Come Bet Craps: A Comprehensive Guide to Excitement and Strategy

Introduction

Welcome to the captivating world of craps, a thrilling dice game that has enticed players for centuries. Come bets, one of the most popular and rewarding wagers in craps, offer a unique opportunity to enhance your chances of success. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of come bets, empowering you with the knowledge and strategies to maximize your winnings.

Understanding Come Bets

Come bets are placed after the come out roll, which is the first roll of the dice in a round of craps. Unlike pass line bets, which are wagered before the come out roll, come bets allow you to enter the game at any point.

To place a come bet, you announce your wager amount and specify a point number, which can be any number from 4 to 10 except 7. If the next roll of the dice matches your point number, you win.

Advantages of Come Bets

Come bets offer several advantages over pass line bets:

• Flexibility: You can place a come bet at any time during the game, allowing you to enter or exit the action as desired.
• Higher Payouts: Come bets pay even money, while pass line bets pay 1:1 or 2:1 depending on the casino.
• Insurance Against Losing Point Number: If the point number is established (rolled again after the come out roll), you can place a come bet to hedge against the shooter rolling a 7 and losing your pass line bet.

Disadvantages of Come Bets

Despite their advantages, come bets also have some potential drawbacks:

• Limited Betting Options: Come bets can only be placed on the point number you specify, while pass line bets offer a wider range of betting options.
• Risk of Losing on Come Out Roll: If the point number does not come out on the come out roll, you will lose your come bet.
• Commission on Wins: Some casinos charge a commission (vigorish) on come bet wins, which can reduce your profit margin.

Common Misconceptions

Before delving into the strategies, let's address some common misconceptions about come bets:

• Come bets are always superior to pass line bets: This is not necessarily true. Pass line bets may be a better choice for players who prefer less risk and more comprehensive betting options.
• Come bets are only for high-rollers: Come bets can be placed with any amount, making them accessible to players of all bankrolls.
• Come bets are guaranteed to win: While come bets offer higher payouts, they are not guaranteed to win. The outcome of any craps roll is random.

Effective Strategies

To maximize your success with come bets, consider these effective strategies:

• Bet the Most Common Point Numbers: The most common point numbers are 6 and 8, which have a probability of 5/36 or approximately 13.9%.
• Don't Bet 7: The number 7 is the most likely to roll, so it's generally not a good idea to bet on it.
• Establish a Bankroll and Stick to It: Determine how much you are willing to risk and never exceed that amount.
• Manage Your Wins and Losses: Take profits when you are ahead and minimize losses by walking away when you are down.
• Use Paroli and Anti-Martingale: The Paroli system involves increasing your bet size after wins, while the Anti-Martingale system involves increasing your bet size after losses.

Tips and Tricks

• Study the Table: Pay attention to the streaks and patterns emerging on the table to make informed betting decisions.
• Observe the Shooter: Watching the shooter's technique and form can give you insights into their likely roll outcomes.
• Learn the Craps Language: Familiarize yourself with the terms and lingo used in craps to avoid confusion.
• Play at a Reputable Casino: Choose a reputable casino with fair odds and a pleasant atmosphere.
• Have Fun: Craps should be an enjoyable experience. Don't let the pursuit of winnings overshadow the thrill of the game.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

John decides to place a $10 come bet on the point number 6. The next roll of the dice produces a 6, winning him $10. Encouraged, he places another $10 come bet and wins again. However, the third roll results in a 7, and he loses both come bets.

Lesson: Don't get overconfident after a few wins. The game of craps is unpredictable, and losing streaks can happen.

Story 2:

Sarah places a $20 come bet on the point number 8. The point number is established, and she continues to place come bets on it. After several successful rolls, she walks away with a profit of $100.

Lesson: Identifying and betting on the established point number can lead to significant winnings.

Story 3:

Mark places a $50 come bet on the point number 9. The come out roll results in a 7, and he loses his bet. Undeterred, he places another $50 come bet and wins. However, the next roll produces another 7, causing him to lose both bets.

Lesson: Even experienced players can encounter bad beats. Don't let losses discourage you from continuing to play strategically.

Tables for Reference

Table 1: Probability of Point Numbers

Table 2: Come Bet Payouts

Table 3: House Edge by Point Number

Conclusion

Come bets are an exciting and rewarding wager in the game of craps. By understanding their advantages, disadvantages, and strategies, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy the thrill of this classic casino game. Whether you are a seasoned craps player or a newcomer, embracing the knowledge and strategies presented in this comprehensive guide will empower you to make informed decisions and enhance your overall gaming experience. Remember, while craps involves an element of luck, a combination of skill, strategy, and responsible gameplay can lead to a more fulfilling and potentially profitable pursuit.