Blakjack Betting Guide

Blackjack is a game of skill; when played properly it can result in the lowest house edge game. This is because Blackjack gives players too many advantages. Good players can gain an advantage over the Casino or “house” with the right information and strategy. However, bad Blackjack players are the reason that Blackjack is the most profitable of all casino table games.

Basic Blackjack rules

Blackjack can be played using one or more decks of standard playing cards. Players should not be concerned with the suit of the cards, as the card suit does not mean anything. Card value or rank is more important.

Blackjack is mainly about the number 21. Players play against a dealer to try and gain a hand that is closer in value to 21 but not over that amount otherwise they will forfeit their bet or “go bust”. Throughout the game players have the opportunity to “hit” or “stand” in order to try and gain a better hand than the dealer. To “hit” means that a player takes an additional card while to “stand” means that the player refuses to take an additional card. Once a player is finished hitting or has chosen to stand, it is the dealer’s turn to complete their hand. Unless otherwise stated, the rules require the dealer to hit on a sixteen or less and stand on a seventeen or more. The one exception to this is if the dealer has an ace and a six, which is referred to as a “soft seventeen”.

The dealer will finally compare their hand with the player’s hand.

• If neither hand has gone bust, then the highest total wins.
• If neither hand has gone bust and both hands are tied, this is called a push. This means that no money changes hands.
• If the player has gone bust then the player loses and the money is forfeit. The dealer’s hand is irrelevant to the player.
• If the dealer goes bust and the player has not busted then the player is the winner.
• If a player gets a natural, or blackjack¸ this generally pays 3:2 meaning for each $10 staked the player will get $15.

Blackjack card values

• Cards ranked from 2 to 10 are counted at the card number value.
• Picture cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are counted as 10.
• Aces can either be 1 or 11 (whichever the player prefers)
• Blackjack: A combination of a card valued at 10 and an ace. This hand will either win or be tied but will not be beaten.

A player with a hand less than 21 can ask for additional cards. This is called a “hit”. However, if a player exceeds 21 then they automatically lose, or “go bust”.

Playing Blackjack

Blackjack is played at a table like the one below.The most important rules are always printed on the table. You can generally find additional rules on an upright card on or behind the table. Most casinos use multiple deck games but some also offer single-deck games where the dealer actually holds the deck as they deal the cards. In multiple-deck games four to eight decks of cards are stored in a box called a “shoe”.

Blackjack Table

Players are dealt cards face down in a single-deck game or face up in a multiple-deck game. Either way the chances of winning are the same. When dealt face-up players are not allowed to touch the cards.

To start the game the dealer deals the cards from the shoe to the first player on their left and any other players that are playing. The dealer will then deal one card face-up to themselves. A second card will then be dealt to each player and the dealer will then receive another card face-down this time. This is called the “hole card”.

As players can only see one of the dealer’s cards they must decide to “hit” or “stand” in order to get closer to 21 than the dealer.

How to hit or stand

If playing Blackjack in a casino it is important to give clear clues to the dealer as to how you want to play. Generally if a player wants to take an additional card they should tap on the table to demonstrate this. If a player wants to stand then they should wave their hand when it is their turn. Playing online requires no such effort!

Insurance in Blackjack

The question of the hole card will be important if the dealer’s up-card is an ace. This is the case as players lose if the dealer has a natural and they don’t. In this case some players choose to take insurance against a dealer blackjack when the dealer shows an ace. Insurance is generally an additional bet of one-half of the original stake. Insurance pays 2:1 when the dealer has a natural. If the dealer doesn’t have a natural then the player loses their insurance bet.

Genie says:

Insurance might sound tempting but it’s generally best avoided and should be regarded as a bad bet. The probability of the dealer having a ten under their ace is approximately 31% and yet this only pays out at 2 to 1. All in all, this gives the house an edge of about 7%…..in short, avoid insurance! Once instance where you may want to take insurance would be if you have a natural. In this instance a 1:1 payout is guaranteed.

