The Best Strategy for Craps that Every Player Should Know

The Extender Strategy: Step-by-Step Guide for Craps

This is one of the best strategies for craps if you’re looking to extend your bankroll for as long as possible. You rely on low-risk, high-value bets like the Pass Line and Come Bet with double odds since these have lower house edges, but are still very exciting. Here’s the play-by-play:

Step 1: Start with the Pass Line Bet (2x Odds)

Place your Pass Line bet before the come-out roll. Once the point is established, back it up with double odds (2x your Pass Line bet).

Step 2: Make 1 Come Bet (2x Odds)

Once the point is set, place on Come Bet. Once the number is rolled for the Come Bet, back it with double odds (2x your Come Bet). Take a sip if you have a drink, we’re here to have fun.

Step 3: Maintain a Simple Bet Structure

Keep going with just the Pass Line and one Come Bet, both with double odds. This is an effective bet and the risk is relatively low.

Step 4: Gradually Increase Bets if Winning

If you’re doing well, gradually increase the odds or add another Come Bet. Don’t stack too many bets until you’re way ahead!

The “$1 to $1000” Craps Strategy

Found this phenomenal strategy online, and it’s a very simple high-risk, high-reward method that banks on hitting the same hardway number three times in a row.

Each time the hard 6 or 8 hits, you Parlay the winnings, gradually increasing your bet from $1 to $10, then to $100.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but when you cash those $1000 out, there’s nothing like it. Anyways, here’s the step-by-step explanation

Step 1: Place a $1 Hardway Bet on 6 or 8

Start with a $1 bet on either the hard 6 (two 3s) or hard 8 (two 4s). By the way, if you’re a beginner, a “hard” number is rolled when the dice shows two identical numbers, like 3-3 or 4-4.

Step 2: Parlay Winnings on 1st Hit to a $10 Bet

If your $1 hardway bet hits, don’t collect your winnings yet! Instead, parlay your winnings into a $10 bet on the same hardway (6 or 8, depends on your initial bet).

Step 3: Parlay Winnings on 2nd Hit to a $100 Bet

If your $10 bet hit, then hold the line one more time. Parlay your entire winnings into a $100 bet on the same hardway.

If your $100 hardway bet hit, congratulations, you can collect your winnings and start the whole thing again! Hardways are hard enough to hit, so I don’t blame you if you decide to cash out and leave a winner.

Again, this strategy is simple to execute, but does require you to hit hardways consecutively. Losses in between wins are to be expected, so if you’re not the kind of gambler that handles emotions well, this might not be the best choice for you.

The “$200 Increments Strategy”

The $200 increments strategy is all about using those gambling spidey senses to your advantage. It’s very flexible, and encourages to read the
table before setting your bets, which is great for veteran players.

You start with small increments on random shooters to ease yourself into the game without over-committing if the table isn’t in your favor. By pressing bets and taking them down when you feel a 7 might come, you manage risk while still giving yourself the chance to hit big.
Here’s how this works:

Step 1: Set Your Initial Bankroll

Bring $400-$600 to the table, but only cash in $200 increments at a time. Get a feel of the table for now.

Step 2: Observe the First Few Shooters

• Before betting, watch the first few shooters to get a sense of the table’s vibe. Right now, you’re looking for patterns in how the dice are rolling or how confident shooters are. Are they on a streak? Are they getting cleaned out?

Step 3: Start Small on Random Rollers

Can’t figure out a pattern? Place bets of $12 on both the 6 and 8. Try to hit these numbers twice and take down your bets after two hits.

Step 4: Expand Bets if You Like the Shooter’s Vibe

Is the shooter hitting his rolls? Then expand your bets.

• If you hit a 6, add a bet on the 5.
• If you hit an 8, add a bet on the 9.
• If you hit twice, you can either take your bets down or continue pressing.

Step 5: Adjust Bets Based on Table Feel

If you sense a “big red” (7-out) coming, take your bets down. Scale back to just one place bet at the table minimum to keep yourself in the game if the shooter keeps rolling.

Step 6: Bring Out the 4 and 10 Strategy

Occasionally place a $10 bet on the 4 and 10 on random shooters. If either hits, buy the number for $25.

When it hits again, take your winnings down after reaching $75 (minus the vig).

Step 7: When You’re the Shooter: Go $64 Across

When it’s your turn to roll, place $64 across (all the numbers). Depending on your mood you can either:

• Press each number by one unit after each hit.
• Full press your winnings.
• Power press (double or triple your bets aggressively).

Step 8: Stay Flexible

If you’re on a streak don’t hesitate to press up your bets, especially if certain numbers (like 10s) are hitting frequently. This could lead to big wins.

The Squeeze Play Strategy

The Squeeze Play strategy starts strong, but once the squeeze begins, it’s all about playing conservatively. You start with a high investment ($110 Inside) to take advantage of higher payouts early and then the squeeze starts. After a few hits, you “squeeze” (reduce your bet size) to lock in winnings and reduce risks.

