Best Craps Strategies to Win at Online Craps

Craps is a thrilling and strategic casino game that has captivated players worldwide. This craps guide provides you with insights into the best strategies, tips for managing bets, and techniques to win at craps, whether you’re playing online or at a casino. Learn the nuances of the craps table, various bets, and how to effectively manage your bankroll with advanced craps strategies to maximize your chances of success.

Craps Table and Bets

The craps table may seem intimidating at first, but understanding the layout and basic bets is essential for a successful game. Players can make bets on different outcomes, such as the pass line bet or the come bet, each of which has specific rules and odds.

Popular Bets at the Craps Table

• Pass Line Bet. One of the simplest and most popular bets in craps. Players win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll and lose if a 2, 3, or 12 is rolled.
• Come Bet. Similar to the pass line bet, but made after the point is established. It adds flexibility for players who join mid-game.
• Odds Bet. Placed alongside the pass line or come bet, offering “true odds” with no house edge.

What Are the Best Craps Strategies?

Effective craps strategies can help players manage their bets and reduce the house edge. Some strategies focus on conservative bets with low house edges, while others add complexity by combining different bets for varied outcomes.

Betting Strategies for Different Players

For beginners, a basic craps strategy focuses on pass line and come bets, which are straightforward and offer a low house edge. Advanced players, on the other hand, may incorporate strategies like the 3-Point Molly or Iron Cross, which combine multiple bets for strategic advantages.

The Pass Line Bet Strategy

The pass line bet is an ideal starting point for newcomers to craps. This strategy involves placing a bet on the pass line and relying on the shooter to roll a winning number.

Why the Pass Line Bet is a Good Starting Point

• Low House Edge. The pass line bet has a low house edge of 1.41%, making it one of the best options for beginners.
• Simple Rules. It’s easy to understand, as you’re simply betting on the shooter rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.

Tips for Maximizing Pass Line Bets

Once the point is established, players can add odds bets to increase potential winnings without raising the house edge. This combination provides a balanced approach to craps and keeps the game straightforward.

The 3-Point Molly Craps Strategy

The 3-Point Molly is a more advanced craps strategy, ideal for players who want to place multiple bets to diversify outcomes and increase the potential for winnings.

How the 3-Point Molly Strategy Works

The 3-Point Molly involves placing a pass line bet, followed by two come bets with odds. This setup allows players to have multiple bets in action, maximizing their chances of winning while maintaining a low house edge.

Pros and Cons of the 3-Point Molly

• Advantages. The strategy provides multiple ways to win, and the odds bets have no house edge.
• Disadvantages. This strategy requires a larger bankroll and a deeper understanding of the craps table layout.

What is the Iron Cross Strategy in Craps?

The Iron Cross strategy in craps is a popular betting method that aims to cover as many possible outcomes of the dice roll as possible—except for a 7. The goal of this strategy is to create winning opportunities on nearly every roll, allowing players to enjoy consistent, albeit smaller, payouts. The Iron Cross works by combining several types of bets to maximize coverage on the dice table. This makes it ideal for players who want frequent wins but may not necessarily want to pursue large, high-risk payouts.

How the Iron Cross Strategy Works

In the Iron Cross strategy, a player places a combination of bets to cover numbers 5, 6, 8, and the Field. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Place Bets on 5, 6, and 8: These are the “place bets” that cover the most commonly rolled numbers after 7. Bets on 6 and 8 have a relatively low house edge, which adds to the strategy’s appeal.
2. Make a Field Bet: The Field bet covers several numbers—2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 — all in a single wager. If any of these numbers is rolled, the Field bet wins and pays even money, with some casinos offering a double payout on 2 and a triple payout on 12.
3. Avoiding a Roll of 7: The Iron Cross strategy is vulnerable to a roll of 7, which causes all bets to lose. This is the biggest risk in the strategy, as rolling a 7 effectively ends the round and forfeits the Iron Cross bets.

Payout Structure in the Iron Cross

The Iron Cross strategy generates a steady flow of smaller payouts by covering most numbers on the table. Here’s what the payouts typically look like:

• Field Bet Payouts. Wins on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, or 12 pay even money, with some additional payouts if a 2 or 12 is rolled.
• Place Bet Payouts on 5, 6, and 8. These bets usually pay out at a ratio of 7:5 on 5 and 6:5 on 6 and 8, giving players a slightly higher payout on these specific numbers.

Because the Iron Cross covers so many numbers, players experience frequent wins. The trick lies in balancing these smaller, frequent payouts against the risk of losing all bets if a 7 is rolled.