Hitting, Standing, Doubling or Splitting

The majority of dealers’ hands will not be naturals, so players will have the opportunity to either ask for additional cards (hit) or to refuse them (stand).

Another variation of a hit is called double down. A double down requires an additional bet of an amount normally equal to your original wager. You put the chips next to your original stake and the dealer will give you exactly one more card. You cannot hit further on that card in most cases.

If a players hand is made up of a pair (A, A; 10,10, etc) a player can then split these cards for an additional wager giving the player two hands. The player will then have to play the hands separately.

Genie says: Some casinos restrict re-splitting and doubling on splits so make sure to check the rules before you play! If you’re playing online you can normally check the rules by checking the game information or help files within each game. Most casinos require that you can only get one extra card on split aces.

The dealer’s hand in Blackjack

If a player doesn’t go bust, it is then up to the dealer to beat them by bettering their card value. The dealer will turn their hole card and draw according to the rules. Some casinos require the dealer to hit a soft 17 (Ace and a six) but this will be stated either on the table or in the additional table rules.

Surrendering

Some casinos will allow a player to take back half their bet and forfeit the rest if their initial hand seems hopeless. This term for this is to surrender and it is usually restricted to situations when the dealer doesn’t have a natural. This option is generally unavailable when playing online!

Genie’s summary:

• 21, 21, 21, that’s what Blackjack is about. Compete with the dealer to get a hand that is closer to 21 but not over that.
• Getting an extra card is called a hit, refusing cards is called a stand. Try not to go over 21 or you’ll go bust!
• Give the dealer visual cues if playing in a live casino. If playing online, no need to worry!
• Double down if a positive situation comes your way (see the strategy guide for this)!
• You can split when your original hand has two cards of equal point value.
• You can surrender if your initial hand seems hopeless.

Blackjack house edge and probability

Probability is hugely important in Blackjack as an effective Blackjack strategy is based on being able to predict certain outcomes based on the probability of that outcome occurring. Blackjack strategy is entirely about the cards in the deck. With Blackjack, the typical advantage is 1% or less when it’s pushed to the player’s side. However, this can also swing to a Casino or house edge of around 5%. Using basic Blackjack strategy without card counting, the house edge is generally reduced to .50%. With card counting techniques, this edge can be reversed to a player advantage of 1%. Despite this fact, Blackjack remains a highly profitable game for Casinos because the vast majority of players are unaware of the optimal strategy that they should use.

Genie says: Remember that by using the optimal strategy you will have a better chance against the house and over time will win more than you would without using optimal strategy. While having the edge doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll win the bet, it does guarantee that you’ll have an advantage every time you place your bet.

Find out more in our Basic Blackjack Strategy Guide!

How to play Baccarat

Baccarat is a popular Casino game that is often associated with Casino High Rollers. This is despite the fact that it is one of the easiest Casino games to play and is as simple as betting on Red or Black in Roulette! Baccarat is usually played in a separate Casino area on a playing table that is roughly the size of a craps table and occupies three casino dealers and up to about 14 players.

Baccarat rules

To play Baccarat two hands are dealt and the player decides which one will win. The object of the game is to have a hand total that is closer to 8 or 9 than the opponent’s hand. There are three possible outcomes that a player can choose to bet on. These two most likely outcomes are to bet on either the banker or the player. The third and less likely outcome is to bet on a standoff (a tie).

Each player will be dealt a minimum of two cards and a maximum of three cards from a six-deck or eight-deck shoe. The card suits are of no concern.  Each face card or 10 has no value while cards less than 10 are counted at face value. Aces are valued at 1. In Baccarat single digit values are important. If a player receives cards that total double digits then the first digit is dropped, e.g. 25 is counted as 5 or 16 is counted as 6.

To start the game players must place a bet on the banker, player or a standoff. Two cards are dealt to each player and the banker. The object is to bet on the hand that you believe will have the highest total value. If any hand has a total of 8 or 9 then it is called a “Natural” and no further cards will be dealt. If it isn’t a natural then the game must play out and the players must take a third card where they are obliged to do so. The rules for taking a third card are defined by standard Casino rules that oblige both the player and the banker to take a third card.

