Betting in the Game of Craps: Line Bets
“Line bets” are some of the most popular bets in Craps. And there’s a reason for their popularity – they are fairly simple to grasp, yet they are also complex enough to allow for some strategy and general sense of “gambling”.
Most newcomers (and even many seasoned gamblers) stick with Line bets for the reasons outlined above, and we definitely agree – it’s a good place to start. The odds are good, the house edge is nominal, and the rules are easy to understand once explained.
Generally, there are four Line bets which are: “Pass Line bets”, “Don’t Pass bets”, “Come bets”, and “Don’t Come bets”. Let’s look at them closer:
- A Pass Line bet is one of the best bets in Craps due to its low house edge. Sometimes these are called “Win Line bets”. Here you’re hoping for a 7 or 11 to be rolled on the Come Out Roll, because that’ll make you an automatic winner. Unfortunately, 2, 3 ,or 12 is an automatic loss. If neither of the previous numbers are rolled, the number on the table becomes the “Point number” or simply “The Point”. Now, for you to win, this number needs to be rolled before a 7. (essentially, “lucky 7” now becomes “unlucky 7”). Winners are paid even money on this bet.
- On the other side of the coin, we have Don’t Pass bets which are near opposites of Pass Line bets. Here you lose on a Come Out Roll of 7 or 11, but win on 2 or 3. You neither win nor lose on 12. You just get your money back. And, of course, after the point, seven now wins for you, and the point loses. Be careful! Some players consider this bet ‘wrong’ since you’re betting against most of the table. When the rest of the table moans in disappointment you’ll be the one of the few grinning and clapping your hands. Playing “the Dark Side” gets you even money when you win.
- Come bets are similar to Pass Line bets but you bet after the point is made. The roll the bet is made on acts as a quasi “Come Out Roll” (meaning 7 or 11 initially wins, etc) The house edge is small and payouts are even money when you win.
- Don’t Come bets are like Don’t Pass bets, and (similar to Come bets) you make you bet after the point is made. Like the other Line bets, the house edge is small. You get even money payouts when you win.
If you’re new to the game or just want to maximize your playing time, stick with the Line bets we just described. The odds are good, and your fun will last longer as well. Good luck!
