I Tried The 11 Best Craps Strategies. Here's What I Found (2024)

Craps is a fun and exciting game you can play at land-based and online casinos. The goal is to predict the outcome of rolling two dice.

If you want to become a pro player, you need to learn how to win at craps. This can be achieved by mastering strategies to lower the house edge, manage your money, and make smart bets.

In this guide, I will teach you strategies for beginners, intermediate, and expert players. Plus, I will present what I consider the best craps strategy and a technique for rolling the dice called craps dice setting.

My Key Takeaways: The Best Craps Strategies

1. Master the Basics: Before diving into strategies, familiarize yourself with craps rules, variations, and table limits. Understanding the game’s fundamentals is essential for applying any winning strategy effectively.
2. Manage Your Bankroll Wisely: Effective bankroll management is critical. Set a budget for each session, and stick to it to avoid significant losses. Consider the amount you can afford to lose and ensure your betting strategy aligns with your bankroll.
3. Adopt a Strategic Approach: For beginners, starting with low-risk strategies like the Pass Line bet is advisable, offering a low house edge and simple gameplay. Intermediate and advanced players can explore more complex strategies to enhance their chances of winning.
4. Learn About Dice Control: Although controversial and requiring a lot of practice, dice control or setting can potentially influence the outcome of the roll. Practice different grips and throwing techniques to see if they work for you.
5. Experiment with Betting Systems: While no betting system guarantees success, they can structure your play. The 3 Point Molly and the Iron Cross are popular among more experienced players looking to manage their bets and cover a broader range of outcomes.
6. Stay Disciplined and Focused: Keeping a level head and sticking to your pre-set limits is crucial, regardless of whether you’re on a winning or losing streak. Remember to take breaks and assess your strategy regularly.
7. Practice Makes Perfect: Utilize online platforms to practice your strategies without risking real money. This can build confidence and improve your understanding of the game dynamics.
8. Embrace the Element of Luck: Craps is a game of chance, and while strategies can improve your chances, they cannot eliminate the house edge entirely. Play for fun, and remember that winning cannot be guaranteed.
9. Stay Informed: Continuously educate yourself on craps strategies, odds, and house edges. The more knowledgeable you are, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions at the table.
10. Enjoy the Game: The excitement and social aspect of craps are what draw many players to the table. While winning is great, enjoying the game and the experience should always be your primary goal.

Before Using a Craps Strategy: Learn How to Play Craps

Before you start using any strategy, you need to set some guidelines. This will make it easier for you to follow the strategy and see if it’s working.

Here are some things you should consider when learning how to play craps:

• Research different craps games: Casinos have different variations of craps. Before spending money, make sure you understand the rules and how they might affect your strategy.
• Assess your bankroll: Be realistic about how much money you have and what betting strategies you can afford.
• Check the minimum and maximum bets: These limits can affect your play duration. Make sure your bankroll can handle the limits at the table.
• Set a time limit: Getting caught up in the excitement of craps is easy. Set a time limit so you don’t lose too much money on a bad session.
• Test your strategy: To see if it works, you need to test it by making bets. Remember to only bet what you can afford to lose.
• Analyze your results: After a craps session, look at how your strategy worked and see if it met your expectations. This is also a good time to look at your habits, such as getting too excited or upset at the table.

The Best Mathematical Craps Strategy: Money Management

One of the most difficult lessons for new craps players is when to leave the table.New players may follow a losing streak and blow their session bankroll at the craps table.

A good money management strategy for beginners is to set a modest ‘win’ goal before a session and walk away from the table when they reach their target.

This will help players avoid losing money and ensure they have enough to play with in future sessions.

Craps Strategy for Beginners

For beginner players, it’s a good idea to practice craps rules and strategies using free online craps games before transitioning to real money.

Our ‘low risk’ or ‘safe’ craps strategy suggestions aim to help players improve their craps knowledge and potentially earn some small winnings while having fun:

Pass Line Craps Strategy

Betting on the pass line is a simple strategy many players use in a land-based casino. The house edge is low at 1.41%, and winning pass line bets pay out even money (1:1). To use this strategy, start betting on the pass line on the come out roll. If the dice land on 7 or 11, the pass line bet wins.