Once dealing is finished, the hand with the highest total wins. Losing bets are collected first and then winning bets are paid out.

Player’s third card rule

• When the player or the bank’s cards total of 8 or 9 on the first two cards then no further cards are drawn. This is called a natural and the hand is over.
• When the player’s hand totals 6 or 7 then the player must stand.
• When the player’s total is less than or equal to 5 the player’s will have to draw a third card.
• When the player doesn’t have to draw a third card then the bank must stand on 6 or above and take a third card on a total of 5 or less. If the player does take a third card then the Bank’s third card rule below comes into play.

Bank’s third card rule

• This comes into play when a player takes a third card

• If the bank’s total is 7 then the bank will stand.
• If the bank’s total is less than or equal to 2, then the bank must draw another card, regardless of the player’s third card value.
• If the bank’s total is equal to 3, then the bank must draw a third card, unless the third card that the player drew was an 8.
• If the bank’s total is 4 then the bank will have to draws a third card unless the player’s third card was a 0, 1, 8, or 9.
• If the bank’s total is 5 then the bank must draw a third card when the player’s third card is 4, 5, 6, or 7.
• If the bank’s total is a 6, then the bank must draw a third card if the player’s third card is a 6 or 7.

Baccarat card value table

Baccarat History

Some players like to know the past outcomes before choosing whether to bet on the bank or player. Generally this is indicated on a screen where “B” indicates a win for the bank, “P” indicates a win for the player and “-“ indicates a standoff. These are also displayed in consecutive rows until a new winning streak is started. A tie will be considered part of the same winning streak and will be displayed in the same row as the previous winner.

Baccarat House Edge and payouts

Betting in Baccarat is similar to betting on Black or Red in Blackjack. Overall, it is regarded that the Casino holds a house edge of 1.06%. The payoff is even money for betting on the Bank or the player with the only difference being that a win on a bet on the bank is generally subject to a 5% commission to the Casino. This extra commission is required, as over an 8-card deck of cards the bank will on average win three to four hands more than the player giving the Casino and in-built advantage or hold. The final option of betting on a standoff is paid out at 8:1 or 9:1.

Baccarat Strategy

Unlike with Blackjack, there is no optimal baccarat strategy that can result in a better chance of winning in Baccarat as the game plays out according to game rules. The most obvious of these would be to bet on the Bank and to avoid betting on a standoff.

How to play Roulette

Roulette is one of the easiest Casino games to play and understand. The object of the game is to pick the correct outcome that will appear on the Roulette wheel. Players can bet on individual numbers, combinations of different numbers, the colour of the result (Red or Black), or whether the outcome will be an odd or even number. Roulette originated in France from where the modern day variant of the game can be dated back to 1842.

Roulette betting

There are two Roulette betting areas that players can choose to bet on. The inside betting area includes all the individual numbers. Players can bet on individual numbers or a combination of numbers. Inside numbers are arranged in rows of 12X3 numbers. The zero (0) is at the top of these columns. Outside betting areas has betting areas for selecting a bet on columns, red or black, odd or even and different groups of numbers.

Inside Bets

There are a number of different inside bets that can be made. Players are allowed to place a bet on a number “straight up” or to place their bet by covering the line between numbers to select a number combination of numbers.

Payouts for inside bets

Straight up: A Straight Up bet pays 35/1.
Split bet: This is a wager on two numbers and has a payout of 17/1
Street bets or line bet: This pays 11/1. To make this bet place your chips on the vertical line which separates the outside and inside betting areas. The chip will have to straddle the first number in the row you are betting on.
Quad bet/Corner bet: This pays 8/1. To make this bet  place your chips so they are touching the corners of the numbers you are betting on.
Basket bet: This pays 6/1 and is a five number bet on zero/ zero and double zero and the numbers 1,2 and 3.
Double Street bet: This pays 5/1 and is a wager on six numbers. To make this bet you need to place your chips on the line separating the outside and inside area as you do for the street bet but in a manner that it will also straddle the row above or below.

