Craps is a game of chance, and the player can not affect the outcome of the dice. However, skillful and experienced players can gain an edge.  The list below outlines the skills and techniques used by winning players.

The number one strategy in craps, as it is for any casino game is to set limits.  Money management is very important, and players that poorly manage their money always seem to win less.  It is advised that players set an amount of money that they can afford to loose, and that they also set an amount of money that they would like to win.  Upon hitting either one of these limits it is suggested that the player stops playing.  It is also important to set reasonable limits, for example, if a player only has $200, setting a winning limit of $2000 is not realistic.  By setting unrealistic limits players will more than often be disappointed.

It is also very important to set the correct bet amount.  By setting the amount too low a player is limiting potential winnings, and by setting an amount too high a player is taking the risk of going bust on an unlucky streak. It is suggested to wager about 1/30 of the players bank roll on each individual bet to avoid going bust in the down times, and to provide a reasonable winning potential.  For example, a player with $300 should plan to bet about $10 per roll.

All successful craps players use a money management system.  Be it a commonly used system or one a player has personally devised, it is very important to follow the strategy at all times.  Many players fall short of their true winning potential by changing the system when they’re down.  Many losing players often make the safest decision even if it goes against their strategy with the intent of minimizing loses.  However, by minimizing the loses the player is also limiting potential winnings, and in the down times its hard to make up loses when you limit potential winnings.  It is always suggested to follow the strategy exactly as planned until the players hits one of limits set before playing, the amount the player can afford to loose, and the amount the player hopes to win. 

Another very important part of any craps strategy is to understand that not all bets on the craps table have the same odds, some bets are definitely much better than others.  And the key to winning is placing the best bets available.  There are very few bets on the craps table with a low house edge.  Players must know which bets provide the best odds, and must devise a strategy around these type of bets.  Generally speaking, pass line bets, come bets, and place bets on 6 or 8 provide the lowest casino edge.

The chart below outlines the probability for all 36 possible outcomes of two dice.

As shown in the chart, the most frequent total is 7. Six out of all the possible totals is 7. Therefore the probability of rolling a seven are 6/36 or 1/6. The less frequent totals are 2 and 12. There is only one possible combination of numbers for each roll of the dice that total 2 or 12, i.e. 1+1=2 and 6+6=12.  The odds of rolling a 2 or a 12 are 1/36.

In order to calculate the probability of winning a come-out roll the player must consider the probability of rolling either a 7 or an 11.  The number of possible dice combinations for both of these totals is 8, therefore the probability of rolling a 7 or an 11 is 8/36.

Now we must consider the probability of losing the come-out roll.  If we add the probability of rolling a 2 (1/36), a 3 (2/36), or a 12 (1/36), therefor the probability of losing is 4/36.  Meaning the probability of winning the come-out roll is exactly double than the probability of losing the bet.

The probability of winning a pass-line bet is 12/36 or 1/3, and the odds of winning any of the other bets on the table are worse.  Players that want to win must understand these probabilities and make the bets that offer the best chance of winning.

Hedge Betting

A hedge bet is two separate offsetting wagers placed with the intent of winning a guaranteed smaller amount of money, or as insurance against a large loss.  While hedge betting is not the best way to hit it big in a short period of time it can provide a reasonable return over a longer period of play, and for entertainment purposes it is also a means of playing longer with a small bankroll.  One of the best opportunities to hedge a bet is during the come out roll.

For example, if a player places a $5 pass-line bet, and a $1 bet on any craps, either a 7 or an 11.  If the shooter rolls a 2,  3, or 12 the players loses the $5 pass-line bet but wins $7 for the any craps wager. If the shooter rolls any other number the $1 any craps wager is lost.

Hedging the 6 & 8

Many players also hedge their wagers by wagering on the point number and on the Don't Pass line. By doing so the player wins a small amount if the shooter sevens out, or if the shooter makes the point the player only loses a small amount. For example,

A player wagers $10 on the Don't Pass line and the shooter rolls a 6 which becomes the point number. Then the player makes a place bet on the 6 for $6.

If the shooter rolls a 7, the player collects ten $10 for the Don't Pass bet and loses $6 for the place bet for a profit of $4.

If the shooter rolls a 6 the player loses the $10 Don't Pass bet and wins $7 for the place bet for a total loss of only $3.

Note:  There are many other types of more complicated hedging system although they all work with the same basic premise of the example above. It is also important to understand that by hedging a player will reduce loses but will also reduce potential winnings.

Tips

Play at a reputable casino site.  See our Casino Reviews

Follow a craps strategy. 

Know the casino rules before playing for real money