Pros and Cons of the Iron Cross Strategy

Pros:

• The Iron Cross strategy allows players to win on almost every roll except for a 7, providing a more engaging experience with regular payouts.
• The strategy is most effective in short playing sessions, where the risk of rolling a 7 before collecting multiple payouts is lower.
• Because it covers many possible outcomes, the Iron Cross can be appealing to players who prefer steady, smaller wins.

Cons:

• The Iron Cross strategy is extremely vulnerable to a roll of 7, which results in the loss of all bets placed on the table.
• Over time, the house edge catches up, making it less effective in longer playing sessions.
• While the Iron Cross generates frequent payouts, they tend to be smaller, meaning players may not see large profits from this strategy.

Tips for Using the Iron Cross Strategy

1. Set a Win Goal: Since the Iron Cross is suited for short sessions, set a specific win goal and stop playing once you reach it. This minimizes the risk of a 7 wiping out your bets.
2. Consider Adding Odds Bets: If a point is established, adding an odds bet to the pass line can enhance your payout without raising the house edge.
3. Avoid the Strategy in Extended Sessions: The Iron Cross works best for players aiming to play a few quick rounds rather than prolonged sessions. The risk of rolling a 7 increases with each roll, so longer games can diminish its effectiveness.

Is the Iron Cross Strategy Right for You?

The Iron Cross strategy is ideal for players looking for frequent, steady wins and an enjoyable, fast-paced game. However, because it doesn’t cover a roll of 7, it carries a risk that some players may find uncomfortable. If you’re a beginner or an intermediate player wanting to keep gameplay simple while experiencing consistent payouts, the Iron Cross could be an engaging choice. However, for those aiming for larger payouts or with a long-term game strategy, alternative strategies with lower cumulative house edges may be more suitable.

Intermediate Online Craps Strategies

Intermediate craps strategies are ideal for players who have a solid understanding of the game’s basics, such as the pass line and come bets, and are ready to explore more complex betting methods to improve their odds. These strategies involve a mix of conservative and riskier bets that allow players to manage their bankroll effectively while adding more excitement and variety to their gameplay. Intermediate strategies strike a balance between low-risk, steady payouts and higher-reward bets, giving players more control over their outcomes.

Place Bets on 6 and 8

The numbers 6 and 8 are popular in craps betting because they occur frequently and offer a low house edge. By placing bets on these numbers, players can increase their odds of winning without taking excessive risks.

Adding Odds to Pass Line Bets

Intermediate players can enhance their pass line bets by adding odds, which lowers the house edge and increases potential payouts. This layered approach balances the simplicity of basic strategies with the added opportunities for profit.

How to Win at Craps Online

Online craps offers unique advantages, such as the ability to practice and test strategies with free games. However, it also requires a slightly different approach due to the absence of a physical dice roll.

Tips for Online Craps Games

• Practice in Free Mode. Most online casinos offer free craps games, allowing you to practice strategies without risking money.
• Understand Online Odds and Payouts. Different online platforms may have varied odds, so it’s essential to understand each platform’s rules before placing real bets.

Choosing the Right Online Casino

When playing craps online, choose a reputable online casino that offers fair odds, a user-friendly interface, and secure transactions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Bankroll Management in Craps

Bankroll management is essential in craps to prevent excessive losses and maintain a consistent play style. Setting a budget for each session can help players enjoy the game without overspending.

Tips for Effective Bankroll Management

• Set a Limit for Each Session. Decide how much you’re willing to risk before starting and stick to that limit.
• Divide Your Bankroll. Use a portion of your bankroll for each bet rather than risking everything on a single roll.

Maintaining a Balanced Approach

Using conservative bets with low house edges, like pass line and come bets, can help maintain a steady bankroll and reduce the risk of significant losses.

Practice Craps and Build Confidence

For beginners, practicing craps through free online games is a great way to build confidence. These games allow players to learn the rules, test strategies, and understand the dynamics of the craps table without any financial commitment.

Benefits of Practicing Craps

• Learning the Rules. Familiarizing yourself with the table layout and bet types in a risk-free environment helps you build foundational knowledge.
• Developing a Strategy. Practicing in free games lets you test different strategies and find one that suits your style before placing real bets.

Building Confidence at the Craps Table

As you gain experience through practice, you’ll develop the confidence to place bets more strategically, improving your chances of winning when you transition to real-money games.

Conclusion

Craps is a fast-paced, exciting casino game that combines chance with strategy, making it a favorite among players looking for both thrill and opportunity. With the right approach, understanding of the craps table, and use of strategic bets like the pass line and come bet, players can improve their odds and enjoy a rewarding experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, following this ultimate craps guide and practicing the best craps strategies can elevate your game, especially in the online casino environment. Remember, the key to winning at online craps is to manage your bankroll wisely, understand the true odds, and stay committed to a strategy that suits your level and risk tolerance.

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