quote: LaymedownI like to lay all the numbers on come out roll then take them down. If seven comes, I get paid.
Yeah, and if there is no seven and you come down you've lost the vig you pay ever attempt.
Not a smart play.
However, it has to be said that much of the advice given in this thread is completely out of step with what this site is all about, IMO. I say that is opinion because the closest thing to a mission statement is "The goal of the site is to be an informative travel guide about Las Vegas" ... see the home page.
Nonetheless it was founded by someone who preaches daily about better gambling. Furthermore the members here *who last* already were on the same wavelength as that or got educated largely thanks to the site. Bad gambling ideas get shot down usually, and some idiot posting about typical foolish baccarat notions gets exposed right away. When it comes to Craps, however, those that might do the same sort of debunking seem resigned.
I can only hope that a true newbie doesn't get too misled by some of the drivel recently posted in this thread.
Quote: FinsRuleYeah, yo bets are the key to making money at craps.
What's your 3 team teaser for tonight?
I had a two-team teaser with Villanova and Kansas... got nova to win it all.
Quote: boymimboCome on, the best bet are the aces and the midnights, especially when the payouts are 30 for 1.
Especially when you know a 2 or 12 are coming!
The best bet for craps is:
5.00 on firebet
It got rolled just the other day 6 numbers paid out to 14 shooters over 70,000.00 the craps table was naked in between the 500 chips stacks.
Before you ask, NO I was not one of them.