pass and come bets craps

Craps Pass and Come Bets

Craps Pass and Come bets are among the most popular wagers in the game. They offer favorable odds and a low house edge, making them attractive to both novice and experienced players. Understanding how these bets work is key to navigating the exciting world of craps.

Understanding Pass and Come Bets

Pass and Come bets are fundamental wagers in craps, offering a straightforward way to engage with the game’s flow. They are essentially bets on the success of the shooter, the person rolling the dice.

Pass Bet

The Pass Bet is the most basic bet in craps. It’s placed before the “come-out” roll, the shooter’s first attempt to establish a point. Here’s how it works⁚

Winning Roll (Natural)⁚ If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll, the Pass Bet wins.
Losing Roll (Craps)⁚ If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll, the Pass Bet loses.
Point Established⁚ If the shooter rolls any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes the “point.” The Pass Bet remains on the table, and the game continues.
Winning the Pass Bet after a Point is Established⁚ To win after a point is established, the shooter must roll the point number again before rolling a 7.
Losing the Pass Bet after a Point is Established⁚ If a 7 is rolled before the point number, the Pass Bet loses.

Come Bet

The Come Bet functions similarly to the Pass Bet, but with a crucial difference⁚ it can be placed after a point has already been established. Think of it as a “mini Pass Bet” that starts on any roll after the come-out roll.

Placing the Bet⁚ Players place their Come Bet in the designated “Come” area on the craps table.
Determining the Outcome⁚ The next roll after the Come Bet is placed becomes the “come-out roll” for that specific bet. The same rules as the Pass Bet apply regarding winning, losing, and establishing a point.

Both Pass and Come bets offer even-money payouts and are known for their relatively low house edge, making them strategic choices for craps players.

Placing Pass and Come Bets

Placing Pass and Come bets on the craps table is simple, even for beginners. The process is straightforward, allowing players to quickly get involved in the action.

Pass Bet Placement

Before the Come-Out Roll⁚ Find the “Pass Line” area on the craps table layout. It’s typically a long, marked section running along the edge of the table closest to the players.
Place Your Bet⁚ Place your desired bet amount in the Pass Line area. You can use casino chips or cash (where permitted) to signify your wager.
Signal Your Intention⁚ If you’re placing a bet for the first time, clearly tell the dealer, “Pass Line bet.” Experienced players typically don’t need to announce their bet, as placing chips in the Pass Line area is a clear signal.

Come Bet Placement

After a Point is Established⁚ Wait until the shooter has established a point on the come-out roll (any number other than 2٫ 3٫ 7٫ 11٫ or 12).
Find the “Come” Area⁚ Locate the designated “Come” area on the craps table layout. It’s usually positioned near the Pass Line.
Place Your Bet⁚ Place your chips in the Come area and, if necessary, tell the dealer, “Come bet.”
Dealer Moves Your Bet⁚ Once the next roll is made, the dealer will move your Come bet to the corresponding number on the layout that was rolled. For example, if a 6 is rolled٫ your Come bet will be moved to the “6” box٫ establishing that number as your “come point.”

Remember, always place your bets clearly within the designated areas of the craps table to ensure the dealer acknowledges your wagers correctly.

Odds and Payouts

Understanding the odds and payouts for Pass and Come bets is crucial for making informed decisions at the craps table. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know⁚

Pass Bet Odds and Payouts

Come-Out Roll⁚
- 7 or 11 (Natural)⁚ Wins even money (1⁚1 payout). You receive your original bet back plus an equal amount in winnings.
- 2, 3, or 12 (Craps)⁚ Loses the bet.
- Any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10)⁚ Establishes a “point.” The game continues, and your Pass Line bet remains.
After a Point is Established⁚
- Point Number Rolled Before a 7⁚ Wins even money (1⁚1 payout).
- 7 Rolled Before the Point Number⁚ Loses the bet.

Come Bet Odds and Payouts

Come bets function similarly to Pass bets once a point is established. Here’s how the odds and payouts work⁚

Initial Roll (After Placing Come Bet)⁚
- 7 or 11⁚ Wins even money (1⁚1 payout).
- 2٫ 3٫ or 12⁚ Loses the bet.
- Any other number (4٫ 5٫ 6٫ 8٫ 9٫ 10)⁚ Becomes the “come point.” The bet is moved to that specific number box on the layout.
After a Come Point is Established⁚
- Come Point Rolled Before a 7⁚ Wins even money (1⁚1 payout).
- 7 Rolled Before the Come Point⁚ Loses the bet.

Remember that these odds and payouts are standard but can vary slightly depending on the casino. It’s always wise to check the specific rules and payout tables at your chosen craps table before placing any bets.

Strategies for Pass and Come Bets

While craps is a game of chance, employing smart strategies for Pass and Come bets can enhance your overall playing experience. Here are some tips to consider⁚

1. Take Advantage of Odds Bets

One of the most crucial strategies in craps is to maximize your use of Odds bets. These bets have no house edge, meaning the casino has no statistical advantage. After establishing a point (for Pass bets) or come point (for Come bets), you can “take odds” by placing an additional bet behind your original wager. The payout for Odds bets varies depending on the point number but always reflects the true odds of winning.

2. Manage Your Bankroll Wisely

As with any casino game, responsible bankroll management is essential. Set a budget for your craps session and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away from the table. Consider placing smaller Pass and Come bets initially and gradually increasing your wagers as you become more comfortable with the game.

3. Understand the House Edge

Pass and Come bets have a relatively low house edge, making them attractive options for players. The house edge for the Pass Line bet is 1.41%, while the Come bet has a slightly higher house edge of 1.41%. By understanding these odds, you can make informed decisions about your betting strategy.

4. Consider Combining Bets Strategically

Some experienced craps players combine Pass and Come bets with other wagers, such as Place bets or Field bets, to create more complex betting strategies. While these strategies can potentially increase your winnings, they also come with higher risks. It’s essential to thoroughly understand the odds and potential payouts of all bets before implementing any combined strategy.

Remember, craps is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee consistent wins. However, by understanding the odds, managing your bankroll wisely, and employing strategic betting techniques, you can enhance your enjoyment and potentially improve your overall results.