Craps is a game with one of the best odds at the casino, but it can be intimidating for beginners due to some complexities. However, when you play Craps online, you can get comfortable with the game and practice the tips beforehand.

If you want to improve your skills and win at Craps, you’re in the right place! Welcome to our guide, where we’ll help you understand the best strategies, what to watch for, and how to increase your chances of winning real money the next time you play Craps.

Craps: Basic Strategies

In this section of our Craps Guide, we’ll introduce the concept of craps strategies, their importance, and key considerations when using them.

It’s crucial to understand that using strategies won’t guarantee a win in craps. Craps is a game of chance, and outcomes are determined by dice rolls.

Pass Line Craps Strategy

The Pass Line Strategy is craps’ simplest bet with the best winning odds. Place your chips in the Pass Line area. If the initial roll (come out roll) is a 7 or 11, you win. A 2, 3, or 12 means a loss. Any other number becomes the point, and you win if it’s rolled again before a 7. This first roll dictates the game’s direction and the subsequent bets for potential payouts.

Don’t Pass Craps Strategy

Using the Don’t Pass Strategy in Craps means betting against the shooter. It’s the opposite of the Pass Line bet. Place chips in the Don’t Pass Line. If the initial roll is a 2, 3, or 12, you win; a 7 or 11 means a loss. For other numbers, if a 7 comes before the point is rolled again, you win.

Come Bets and Don’t Come Bets

The Come bet is similar to the Pass Line bet but is made after the point number is set. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, you win; a 2, 3, or 12 means you lose. Any other number sets a new point. With more chances to win than lose, it’s a favorable bet. Alternatively, consider the ‘wrong-way’ strategy by betting on the Don’t Pass and Don’t Come. This means you win when most lose and vice versa. While this strategy can be awkward in live casinos, it’s more comfortable in online craps due to its contrary nature.

Odds Bets and Free Odds Bets

The Free Odds bet is a powerful tool in craps but requires a prior Pass/Don’t Pass or Come/Don’t Come bet. While it has no house edge, making it popular in both offline and online casinos, it isn’t prominently displayed on the table layout. However, its absence of house edge doesn’t negate the casino’s overall advantage. When a player has a Pass Line bet and there’s a point, they can “take odds” based on their prediction about the shooter’s next move.

So, by strategically using the Free Odds bet alongside your line bets, you can maximize your potential payouts and reduce the effective house edge.

Payouts for the Odds bet are 6:5 for 6 and 8, 3:2 for 5 and 9, and 2:1 for 4 and 10. These apply solely to the Odds bet, with the original line bets still paying 1:1. Players can adjust or remove the Free Odds bet after establishing a point for the pass line.

Advanced Craps Techniques

Craps also offers a range of advanced strategies for experienced players. Among these, the 3-Point Molly strategy and the art of reading the table stand out.

The 3-Point Molly Strategy

The Three-Point Molly is a focused craps strategy. It’s made specifically for craps, and it doesn’t translate well to other games. At its core, the player continuously places pass or come bets until they have three active bets, each supported by full odds.

This strategy can offer a house edge under 0.5%, making it an attractive option. This low edge isn’t due to the system itself but rather from the high-quality bets the player is placing. Many players, including myself, have adopted this method unknowingly.

How to Use the Three-Point Molly Strategy

1. Determine your betting unit (e.g., $10) which should at least meet the minimum pass line bet.
2. On the come-out roll, if you have less than three active numbers, place a pass line bet.
3. On other rolls with fewer than three active numbers, make a come bet.
4. Don’t place new bets if three numbers are covered.
5. If a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled after placing a pass or come bet, support it with the maximum allowable odds.
6. During the come-out roll, disable the odds on existing come bets.
7. Continue with these steps until a seven-out occurs, ending your betting session.

The Strategy Advantages

The Three-Point Molly strategy in craps is an effective approach that offers a crucial edge to players. By continually placing pass or come bets and backing them with full odds, players can significantly lower the house edge to below 0.5%. 

This strategy protects your initial Pass Line bet, especially with the Come bet, and can yield profits when hitting 7s and 11s. It gives players three active numbers to bank on, ensuring they don’t overextend their bets. This results in a balanced risk-reward scenario, with increased opportunities to win on each roll.

Moreover, it ensures betting discipline, makes the best of the game’s true odds without a house edge, and offers protection against the frequent seven during come-outs. The strategy remains dynamic, keeping the craps game engaging while maintaining a structured betting approach.

How to Read the Table

Experienced craps players must be proficient in reading the table dynamics, not predicting dice outcomes but sensing the game’s momentum. When a shooter makes a good move, many might increase their bets to keep up with the game. However, during less successful phases, they might limit or change their wagers.

Observing the shooter’s performance and the table’s overall energy is vital. For example, if many are favoring the Pass Line and points regularly hit, it could be strategic to follow suit. A prevailing trend of Don’t Pass bets on a ‘cold’ table suggests a strategy shift. This flexibility, built on a strong craps strategy, improves the odds of success for experienced players.