After those first hits you play conservatively to stay in the game longer and slowly build your bankroll. You survive those two hits and navigate the table’s energy from there, playing conservatively to build your bankroll. You could scale this strategy for larger bankrolls, but be wary of overextending yourself!

Step 1: Start with $110 Inside Bet

Place $110 on the inside numbers (5, 6, 8, 9). This will avoid the less common 4 and 10 at first.

Step 2: Hit and Add the 4/10

Hitting the inside number should yield around $35~, add a bet on the 4 and 10. You can start with $15 each on the 4 and 10 (or drop a nickel for the dealer to make it $20).

Step 3: Aim for Two Hits

You’re looking for (ideally) two hits: either two inside hits, or an inside hit and one on the 4/10. After two hits, you move to a more conservative strategy.

Step 4: Squeeze After Two Hits

Once you’ve hit twice, the squeeze begins. Choose one of these setups:

• $66 Inside
• $44 Inside
• $64 Across (which covers all numbers).

Step 5: Adapt to the Table’s Vibes

Adapt your bets post-squeeze. If the table is hot, you can press your bets, otherwise take them down. No point playing in a cold table, right?

As you can see, the strategy heavily depends on surviving those first two hits. The addition of the 4 and 10 and long-term squeeze makes it very potent if you do, though.

The Inverse Martingale Strategy for Craps

If you’ve spent enough time around casino games, you’ll probably know about the Martingale system and how aggressive it can be. Traditionally you double your bet after every loss, but we won’t be doing that today.

This version is, in my opinion, much better because it doubles your bet after each win, allowing you to capitalize on winning streaks and minimize losses.

You start with a $5 bet and press the winnings, with the risk of loss being limited to these initial $5. Once your Pass Line bet starts winning, though, you can make serious money by doubling your winnings up to 5 times in a row. Here’s the breakdown:

Step 1: Start with a $5 Pass Line Bet

Head to a $5 table and place a $5 bet on the Pass Line for each shooter. You want to win consistently and double your bet 5 times in a row.

Step 2: Full Press After Every Win

If 7 or 11 hits on the come-out roll, press your entire winnings. If you win $5, place the full $10 on the Pass Line for the next roll. Only press your Pass Line winnings after each hit.

Step 3: Repeat the Full Press Until You Double 5 Times

Keep pressing your winnings after every hit until you’ve doubled your money 5 times, like so:

1. Start with $5.
2. Full press to $10.
3. Full press to $20.
4. Full press to $40.
5. Full press to $80.
6. Full press to $160 (your target).
7. After reaching $160, you pull your winnings and restart the strategy.

Step 4: Manage Risk if You Lose

If you crap out on a 2,3 or 12, you only lose your initial $5 Pass Line bet. Even if you have $80 or more on the Pass Line when you lose, the actual cost to you is still just $5 from your original bankroll.

This is a high-reward betting strategy that thrives on build ups, so it’s not for everyone. I personally think it’s very exciting, but to each their own.

The Pass Line Bet Strategy

This is one of the simplest and most common strategies in craps, so I can’t help but list it for beginners. Bet Pass Line bet that the shooter will roll a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. If they do, you win, simple as that.

Since it’s so self-explanatory, I don’t believe a breakdown is needed. However, with a house edge of 1.41%, it’s easy to understand why it’s such a highly-recommended strategy. It’s great for beginners and it allows you to get a taste of the action, so many opt to strategize with it.

Don’t Pass Line Bet Strategy

This one’s great for cold tables where the shooters just aren’t having a good day. You bet that the shooter will lose by rolling a 2, 3, or 12 on the come-out roll. Some find it a bit distasteful since you’re betting against the shooter, but it has an even better house edge (1.36%) than the Pass Line bet. With odds like that, many don’t care about being perceived as a killjoy.

FAQs on The Best Strategy For Craps

What is the best strategy for craps?

The best strategy for craps incorporates simple bets like the Pass Line Bet and combines them with others (Odds Bets, for instance) to minimize the house edge.

Can you win consistently at craps using a strategy?

No strategy guarantees consistent wins, but using smart bets and managing your bankroll can improve your chances. It’s all about having a system that helps you manage your bankroll, minimize house edge while having fun.

How do I improve my odds at craps?

You can improve your odds by focusing on bets with a lower house edge, such as the Pass Line, Don’t Pass Line, and Odds Bets. Other than that, having a system or overarching strategy will do wonders.

What is the safest bet in craps?

The safest bet in craps is the Pass Line Bet combined with the Odds Bet, as it has the lowest house edge.

Is it better to bet on Pass Line or Don’t Pass Line?

Both are solid options. The Pass Line Bet is more popular and aligns with the majority of players, while the Don’t Pass Line Bet offers a slightly better house edge. Remember to read the table, you don’t want to be seen as the enemy or the killjoy, especially if you’re new!