A question about the craps iron cross bet

5 July 2025

By Jerry Stickman

A question from Johnny

Hi Mr. Stickman.

I am new to table games in a casino, but craps seems to be a fun game. There seems to be a lot of camaraderie among the players and the excitement seems to run high. It also seems to be a very complex game to play.

There are so many different bets that are possible that it is confusing to me. A friend told me about a way to play that wins almost every roll and I want to know what you have to say about it.

I think it is called the iron cross. You place a table minimum bet on the 5, 6, and 8, You then also place a table minimum bet on the field. What is interesting about this system is all numbers are covered. You will win on every number (and some numbers pay 2 for 1 or 3 for 1). The only number that is a loss is the 7.

Do you know about this system? If so, can you tell me what you think of it?

All the best,

Johnny

Hi Johnny,

Many players are attracted to the iron cross bet just for the reason you mentioned – you win on any number except the 7.

I must admit that very early on in my craps-playing life, I too tried the Iron Cross. I was very aware of the house edge, so I only played it when either the 2 or 12 paid triple and the other paid double. The house edge in that case is 2.78 percent. Not great, but tolerable for my first foray.

When my point was 5 (for $25), I would place a $30 6 and 8 as well as a $25 field bet. Collecting on the 10, 4, 9 and other field numbers felt great. It was also nice to collect something off an 11, 2, 3, or 12. However, losing the field bet when a 6 or 8 appeared cut my net win to one-sixth of the normal amount.

The hidden factor in the Iron Cross is even though you win on every number except the 7 (when you lose all four active bets), you also lose the field bet any time you hit a 5, 6 or 8, Next to the 7, these are three of the most frequently hit numbers.

Depending on whether either the 2 or 12 on the field pays triple or if they both pay double, the field bet has a house edge of either 2.78 percent or 5.56 percent. This is in addition to the house edge on the 5, 6, and 8. Even though you may be winning more often, you are winning less. Over time you will notice that your buy-in is being eaten more quickly playing the Iron Cross rather than one low house edge bet.

While not collecting as often, having a house edge of 1.5 percent or less makes your stake last longer and gives you the best chance of winning.

While playing the best bets is sometimes not easy, winning more (or losing less) is much more satisfying. Stick with the math of the game and improve your results.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and tiny.

Jerry “Stickman”
Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines and 888casino.com. He authored the video poker section of Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker! You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com