The Ultimate Guide to Come Betting in Craps: Maximize Your Chances of Winning

Introduction

Come betting in craps is an exciting and potentially lucrative way to add an extra layer of strategy to your game. This guide will delve into the ins and outs of come betting, empowering you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and increase your winning odds.

What is a Come Bet?

A come bet is a wager placed after the come-out roll. It is a bet that the point number (the number rolled after the point is established) will be rolled before a 7. The come bet is independent of the pass line bet and can be placed at any time during the game.

How to Place a Come Bet

1. Call for the come: When the shooter begins rolling, call out "come" followed by the number you want to bet on. For instance, "Come 6."
2. Establish the point: The dealer will place a marker called the "come bet puck" on the number you called. This establishes the point number for your come bet.
3. Roll until the point or 7: The shooter continues rolling until the point number or a 7 is rolled.
4. Win or lose: If the point is rolled before a 7, you win even money (1:1). If a 7 is rolled before the point, you lose your bet.

Odds and Payouts for Come Bets

The odds and payouts for come bets vary depending on the point number. The following table shows the odds and payouts for each point number:

Why You Should Consider Come Betting

There are several reasons why come betting can be beneficial:

• Increased odds: Come bets often have higher odds than pass line bets, especially on the point numbers 4, 5, 9, and 10.
• Flexibility: Come bets allow you to place wagers at any time during the game, giving you the opportunity to target more favorable rolls.
• Insurance: Come bets can act as insurance for your pass line bet. If you lose your pass line bet but your come bet wins, you can recoup some of your losses.

Transition to Come Betting from Pass Line Betting

If you are comfortable with pass line betting but want to explore come betting, here is a transition strategy:

1. Start with smaller bets: Begin by placing smaller come bets to reduce your risk while you learn the nuances of the game.
2. Target points with higher odds: Focus on betting on the point numbers 4, 5, 9, and 10, as these have the highest odds.
3. Manage your bankroll: Come betting can be more volatile than pass line betting. Allocate a specific amount of your bankroll to come bets and stick to it.

Cautionary Tales and What We Learn

1. Betting too early: Avoid placing come bets too early in the shooter's roll sequence. The probability of rolling a 7 is higher early on.
2. Chasing losses: Do not chase your losses by increasing the size of your come bets. This can lead to a downward spiral.
3. Managing emotions: Craps is a game of chance, and it is essential to control your emotions. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on swings in the game.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Come Betting

1. Establish a budget and bankroll management plan.
2. Place a come bet on a point number with favorable odds.
3. Roll until the point or 7 is rolled.
4. Collect your winnings if the point is rolled before a 7.
5. Repeat the process as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I place multiple come bets at once? Yes, you can place as many come bets as you want, each on a different point number.
2. What happens if the point is rolled twice before a 7? You win double the amount of your bet.
3. Is come betting better than pass line betting? It depends on the odds and your strategy. Come betting can offer higher odds but is also more volatile.
4. What is the house edge on come bets? The house edge varies depending on the point number but is typically around 1.4%.
5. Can I take down my come bet before the point is rolled? Yes, you can take down your bet at any time and receive a push (a return of your original bet).
6. Does come betting affect my pass line bet? No, come bets are independent of pass line bets.

Call to Action

Mastering come betting in craps can significantly enhance your gameplay. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this guide, you can increase your winning potential and enjoy the excitement of this classic casino game. Embrace the challenge, learn the nuances, and bring your craps game to the next level!