Don’t Pass/Don’t Come Craps Strategy

This strategy is good for online craps games. You bet against the shooter with a Don’t Pass bet. You win if the shooter rolls a 2 or 3 and lose if they roll a 7 or 11.

If the shooter rolls a 12, it’s a push, and you get your bet back. You can make a Don’t Come bet if the shooter rolls a point. The house edge is only 1.46%.

Craps Strategies for Intermediate Players

As you become more experienced with craps, you can try more advanced strategies to increase your chances of winning. Here are some intermediate strategies:

Come/Don’t Come Betting

You place a bet on the come-out roll and then additional bets on the rolled numbers. This gives you more chances to win.

Odds Betting

You can place an odds bet on top of a pass line or don’t pass line bet. This bet has no house edge, which means the odds of winning are the same as the odds of rolling the number.

Dark Side Betting

This strategy involves betting against the shooter, also known as betting on the “dark side.” You can do this by placing don’t pass or don’t come bets.

The house edge is slightly lower, but some players may not like it.

Advanced Betting Strategy: For Experienced Players

As an experienced player, you may want an advanced craps betting strategy to improve your gameplay.

You’re not afraid to make big, aggressive bets and use long-term or quick one-roll strategies in your gameplay.

Try your hand at some of the advanced craps betting strategies below:

3 Point Molly Strategy

This is an aggressive craps strategy that requires you to have a big bankroll.

The approach behind 3 Point Molly is for you to place maximum odds on multiple bets with low house edges and decent odds of landing.

You can mitigate any losses from these multiple bets with many small wins throughout the craps game.

Here’s how to play the 3 Point Molly strategy in craps:

Step 1: Bet on the Pass Line

You are betting on the shooter to land a 7 or 11. In 3 Point Molly, you will always bet on the pass line.

The second stage of the 3 Point Molly strategy occurs once a point has been set.

Step 2: Place a Come bet, and Max Odds on the Point

After the Point has been established in a craps game, you should bet max odds on the Point and add a Come bet too.

So, a bet on point 6 with 5x maximum odds on a $5 bet would be $25. You will then want to also place a Come bet on the table.

Step 3: Move the Come Bet to the Bext’ Point’

If the shooter lands another number other than the Point, 7 or 11, this will become your personal second ‘Point.’

Move your Come bet to the second point bet, add the maximum odds, and place another Come bet again.

At this point in the 3 Point Molly strategy, you should have bets on the Pass Line, Come bet, the Point, and one other number.

Step 4: Add a Bet onto a Third Number

In 3 Point Molly, you should have bets on three numbers on the craps table. So, if the shooter throws a number that isn’t a 7, 11, or the two numbers you have bet on already, this will become your personal third ‘Point.’ Place a bet at maximum odds on this final number.

Step 5: Keep Playing until the Point, 7 or 11 is Thrown

If the shooter lands on your other bets, take the winnings and place a Come bet on the next throw of the dice. If another number lands, move your Come bet to this number. This ensures you always have three number bets in play.

Many advanced players consider 3 Point Molly a good craps strategy because it protects their Pass Line bet. However, all players should remember that this aggressive strategy requires a sizeable bankroll.

Iron Cross Craps Strategy

This strategy appeals to players who love frequent wins, but it will make 7 your bitter enemy as The Iron Cross sets it up, so you hit a win on any number other than 7.

You can deploy the Iron Cross strategy (also called Field Bet strategy) after the come out roll and the Point has been established. Effectively, you make wagers on all numbers except 7.

An example of playing the Iron Cross is to place a bet of $10 on Place 5, $10 on the Field, $12 on Place 6, and $12 on Place 8. This is a total bet of $44, and it guarantees a win on any roll other than a 7.

While this is often claimed to have a lower house edge than any of the individual bets, that belief is based upon incorrectly comparing the house edge of bets resolved rather than the per roll house edge.

Place 6 and Place 8 have a house edge of 0.46% per roll, much lower than The Iron Cross.

The Iron Cross strategy may not have the lowest house edge, but it is fun to play if you want frequent wins. Remember, though, that 7 is the most frequent number thrown in craps.

Risky Roller Strategy

For players wanting a night of fun and the chance to win big, The Risky Roller is a great strategy to try. With this strategy, you’ll place bets on various numbers to hit big payouts.