Outside Bets

The outside bets relate to any bet made in the boxes that surround the inside betting area (the numbers).
Red Black Odd and Even: These bets pay out at 1/1. To make these bets you place your chips in the boxes on the layout.
Dozens bet: A dozens bet pays out at 2/1 and is a bet made on 12 consecutive numbers. To make this bet you’ll need to place your chips in the boxes marked 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36. Dozens bets do not include the zero or double zero.
Column bets: Column bets also pay out at 2/1. Rather than betting on 12 consecutive numbers a column bet allows you to bet on one of the three vertical columns.

Roulette house edge

American Roulette house edge:

In American Roulette the house edge is 5.26%. This is based on the 36 numbers, zero and double zero. On a standard American Roulette wheel this results in the odds of you winning being 37/1. For a straight up bet the payout is 35/1 resulting in this high house edge.

European Roulette house edge:

As a European Roulette wheel has only one zero, the house edge is less than in American Roulette. For straight up bets the odds of winning are 36/1 while the payout is at 35/1. This results in a house edge of 2.7%.

Roulette Strategy

Unlike in Blackjack, there is no optimal strategy in Roulette that will reduce the house edge. Despite this, many players like to use a betting system when playing. The most famous of these is the Martin Gale system.

The Martin Gale Roulette Betting System

The Martin Gale betting system is a commonly used system in Roulette. It is based on progressive betting after a loss. If the player loses they double their bet. If they lose again they double their bet again and repeat this until they win. Once the player wins they return to their original bet. The Martingale system is traditionally used on even bets. Find out more in our Martingale betting system guide.

The strategy is based on the bettor doubling their bet after each loss to ensure that their first win recovers any previous losses along with an additional profit. Be warned however that the strategy is not fool proof as (1) it presumes the gambler has infinite wealth (2) betting limits exist.

Application of the Martingale Betting System in Roulette

When applying the martingale betting system to Roulette it is important to remember that the strategy is applied to situations where there is an equal or almost equal chance of one of two outcomes occurring. In Roulette this means betting on outside bets, i.e. red or black or odd or even where the payout is 1:1, and doubling the bet so as to recover losses when the player’s selection is not drawn.

Due to the possibility of drawing a zero it is important to note that the chance of drawing either outcome is not 50%/50% but rather, 47.4%. This doesn’t affect the strategy however as if you do not draw your selected number you still double your bet. It is best to display this via an example where the martingale strategy is applied to the selection of red or black in Roulette.

• A player decides to bet on the outside bet of “Black” in Roulette and places a bet of €1 on this outcome.
• If the result is Black, that is fine and the player will be paid at 1:1
• If the result is not Black, i.e. Red or zero, the player loses their stake and places a bet on Black again, this time for double their previous stake, €2 in this instance. If the result is Black this time, then the return to the player is €4 which will cover the loss they made in their first bet as well as meaning the player pockets an additional profit of 1X their initial stake. If you win begin the process again with your original stake.
• Betting continues in that doubling manner when a player doesn’t win, e.g.

Martingale Betting System Limitations

As mentioned previously, while this system may lead to short term gains, it is not fool proof. A players bankroll may not be sufficient and they could run out of money while on a losing run. In addition, most casino tables have a maximum bet of €500. This means that punters can double their bets by up to a maximum of 9 consecutive times on a stake of €1 before they would then breach the table limit for outside bets. Statistically, this means that in Standard or European Roulette there is only a 0.24% chance that there will not be a winning outcome in 9 spins. In American roulette, where there are 38 potential outcomes this is slightly greater at 0.31%.

Hole carding refers to gaining knowledge of the cards that are supposed to be hidden from view. This tactic of advantage gambling can only be used in live casinos.

The reason hole carding can be an advantage is that Blackjack players normally make decisions based on seeing only the dealer’s upcard. However, if a player can spot the dealer’s hole card, this can result in an advantage of up to 13% to the player, as opposed to the normal disadvantage of 0.5%, if a player is using optimal strategy. It goes without saying that if you are attempting this tactic in a live casino, you should ensure to do so as discreetly as possible.

