How to Bet at Craps

19 October 2024

By Jerry Stickman

From Dan

Stickman,

I have a question for you. At my usual casino the best video poker is 8/5 bonus poker.

I used to play craps but I have not played it in years. I am thinking of putting in some time playing it in order to take a break periodically from video poker.

That being the case, I know how to set the dice. I know how to toss. I am not worried about that.

What do you recommend in terms of strategy, especially if I am betting on random rollers. I want to maximize my time and protect my bankroll. Should I focus on the don’ts? If so, do you have a particular strategy you were using on random rollers?

Dan

Hello, Dan.

It is interesting to me that you plan to use craps as a break from video poker. My routine is somewhat reversed.

Since it takes physical skill to gain an edge at craps, I play craps first. Then when I become tired or lose my edge at that, I revert to video poker. Proper video poker play does require skill, but not physical skill. I find I tire physically much more quickly than I tire mentally. Your situation may be different, however. If you are simply planning to take a relatively short break, no problem.

On random rollers, I use the “five-count” technique. No bet on a random roller is placed until the five-count is completed.

The count starts when the new random shooter throws a box number. A 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 is ignored. The first box number is the “1” count. The next three numbers, whether a box number or not, all count towards the five-count. The final count (the 5 count) must also be a box number.

Once the count is completed, I place one, and only one, pass line (is there is no point established) or come bet (if a point is established). I normally make a table minimum bet to minimize the impact to my bankroll.

You can add any amount of odds as you wish (up to the table maximum) as it has no house (or player) edge. Odds bets impact variance, however.

The five-count method eliminates many shooters as they seven-out before completing the count.

The pass line or come bet is a very low house edge bet. The single pass line or come bet also minimizes your bankroll’s exposure to the house edge.

You can make one don’t pass (or don’t come) bet instead if you wish. The house edge is almost the same. I prefer to “go with the shooter” and not stand out.

The one exception to this method is if the table rules require that you bet on the shooter before you in order to get the opportunity to shoot when it is your turn.

If that is the case (and you want to shoot), place a pass line bet when the shooter to your right places his first bet.

With random rollers, the key is to keep your bets to a minimum. The casino has an edge on every bet. Keeping your bet at a minimum, keeps the casino’s take to the minimum.

This method has worked very well for me and many other avid craps shooters over the years. Let me know how it works for you.

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

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