This strategy is about taking risks and betting on the numbers you think will hit.

You should bet on the Pass Line to play the Risky Roller strategy. Then, you can place additional bets on any numbers you think will hit. If you feel confident it will hit, you can also place multiple bets on the same number.

It’s important to remember that these strategies are advanced and require a large bankroll.

They are also not a guarantee for winning.This is one of the most misunderstood myths in craps.

As with any form of gambling, it’s important to set limits and only gamble what you can afford to lose.

Dice Control Strategy: How to Roll the Dice in Craps Like a Pro

Rolling dice during a game of craps is as simple as banking them off the back of the table, right?

While there are rules on what you can and can’t do, some players believe that they’ve mastered the ability to roll the dice in such a way that they more reliably produce certain numbers.

1. To roll dice in craps, first, it’s important to know that the dice must hit the back wall of the craps table;
2. If you fail to roll the dice correctly, the dealer will give you another try or select a new shooter;
3. Hold the dice in one hand, and then roll them the full span of the table. The dice must always be visible to the dealer, so avoid taking them off the table unless you’d like to meet a pit boss.

Other rules to follow include:

• not throwing dice above the dealer;
• slamming dice;
• bouncing them off the table or using two hands.

These are frowned upon at most casinos. They also don’t help to control your roll for specific outcomes.

To improve your dice rolling, try some simple craps dice rolling techniques such as gently floating the die to the far wall, rolling end over end, and setting the point number facing up.

Avoid slamming the dice against the back wall, and try to reduce the chances of rolling sevens by placing sixes up with fives facing in.

Stand closer to the dealer and practice soft rolling at home to get specific numbers.

When rolling, wash your hands and avoid drinking, as it can make them sticky.

Pinch grip your craps dice, placing four fingers on the front and the thumb on the back, effectively pinching the dice.

This keeps them together and ensures you’ll create a consistent throw.

Dice Setting in Craps: Is Dice Control Real?

As a pro craps player, let me tell you that there is a specific way to set, control and throw the craps dice to increase your chances of winning.

Certain mistakes beginners make when handling and throwing the dice can negatively affect their game. But don’t worry; I’m here to help you.

Random shaking will not help you win in the long run when throwing the dice. Casinos have mathematicians that calculate the odds to ensure they always have the upper hand.

As a craps player, you should know that the number seven is not your friend. It comes up more often than any other number and can work against you, especially if you place a pass line bet or a don’t pass wager.

Here are some tips for rolling the dice:

1. Understand craps dice control and choose a set that works for you. A good set for beginners is the Hard Ways set because it offers great visual feedback.
2. Position the dice parallel to the back wall and facing it before rolling.
3. Try to land the dice in a specific area a few inches before the back wall.
4. Roll the dice gently, like throwing a basketball into a hoop. Release the dice at 3/4 of the throw and avoid twisting them in the air.
5. The dice should touch the back wall upon landing, not slam into it.
6. Pay attention to the numbers and see if you’re hitting a certain combination more often.

In addition to rolling the dice properly, craps dice control is also important. It can help you improve your control over the dice and increase your chances of winning.

Many videos and tutorials available online can teach you how to control the dice when playing craps.

Remember, controlling the dice can make a big difference in your game and help you win.

Expert’s Advice: The Best Craps Strategy

As an expert in craps, my go-to strategy is early bet regression to pay for my bets and show a profit with my first two hits on inside bets.

This strategy involves making larger bets first and then reducing the bets by 50% after two hits, using the winnings to pay for the smaller bets.

For example, I bet $330 inside, $75 on 5 and 9, and $90 on six and eight. After two $105 inside hits, $210 total wins to that point, I regress by 66% to $25 and $30 bets for $110 ($25 on 5 & 9 and $30 on 6 & 8) at risk.

By taking all my risks up front, I can take advantage of the throws that roll my fewest sevens and most inside numbers.

This strategy is particularly effective for players who can track their throws and understand their tendencies well.

Final Thoughts

This marks the end of my craps strategy guide.

By now, you understand that craps is a versatile game that offers a wide range of strategies for players of all skill levels.

By researching the game’s rules, assessing your bankroll, and experimenting with different strategies, you can improve your chances of winning and have a great time at the craps table.

Craps Strategy Frequently Asked Questions