Blackjack card counting techniques

There a number of methods for counting cards. Despite what you may have heard, none of the methods require you to remember cards that have been previously played. Instead, tracking methods are used to count the ratio of unplayed 10’s to smaller cards in the remaining decks. Card counters simply bet more when the deck has a lot of 10’s, which can result in a 1% edge to the player.

There are a number of reasons that counting of 10’s can be advantageous:

• Players can choose to hit or stand on a stiff
• Dealers must always hit their stiffs
• A deck with a lot of 10’s will be more likely to bust a dealer than a player
• Small cards lower the probability of winning with a double or a split
• Small cards tend to create stiff hands. As a result if both the player and the dealer have a stiff the dealer can beat you by drawing a small card

In summary- players generally win more when the ratio of 10’s is high.

The Hi-Lo Blackjack System – The Harvey Dubner Counting System

The Hi-Lo system is as simple as its name suggests. This system is based on assigning a ranking of +1, 0 or –1 to cards as they fall and the result is an exact measure of how many tens and aces are left in the deck compared to smaller cards. This system is one the most popular system used by Blackjack teams. Once you begin with a new shoe at a Blackjack table, the card count begins at zero.

Card values:
Cards valued at 2,3,4,5, or 6 are counted as +1
7, 8 and 9 are counted as 0
10’s and Aces are counted as –1

Based on the above, for every deck that is used in the shoe there are 20 small cards (2-6), 12 neutral cards (7-9) and 20 high cards (Aces and 10’s). This means that the system is balanced as once every card is counted you would end up with a count of zero. When a lower number of smaller cards are in the deck the advantage is with the player as the odds of winning are higher. A common strategy used by card counters is to use a spread based on the count whereby stakes are increased when the advantage is with the player.

5:1 bet spread for HiLo card counting

Card count Bet Player advantage
0 or negative Standard stake -1%
+1 Standard stake 0%
+2 Stake X2 0.5%
+3 Stake X3 1%
+4 Stake X4 1.5%
+5 Stake X5 2% or more

Multiple decks and card counting

The Casino’s first line of defence against card counters is multiple decks. With six to eight decks, the swings are generally not so extreme. While four tens missing from a single deck would be a big deal, the same cannot be said with a four deck shoe. In order to counteract this measure, the running count is divided by the number of decks that have not yet been played. E.g. the running count of +3 is only +1.5 when two decks are left and only +0.5 when six decks are left in the shoe.

Action:

This refers to the amount of money that is staked or wagered in a Blackjack game. High wagering means more action.

Advantage player:

An advantage player is a person who uses strategy/ and or card counting techniques to gain a mathematic advantage over the house.

Bankroll:

This refers to the amount of money set aside for gambling. In order to deal with the inevitable swings that occur when playing Blackjack, a player must have a sufficient amount set aside for play.

Burn:

The dealer will remove one or more cards from the top of the deck after shuffling. This is referred to as the burn.

Bust:

Both the dealer and players can go bust. This means that their cards have a total higher than 21. Going bust refers is an automatic loss.

Choppy table:

A choppy table refers to a table that produces alternating wins and losses with almost no net positive or negative results.

Colour up:

Colouring up refers to exchanging chips of a lower value for those of a higher value.

Comps:

Comps are complimentary rewards or bonuses given to loyal players.

Continuous shuffling machine:

A Continuous shuffling machine automatically shuffles used cards back into the deck. This makes card counting impossible.

Blackjack counter measures:

Casino tactics that are used to reduce the effects of various Blackjack strategies. Examples of these are multiple decks, continuous shuffling machines and hitting on soft 17.

Double down:

By doubling down you are placing an additional bet, which is usually an amount equal to your original wager. The dealer will give you exactly one more card and that is your hand. No further hits are allowed and doubling down is usually restricted to the first action on your original hand.

