Why Play Numbers in Craps?

If the best odds are on the pass/don't pass line backed up with maximum odds. Why put money down on single numbers? Wouldn't it make most sense to just play the pass line or don't pass line and ignore everything else at the table? Boring yes; better odds of walking away a winner no?

If you're just trying to make your money last as long as possible then a $6 place bet (on 6 or 8) costs less than $5 come/don't come. This is because most the time the bet isn't resolved and also because it does not "work" on the come out roll. Also if the shooter makes your number you are instantly ahead by $1.

Another method people use is to press their bets. You don't tend to make any profit until the number is thrown twice, but thereafter your profit goes up quite fast. This is bad mathematically as you have more money taking the House Edge hit, but means if you have a good shooter you will make a lot, but usually your bankroll will just fade away.

There's nothng really satisfying, as I did once, to have all your £2 wagers on the first five races at Brighton win (I lost on the last), however playing Craps and building your £3 bets on numbers up to £15 is fun.

Quote: PE

If the best odds are on the pass/don't pass line backed up with maximum odds. Why put money down on single numbers? Wouldn't it make most sense to just play the pass line or don't pass line and ignore everything else at the table? Boring yes; better odds of walking away a winner no?

There's nothing wrong with that. Every other bet on the table is a side bet. The main game is simply pass or don't pass.

Quote: PE

If the best odds are on the pass/don't pass line backed up with maximum odds. Why put money down on single numbers? Wouldn't it make most sense to just play the pass line or don't pass line and ignore everything else at the table? Boring yes; better odds of walking away a winner no?

If you just bet the line, you can make your bankroll last a long time that way, but is that really why you came to the casino? You hit the nail on the head: It's boring.

You don't have to go crazy, putting money all over the table either. Just make a couple place bets. That way, you'll be collecting winnings more often.

Or you'll lose more if it's a crummy roll. But that's why it's called gambling.

For the record, unless I'm shooting, I don't make a line bet. Once a number is established, I then make four minimum place bets. Depending on how well I'm doing, I'll press them right away or take a couple wins then start pressing.

I've had many experiences where the shooter went on a long enough roll when he had hit enough numbers and I won enough to cover what I initially bet, without him ever making his point. I was a winner, but if I had only bet the line, I'd be a loser.

Also, place bets on the 6 and 8, and buy bets on the 4 and 10 have a house edge that is only slightly higher than the pass line.

Just avoid betting on the crap in the middle.