Come Bet Craps: Master the Odds and Beat the House

Introduction

Craps is a thrilling casino game filled with excitement, noise, and the clatter of dice tumbling across the felt. Amidst the cacophony, there's a strategic betting option that stands out for its favorable odds: the come bet.

What is a Come Bet?

A come bet is a wager placed after the point has been established (the number that the shooter is trying to roll again). It's similar to a pass line bet, but it's made after the initial come-out roll.

Placing a Come Bet

To place a come bet, follow these steps:

1. Wait for the point to be established.
2. Announce your bet to the dealer. Example: "Five dollars come the hard eight."
3. Put your chips on the appropriate come number on the table layout.
4. Roll the dice.

How a Come Bet Works

The come bet is not resolved on the roll that it's made. Instead, it remains in play until the point is either made or crapped out (7 rolls before the point).

• If the point is made, the come bet wins.
• If the point is crapped out, the come bet loses.
• If a 7 is rolled before the point is made or crapped out, the come bet is pushed (no win, no loss).

Odds of Winning a Come Bet

The odds of winning a come bet are slightly less favorable than a pass line bet due to the additional roll needed to establish the point. However, the odds are still very respectable:

• Pass line bet: 49.31% (house edge: 1.41%)
• Come bet: 49.02% (house edge: 1.98%)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Betting on come numbers with poor odds: Avoid numbers like 2, 3, 11, and 12, which have higher house edges.
• Not knowing when to collect: Once the point is made, collect your come bet immediately to avoid losing it on a 7-out.
• Not pressing your bets: If the point is made and the shooter is rolling well, consider increasing your come bet wager.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Establish a bankroll: Determine how much money you're willing to risk and stick to it.
2. Learn the basic rules: Familiarize yourself with the terms and mechanics of craps.
3. Start with small bets: Don't bet more than you can afford to lose, especially as a beginner.
4. Place a come bet: Wait for the point to be established and then place your wager.
5. Manage your winnings: Collect your come bet when the point is made, and consider pressing your bets when appropriate.
6. Have fun: Craps is a social game, so enjoy the experience and interact with other players.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the difference between a pass line bet and a come bet? A pass line bet is made before the point is established, while a come bet is made after.
• Can I place multiple come bets? Yes, you can have multiple come bets active at the same time on different numbers.
• What happens if a come bet is not resolved before a point is made? The come bet is carried over to the next point.
• Can I use the come bet strategy with multiple points? Yes, you can have come bets on multiple points, increasing your chances of winning.
• What's the best way to learn the come bet strategy? Practice on a virtual craps table or with a friend in a social setting.
• How much should I bet on a come bet? The amount you bet depends on your bankroll and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

The come bet is an essential tool in any craps player's arsenal. It offers favorable odds, easy-to-understand rules, and the potential for exciting wins. By avoiding common mistakes and following a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of coming out on top in the craps pit.

Table 1: Craps Odds

Table 2: Common Come Bet Numbers

Table 3: Come Bet Betting Strategy