Gambler’s fallacy:

Gambler’s fallacy refers to the myth that past results affect the current contest.

Handle:

Handle refers to the amount of money that is cycled through a game. Many online casinos offer handle related bonuses whereby when the player meets a specific handle amount, then the bonus will be released.

Hard hand:

A hard hand is a Blackjack hand of 12 or more that doesn’t contain an Ace or has an Ace counted as one. Hard hands between 12 and 16 are often referred to as stiff hands.

Hit:

To hit is to receive an additional card.

Hole card:

The hole card is the dealer’s face down card.

House edge:

This is the financial edge the Casino has in a wager. The house edge is usually expressed as a percentage.

House odds:

This refers to the amount a casino will pay for a winning bet as opposed to the true probability or odds on the bet.

Insurance:

Typically, an additional bet of one half the value of the original bet. Insurance is offered to players when the dealer is showing an ace. Insurance pays out at 2:1 when the dealer’s hand is a natural.

Natural:

A natural is a two card hand of a ten and an Ace (twenty one). A natural can either win or result in a push but it cannot lose.

Negative expectation:

Negative expectation refers to a game that returns more cash than it is returning over the long run. Negative expectation games have a higher house edge.

Optimal strategy:

Optimal strategy refers to the system of play that lowers or eliminates the Casino advantage.

Past-posting:

Adding or removing chips after seeing a hand, i.e. cheating.

Penetration:

Penetration refers to the percentage of the deck dealt before a shuffle. Penetration of less than 60% reduces the possibility to count cards.

Positive expectation:

Positive expectation games return more money than they retain over the long run. These games have a player edge.

Progression/ Progressive betting:

This is a system of raising and lowering bets. Positive progressions raise bets after wins and negative progressions raise bets after losses.

Push:

A push is a draw. The player neither wins nor looses and their stake is returned.

Shoe:

The shoe is the container that holds four to eight shuffled decks. Cards are dealt from the shoe by the dealer.

Soft hand:

Any hand with an Ace counted as eleven.

Split:

The option whereby a player can choose to create two hands from their original hand if their original hand was made up of a pair. In order to split a player will have to make an additional wager. Players can hit, double, split or stand as necessary.

Stand:

Refuse an additional card.

Surrender:

A rule that allows a player to retrieve half of the current bet and forfeit the rest. This option is generally unavailable on online Casino Blackjack variants.

True count:

When card counting, the running count is divided by the number of decks that haven’t been played which returns the true count, or a standard measure of overall advantage.

True odds:

This is the true probability of winning or losing a contest and should not be confused with house odds.

Volatility:

Volatility refers to the natural ebb and flow of the game, bearing in mind the swings that will occur.

If you think we should add further blackjack terms to our blackjack terminology guide please let us know.

Using Basic Blackjack Strategy

Basic Blackjack Strategy is easy to use. Essentially, it suggests the most appropriate action depending on every possible outcome. While initially basic strategy may appear complicated it’s actually quite simple. Nearly 50% of the hands should always be played the same way while there are a number of exceptions that should be played in one of two ways depending on what up-card the dealer is showing.

Genie’s shortcuts to Basic Strategy:

When to stand: (“Pat hands”)

Always stand on 19 or higher.

Always stand on hard 17 and hard 18 (except for a pair of nines as per the splitting strategy below)

When to hit:

Always hit on a hand of 8 or less (except for pairs as per the suggestion below)

Splitting/ What to do when you have pairs:

Hands of A,A or 8,8 should always be split.

Hands of 5,5 or 10,10 should never be split.

9,9: Split this hand when the dealers up card is 2-6 or 8-9. Stand against 7, 10 and Ace.

7,7: Split these when the dealers up card is 2-7. Hit against 8 or better.

6,6: Split these against 2-6. Hit against 7 or better.

4,4: Slit against 5 and 6 and hit against anything better.

Doubling down:

There are two main types of doubling situations- hands that total 9, 10 or 11, and soft hands that aren’t “ pat”(don’t require any action- see when to stand). At all times the dealer’s up card will determine whether a hand should be doubled or whether you should hit. Standing is never an option where there is an option for a double. In these instances you should always hit or double.

