Avoiding the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes Craps Players Make
One of the most common errors new craps players make is mismanaging their bankroll and placing ill-advised bets without understanding the house edge. Many are lured by the excitement of complex bets like the Hardways or Any 7, not realizing these offer some of the highest advantages to the house, sometimes up to a 16.67% edge on Any 7 bets.
Essentials of Smart Bankroll Management
Setting and Sticking to Betting Limits
Before stepping up to the craps table, determine your total allowable bankroll for the session and stick rigidly to that amount. A good rule of thumb is to have enough for at least 20-30 bets to sustain you through normal downswings. Additionally, if you’re on a winning streak, set aside the initial bankroll plus a portion of the winnings to ensure you don’t leave the table empty-handed.
Choosing the Right Table
Picking a craps table with favorable odds is essential. Look for tables that offer 3-4-5x odds bets, which reduce the house edge on the pass line bets when you take full odds. This strategy can decrease the house edge on your overall wagers significantly.
Mastering the Bets: Increase Your Chances of Winning
Opt for Pass Line and Come Bets
The safest and most reliable bets in craps are the Pass Line and Come bets, especially when you back them up with odds bets, which are essentially side bets that the house has no edge on. After placing a Pass Line bet and the point is established, you can make an additional odds bet behind your Pass Line bet. This strategy not only dilutes the overall house edge but also increases your payout potential.
Avoiding Sucker Bets
It’s crucial to steer clear of the allure of high-payout bets that carry high risks. The Hardways and Proposition bets, like any craps or any seven, should be avoided because they significantly erode the probability of ending a session on a profit.
Learning the Lingo and the Layout
Understanding craps terminology and the layout of the table will not only increase your confidence but will also help you make informed decisions swiftly. Terms such as ‘snake eyes’ (double ones), ‘yo’ (eleven), and ‘boxcars’ (double sixes) are commonly used, and knowing these can help you follow the game more closely and strategize effectively.
Strategies for Seasoned Players
Utilizing the 6/8 Strategy
Once you are comfortable with the basics, consider placing bets on 6 and 8. Due to the frequency of these numbers rolling, placing a $6 bet on both can be prudent. These bets pay 7 to 6 and can be a steady way to accrue wins, especially if the shooter establishes 6 or 8 as the point.
Pressing and Regressing
For those looking to capitalize on winning streaks, ‘pressing’ your bets (doubling a bet) during a hot roll can amplify your winnings. Conversely, ‘regressing’ your bets (decreasing bets) after initial winnings when a cold streak seems imminent helps protect your bankroll.
Adopting a Disciplined Approach
While understanding bets and strategies is crucial, the mentality you bring to the craps table can often be a determining factor in your success. Patience, discipline, and maintaining control over your emotions are essential, especially in a fast-paced game like craps. Remember, a strategic player is a winning player.
By avoiding common pitfalls, managing your bankroll wisely, and diligently applying strategies that lower the house edge, you give yourself the best chance of walking away from the craps table as a winner. Always remember, the goal of playing craps isn’t just to win but also to enjoy one of the most dynamic games the casino has to offer.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.