• 11: Double against everything except an Ace. Hit against the Ace.
• 10: Double against everything except 10 and Ace. Hit against 10 and Ace.
• 9: Double against 3-6. Hit against everything else.
• Soft hands: Soft hands that aren’t pat are always hit or doubled. The only exception is soft 18.
• A,7: Double a soft 18 against 3-6. Stand against 2, 7 or 8. Hit against 9 or better.
• A,6: Double against 2-6 and hit against everything else.
• A,5 and A,4: Double against 4,5 and 6. Hit against everything else.
• A,2 and A,3: Double against 5 and 6 and hit in all other situations.
• Stiff hands (hard hands between 12-16): Always hit a stiff hand when a dealer has 7-A. Never hit a stiff hand when a dealer has 2-6 except for the below:
  • 16: surrender against 9,10 or Ace or hit if surrender isn’t allowed
  • 15: surrender against 10, hit if surrender isn’t allowed
  • 12: hit against a 2 or 3

Genie says: All doubling down situations are positive-expectation situations so ensure to optimise your game by doubling down where possible.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Charts

Our basic Blackjack strategy chart has been optimised for the most common combination of rules (both online and offline), meaning that it is expected that:

• There will be multiple decks (four or more)
• The dealer stands on soft 17
• Doubling after splits is possible
• Doubling on any two cards is possible

Download our Basic Strategy Guide in PDF or see below

Genie says: Remember that depending on the Blackjack variant you are playing, certain options may not be available so it will be important to make yourself aware of the rules so that you can ensure you achieve the highest advantage possible.

Craps is a dice game commonly played in Casinos worldwide. The game is relatively simple and is one of the world’s most popular live Casino games as the game is fast moving, exciting, social and loud! Despite this the game often remains intimidating to people who are unaware of it’s rules as it appears to have a complicated table as there about 40 different bets a player can make. To begin to play Craps it is best to start with the basics.

Basic Craps Rules

Craps is played with two dice. This means that the outcome of a roll of the dice will be between 2 and 12. Players take turns to throw the dice that must hit the walls of the opposite end of the table. The person that throws the dice is called a “shooter”. As with other Casino games, play moves in a clockwise direction around the table. While initially the Craps table may appear confusing because of the number of bets available, the basic bets can be easily learned. Many players often choose to stick to the basic bets as the additional bet options have poor probability of a player win.

The pass line bet: the most basic bet in Craps

The pass line bet is the most basic bet in Craps which has a low house edge of 1.41%, making it one of the most attractive bets in a Casino. It is a “series bet” which means that the shooter could have to roll the dice a number of times before the outcome will be decided. If you win on this bet the payout is 1:1.

Making a pass line bet

To make a pass line bet a player first places their stake on the pass line area on the table before the new shooter rolls the dice (known as the come out roll, i.e. the first betting round). If the result of the shooter’s throw is a 2, 3, or a 12 then you lose, while if the result is a 7 or 11 (called a natural) then you win. If the result is any other number then this becomes the point number. In this instance the shooter must then roll the point number again before a 7 is rolled. If that happens, you win and will be paid at 1:1 for your pass line bet.

E.g. of a pass line bet and point number:

• On the come out roll a new shooter rolls the dice for the first time and the dice total is 8. This becomes the point.
• The shooter must now roll the point (8) before a seven is rolled for your bet to win.
• If a seven is rolled before the point then you lose and the dice are passed to the next shooter at the table.

Odds on pass line bets

If a point is rolled players are allowed to make additional bets by betting on odds by placing their chips behind their original stake on the pass line bet. Each point will have a different payoff. As with the pass line bet, players only win if the point is rolled before the 7. If the result is a 7 then the player will lose both their pass line bet and their odds bet.

• A point of 4 or 10 will be paid out at 2:1
• A point of 5 or 9 pays at 3:2
• A point of 6 or 8 pays at 6:5

Come bets

Come bets in Craps have the same rule set as pass line bets. The only difference is that come bets can only be made after the point on the pass line bet has been set. Once players place their bet the first dice roll will determine the come point. The same rules apply as with the pass line bet. Players win if the result is a natural (7,11) or if the come point is rolled before a 7. Players lose if the result is craps (2,3 or 12) or if a seven is rolled before the come point.

Odds on Come bets

As with odds on pass line bets, players can place bets on the odds of the come bet. The payouts are the same.

• A point of 4 or 10 will be paid out at 2:1
• A point of 5 or 9 pays at 3:2
• A point of 6 or 8 pays at 6:5

Don’t pass line bets

This is the opposite of a pass line bet. If the first roll of the dice results in a 2 or a 3 then you win. If the result is a natural (7 or 11) then you lose. If a point is rolled then for you to win a 7 must be rolled before the point to make you the winner. A dice roll of 12 will result in a push.

Don’t come bets

Don’t come bets are the opposite of come bets. Once the come point has been established players win if the result is a 2 or 3 and lose if it is a natural (7 or 11). As with don’t pass line bets if the result is 12 this will result in a push.

Place betting

Place bets can be made once a point has been established. Players are able to bet on the outcome of the roll being 4,5,6,8,9 or 10. If the player’s selection is rolled before a 7, then the player wins. Player’s also have the option of cancelling this bet whenever they want to. Depending on which number is bet on the payouts for place bets are different:

• 4 or 10: this pays at 9:5
• 5 or 9: this pays at 7:5
• 6 or 8: this pays at 7:6

Field bets

Field bets are for just one roll of the dice and have different payouts depending on the outcome. If a 2,3,4,9,10,11 or a 12 is rolled then the player wins. If a 5,6,7 or 8 is rolled then players lose.

Field payouts:

• 2 has a payout of 2:1
• 12 has a payout of 3:1
• Other outcomes pay 1:1

Big six/ Big eight bets

A bet on big 6 or big 8 can be made on any roll of the dice. These bets win if a 6 or 8 is rolled before a 7. The payout is 1:1.

Proposition bets

Almost all proposition bets can be made at any time and are all one roll bets. The exception to the rule is hardways.

• Craps: This wins if craps is thrown (2,3 or 12). The payout is 8:1.
• 7: If a seven is rolled the player wins. The payout is 5:1.
• Eleven: If an 11 is rolled the player wins. The payout is 16:1
• Ace Deuce: This wins if a 3 is rolled at a payout of 16:1
• Aces or Boxcars: This wins if a 2 or 12 is thrown at a payout of 30:1
• Horn bets: This is a bet on 2,3,11 and 12 all at once. If one of these numbers is rolled then the payout is determined based on the number rolled.
• Hardways: A hardway bet is a bet on both die coming up with the same number, i.e. doubles. The numbers to choose from are 4,6,8 or 10. The player loses if the roll outcome is a 7 or if the next combination of their chosen number is not a double. The payout is dependent on the player’s selection.
  • Hard 4: Pays out at 7:1
  • Hard 6: Pays out at 9:1
  • Hard 8: Pays out at 9:1
  • Hard 10: Pays out at 7:1

Genie says: Hardway bets offer poor odds to the player and are best avoided!

Craps Strategy

As Craps is a game of chance, there is no strategy that a player can employ to change the house edge. That doesn’t mean however that players can’t play in a certain manner to minimise risk as there are a number of “good” and “bad” bets.

On the come out roll, the best bet is the pass line bet as the edge on this is just 1.41%. While there are many other betting options to choose from the house edge is a lot greater. This is an excellent bet for beginners or players who want to minimise their risk.

After the come out roll, the best bet in a craps game is the odds bet. This means that the house has a 0 edge on bets so players should always take an odds bet. Since you can combine this with the low house edge on the come out roll, the disadvantage to the player decreases greatly.

Craps House Edge

Depending on the Craps bet that you want to make the house edge will vary. The Craps Betting Guide table below summarises the house edge on each bet type.